Sports Massage
The only thing that really differentiates sports massage from other types of bodywork is timing. Sports massage encompasses many modalities such as Swedish, Deep Tissue and Neuromuscular techniques but we decide which one will be best for the client based on their training, competition, and recovery schedules. For example, if you are competing on the day following your appointment, aggressive deep tissue work can impede your performance by inducing inflammation so medium pressure circulatory work would be a better choice to prepare to compete.
What Are the Benefits of Sports Massage?
Recipients of treatment, coaches, and medical professionals have reported health benefits of massage for thousands of years. Claims have included decreased pain, improved range of motion, decreased recovery time, improved performance, and many more. Research is still somewhat inconclusive but after practicing on thousands of people for many years, our therapists can tell you the results our clients experience have supported all of those claims.
For more information, see this article that was published in the North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy that compiled the results of multiple studies to provide an overview of findings.
Our Approach to Sports Massage
Each body that lands on our tables is a collection of their previous injuries and use patterns that led to where that body is today. We use a combination of assessment techniques and feedback from our clients to develop a treatment plan that is unique to our clients needs. Every person also responds differently to the techniques we use so we rely on feedback from our clients to ensure that their body is responding in a productive way that supports their goals for the session.
What makes sports massage different at Loosen Up?
- Focus on learning about our clients’ health goals
We love learning about what motivates our clients and helping them achieve their health goals by creating unique treatment and self care plans to suit their needs. - Collaboration with our clients and their health team
We work with many local Doctors, Physical Therapists, and Chiropractors to ensure that our clients are getting care that supports the plans that they have
developed. - Many modalities offered by experienced practitioners
Many of our practitioners have been in practice for 20 years or more. Each of our therapists have unique skill sets and we love referring clients to the practitioner that can best support them.
What to Expect From a Sports Massage Session
Your therapist may choose to implement several techniques from a variety of disciplines so it is always a good idea to come prepared.
Drinking plenty of water, doing some light exercise and stretching, and wearing athletic clothing to your appointment will help you and your therapist to get the most out of your time with us. Remember your goal is our goal so communicate with your therapist what your priorities are: reduce pain, improve range of motion, etc.
What to Do Before Your Session
- Get a diagnosis if you’re experiencing severe or persistent pain.
- Take note of activities that aggravate or provide relief for you.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat a light meal.
- Get some light exercise and stretch.
What to Expect During Your Session
With sports-related work, we are typically working with clients who are pushing their bodies hard so there is usually some soreness present. It’s important to tell your therapist if you are feeling yourself tense up or if you are holding your breath. If your body is fighting the work because it’s too intense, the work can become counterproductive.
Book Your Sports Massage Session Today
Whether you’re looking to rebound from hard training, recover from injury, or looking for a competitive edge, book your sports massage appointment today!
