Sports massage in Bristol has become an increasingly popular way for athletes and those with active lifestyles to aid recovery after tough workouts or sporting events. Getting a massage tailor-made for physically active people can help the body bounce back faster and repair itself through the manipulation of soft tissues. Read on to learn more about how sports massage and massage chair use can benefit you after intense exercise.
Reducing Muscle Soreness
A demanding workout, especially if your body isn’t used to such exertion, often leaves you with muscle soreness that can linger for days. The inflammation is part of the natural healing process as the muscular fibres repair themselves after being placed under strain. Bristol sports massage uses techniques like compression, trigger point therapy and cross-fibre friction to flush out the inflammation and stop it from causing secondary muscle damage. This speeds up recovery time significantly. Find your ideal local Bristol sports massage services here.
Preventing Scar Tissue Build-Up
When muscles and connective tissues get repeatedly damaged through intensive training, scar tissue can accumulate over time and cause adhesions. The tough, inflexible knots reduce elasticity and can lead to pain, tightness and future injury. Sports massage in Bristol works out these adhesions, realigning the texture of soft tissues to support better movement and performance. It also prevents new scar tissue from forming via improved blood flow and oxygen delivery to ailing areas.
Increasing Blood Flow and Circulation
The mechanical nature of sports massage naturally increases blood flow to worked areas as a response to the external pressure and movements. Enhancing circulation brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to fatigued muscles in need of repair and removes metabolic waste like lactic acid. This ultimately creates an optimal healing environment. Specialised techniques can also drain swollen tissues to decrease inflammation and discomfort even further.
Improving Flexibility and Range of Motion
Intensive training, especially strength-based exercises with heavy weights and low reps, can make muscles shorter and tighter over time. This reduces flexibility and range of motion around joints. Sports massage elongates muscle fibres back to their normal length and manipulates connective tissues to allow limbs a wider scope of motion once again. With regular massages, the lengthening effects become cumulative.
Sports Massage Techniques
There are a variety of massage techniques used in sports massage to target different issues. Effleurage strokes encourage circulation while petrissage kneads tight muscles. Friction moves over scar tissue adhesions while vibration shakes out tense areas. Compression and broad pressure drain fluid build-up and flush sites of inflammation. Thus, each method serves a specialised purpose.
Finding a Therapist
It is important to find a qualified sports massage therapist offering sports massage Bristol with experience working with athletes and sports injuries when seeking treatment. They will be able to accurately assess your issues and apply the appropriate techniques. An expert therapist will also guide you through proper aftercare to maximise your results.
Maintenance
To enjoy lasting benefits, it is ideal to get sports massage sessions throughout your training calendar, not just when pain or injury strikes. Pre-workout and post-workout massages help prime and restore the body. Regular monthly maintenance appointments enhance performance, flexibility and endurance while offsetting overuse damage.
With an array of proven benefits, sports massage is a valuable addition to any training programme or recovery routine, especially if you engage in frequent intense workouts. The increased circulation, relief from muscle tightness and rebuilding of strained soft tissue can help even seasoned athletes return to peak condition quickly and safely.