What is a sports massage?

You may be familiar with the term sports massage. If you exercise intensively, this can cause strain on your body and muscles. Although relaxing in the sauna or taking a few days off can help, a sports massage may offer a more effective solution.
> Need tips to get back to performing faster after an intense workout? Read it here.
In this blog we discuss what exactly a sports massage entails, what the sports massage benefits are and what results a sports massage achieves.

What is a sports massage?

A sports massage is a more intensive form of muscle stimulation. Slow, deep massage techniques are used, with extra attention for tired and/or strained muscles. A sports massage improves blood circulation, which removes waste products, fluids and pain stimuli. In addition, the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the treated areas is stimulated. This type of massage promotes muscle recovery with the aim of preventing injuries.

Why a sports massage?

A sports massage can offer several benefits, such as:

• Improved blood circulation, because massaging the muscles stimulates blood flow. This helps to remove waste products and transport nutrients to the muscles.
• A sports massage helps to reduce muscle tension and muscle pain. Would you like to read more about what muscle pain actually is? Read it in this article.
• A sports massage helps the body recover faster after a workout.
• Regular sports massages improve the flexibility and range of motion of muscles and joints, reducing the risk of injury. Have you sustained an injury? Read here which treatment is best for you.
• A sports massage can help improve an athlete's overall performance.
• A sports massage helps to reduce stress, which can contribute to a feeling of relaxation and well-being.

Results of a sports massage

A sports massage treats specific parts of the body, which can make them feel sensitive and painful after the massage. This pain usually disappears within two days. It is important to drink enough water after the massage, because waste products are released and water can drain them well, which cleanses the body well. The effect of a sports massage is immediately noticeable and includes:

• Better blood circulation
• Better waste removal
• Better supply of oxygen and nutrients
• Better metabolism
• Better muscle function
• Better mental state
• Better physical condition

A massage after every workout?

A sports massage can be applied before, after or during exercise. When you use a sports massage before a power effort, you are actually preparing your muscles for the performance that needs to be delivered. When you are intensively massaged after exercise, the massage ensures that you recover faster, you do not get muscle pain and injuries are prevented. During exercise, a sports massage can be of service in allowing heavily strained muscles or muscle groups to relax, after which they are prepared for further exertion.

Only for athletes?

A sports massage is not only meant for athletes, although you might think so. Because of the relaxing effect on the entire body, this type of massage is also meant for people who do not exercise or exercise less. Tension in the muscles can also be caused by stress or a long-term incorrect working posture.

When not to have a sports massage?

There are a number of situations in which a sports massage is not appropriate. You may not be massaged if you have a fever, an infection or a wound. A sports massage is also not permitted after a tear in one of your muscles or a bruise.

Difference between sports massage and relaxation massage.

There is a crucial difference between a sports massage and a standard relaxation massage and that is the intensity of the massage. With a sports massage, more pressure is applied than with a standard massage. With a relaxation massage, there are soft and calm movements, because the goal of this massage is different from a sports massage. The latter is aimed at loosening the muscles, whereby the blood circulation of the muscles is stimulated, while a relaxation massage is aimed at relaxing the body and mind.

Would you like to consult our network of sports masseurs?

Would you like to discover the benefits of a sports massage yourself? Have you been looking for those extra "marginal gains" that will help you achieve your goals? Then contact us and we will be happy to put you in touch with our RÉVVI masseurs in your area.