What is the difference between a massage and a sports massage?
A relaxation massage focuses on calming the nervous system, easing stress, and helping the body unwind using gentle, flowing strokes. A sports massage is more targeted and often deeper, focusing on the muscles used in training or competition. It helps with muscle tightness, recovery, and injury prevention. Besides breaking up the pain-spasm-pain cycle, massage brings new blood supply, and with it oxygen and nutrients, so muscles can function properly. Some muscles become rock hard when the supply of blood is less available. Breaking up the physical knot and bringing oxygen in will gradually restore normal function.For “newer”, and relatively minor, aches and pains, deep tissue massages are at their most effective. Sports massage therapy is most effective at treating aches, pains, and knots which have built up over time. These pains are often “older” and more intense than those which deep tissue massage targets.Discomfort or Pain During the Massage While some discomfort can be normal, especially with deep tissue massage, it should never cross the line into sharp pain. If you leave feeling no relief from tension or soreness, that’s a major red flag that the massage was ineffective.A deep tissue massage is excellent for people with muscle and joint pain, but it can be painful for those who have never had one. Sports massages are great for people looking to loosen up their muscles and joints and help them with any injuries they might be experiencing or might be interested in preventing.
When not to have a sports massage?
There are various things to watch out for before you have a sports massage. It is not recommended if you have: a fever or any infection or illness. Preparing for a Sports Massage: What to Expect Hydration: Drink plenty of water before your session to ensure good hydration levels, which aid in muscle recovery and assists toxin removal. Attire: Wear whatever you are comfortable in! Loose, comfortable clothing, your office attire or your “ready to lunch” outfit.What do I wear to a sports massage? It is best to wear loose clothing, and for women to wear an unfastenable bra, rather than a sports bra. You will always be covered with a towel during the massage, and left to change in private, before and after the massage.While a sports massage is ideal for someone who’s regularly physically active, a deep tissue massage is suitable for virtually anyone. So you don’t need to be physically active. But it’s best for those who are experiencing chronic muscle pain or tension.While sports massage offers numerous advantages, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks, such as temporary discomfort, suitability for certain medical conditions, and financial considerations.
How much clothing to remove for a full body massage?
For individuals who plan on having a full body massage and are comfortable with removing clothing, the standard is to keep your undergarments on. It’s a good idea not to remove all of your clothing unless your therapist has requested you do so. For a full-body massage, you can opt to keep your pants on or go completely in the buff. You’ll find that most massage therapists are very skilled at protecting your modesty and making you feel comfortable; you’ll never have to uncover anything you’d rather not.Loose-fitting, breathable clothing that provides easy access to the areas being massaged is ideal. Understanding that it’s about your comfort and the therapist’s access can help alleviate any nervousness about what to wear.The answer is; it’s totally up to you. It’s your massage, and your therapist will likely tell you to; “…undress to your comfort level.A professional massage therapist will never request to work on your groin without explaining the medical reason, skip the consent conversation, ignore proper draping, touch your genitals for any reason, make you feel pressured or uncomfortable, or ask you to remove your underwear for groin work.The back is one of the most requested areas in any massage. It’s where many people carry stress, tension, and discomfort from sitting, standing, or physical activity. Therapists focus on the upper, middle, and lower back to release tightness and improve mobility. The neck and shoulders are another high-tension zone.
How long does a full body sports massage take?
Areas of Body Targeted Full lower or upper body commonly needs 60 minutes; a full-encompassing full-body approach usually benefits from 75–90 minutes. At Spa & Massage clinics in London, therapists map treatment to functional chains used in a client’s sport. Deep tissue massage typically requires at least 60 minutes. Deeper work needs time for the tissues to warm and adapt. Shorter sessions often feel intense without being effective, while longer sessions allow for better results with less post-treatment soreness.
What are the 4 types of sports massage?
Sports massage can be divided into four types: pre-event, post-event, maintenance, and rehabilitation. The athlete’s body responds differently to each type of massage, and therapists have a variety of techniques they can use to achieve the desired results. Thai massage is a holistic form of bodywork that originated in Thailand and is meant to promote overall well-being and relaxation, while sports massage is a targeted form of bodywork that is specifically designed to address the needs of athletes.