Athletes of all ages often seek massages as part of their conditioning to prevent future injuries, but is it safe to get a massage while recovering from a sports injury? The answer depends on the stage of healing they are in. Let’s look at when a sports massage may be harmful versus when it will be beneficial for athletes.
How to Know if a Massage Is Safe for Your Injury
People suffering from new and old injuries get messages from certified therapists to manage their pain. It can be very healing and provide much-needed relief. However, most sports injuries will need to heal for a few days before you can safely seek massage therapy.
You can get a massage after the first two to four days of healing as long as the massage therapist understands soft tissue conditions. These licensed professionals will know which massage techniques to use to promote healing and avoid further injury.
Consult a qualified sports massage therapist if you’re not sure whether your injury will benefit from a massage. They can help you come up with a customized plan designed to allow you to recover well.
Do Massages Help Injuries?
Incorporating massages into your injury rehabilitation can promote faster recovery by:
- Improving blood circulation
- Relaxing muscles
- Delivering oxygen and nutrients to soft tissues and organs
Massage therapy can be beneficial for a number of injuries, including sprains, strains, muscle tears, and broken bones. It can even loosen scar tissue and prevent future injuries by increasing range of motion, improving power and performance, and minimizing fatigue after practice.
What Is a Sports Injury Massage?
A sports injury massage targets tired, sore, or injured areas and the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons to improve recovery time and prevent re-injury. This technique comes from the Swedish massage treatment and uses kneading, wringing, hacking, and trigger-pointing motions. Sports massage therapists have experience working with athletes and their specific injuries, such as tennis elbow, ankle sprains, hamstring tears, as well as back and neck pain.
Benefits of Sports Massage
Whether you’ve sustained an injury during a football game or want to keep your muscles in shape after an intense soccer practice, you could enjoy a sports massage. This massage offers athletes of all ages several benefits, including:
- Reduced pain: Massages increase blood flow, providing relief from overworked or injured muscles.
- Improved motion: Overtraining can lead to stiff muscles. A massage can relax rigid muscles, improving motion and flexibility.
- Increased strength: Your body needs proper blood flow to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your muscles. A massage can improve this blood flow, thereby aiding new tissue growth and increasing muscle strength.
- Eased mind: An athlete is only as good as their mental state. It doesn’t matter if their body is in the best condition if their mind isn’t. A massage can calm your mind, relieve stress, and prepare you mentally for your next game.
Preventing and Treating Sports Injuries
No matter which sport you play, you should consider incorporating a sports massage into your regimen to reduce injury risks and improve your recovery time. Remember, in order to ensure your massage is safe for your sports injury, consult a licensed sports massage therapist.
For more information about our sports injury or deep tissue massages in Mount Laurel, NJ, and the surrounding communities, contact us today!