Below are types of massages for athletes’. Deep tissue massage Just as the name suggests, this type of massage is known to work on specific issues you have in the body, therefore, ensuring that you can perform in the field as expected by the coach. Massage therapists usually apply heavy pressure on muscle layers and other deep tissues. This type of massage is meant to get into knots and tensions that the athletes’ muscles may be holding leading to build up lactic acid. It is important to remember that this type of massage will leave you sore, but you will be able to heal faster, create energy, eliminate leg cramps as well as staying healthy. Sports Massage This type of massage involves a rapid pace massage that includes stretching and other techniques which are geared towards ensuring that as an athlete you are at the top of your performance. Techniques used in this type of massage are designed according to the kind of sport you undertake. The therapist can tailor make it include pre-workout stretch, an opportunity to warm up the muscles and a post workout massage that is designed to eliminate soreness and increase flexibility. In the majority of sports, you will find the therapists incorporating pre-event massage, intermediate massage and post-event massage which helps to warm up the muscles, build energy, allows you to stretch out, increase performance and become spasm free while in the field. Benefits of massage to athletes Increases flexibility Massage for athletes involves a lot of stretching of various limbs, therefore, ensuring that the spine and the joints are flexible. Flexibility is very important especially to athletes as they are required to perform various actions that need stretching, running, jumping, pulling and throwing. Flexibility contributes to the athlete’s performance. Regardless of the type of sport that people are involved in, having a high flexibility will greatly work at to your advantage against your competitors in the field. Massage therapy is known to stretch the muscle fibers, therefore, ensuring that strength is promoted and maintained. Improves circulation Massage techniques have been found to improve movement in the body. For example, they help the airway to open up well, therefore, allowing the lungs to hold a large volume of air. When more oxygen is pumped into the body, it finds its way into the blood stream, therefore, helping to nourish the muscles and the organs. Apart from that, blood flow to the muscles and the organs will contribute to improving performance, therefore, ensuring that athletes compete while at their best. Helps to alleviate muscle pain Athletes do get injured when playing in the field. The majority of the injuries occur on muscle found around the thighs, feet, hands, chest and even bones such as ribs, knees and the legs. When an athlete experiences pain, they are unable to perform their best in the game. Therefore, they will be benched. To avoid muscle pain and improve their healing, athletes need to undergo deep tissue massage which will work on the root layers of the muscle, therefore, alleviating pain in the end. Improves sleep When you are massaged, your body becomes relaxed which means that you will be able to get the best sleep ever. When you are engaged in sports, and you don’t get massaged afterward, fatigue will increase stress levels, therefore, you will not be able to sleep better. This means that you will wake up fatigued and this will increase your stress levels, and you will not be able to perform well in the field. Looking for a Sports Massage in the Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Thousand Oaks, San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles area? Contact Olympic Sports Therapy today to schedule your appointment.