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The impact of sports massage on the body
Nowadays, sport is not only a way to spend free time, but also a passion for more and more people. When practicing sports, injury prevention and body regeneration after exercise are extremely important elements. This way we will avoid overloading the body and improve our results. Sports massage is a version classical massage, which is intended for physically active peopleSports massage is an integral part of wellness and is used in professional training programs.
Type of sports massage and type of activity
The type of physical activity performed influences sports massage, as it requires focusing on other parts of the body. For runners, a sports massage of the legs is particularly important, as these areas are subject to the greatest strain during exercise. A sports massage of the back is performed for athletes who place particular strain on their upper body during activity. However, this doesn't mean that other parts of the body are neglected in either case, as sports, especially professional sports, place strain on all muscle groups.
Sports massage techniques
Sports massage is based on classic techniques, including stroking, rubbing, kneading, and tapping. The differences between sports massage and classic massage are mainly seen in the intensity of the massage, the time of performance, and especially when it's performed. The intensity and techniques depend on the type of exercise and injury to which the body is exposed. There are several sports massage techniques:
- Sports massage for maintenance (conditioning) – this type of sports massage is performed during breaks between competitions, when training is less intense. It is used to improve circulation and strengthen the nervous system.This is a gentle massage.
- Sports training massage – performed before every training session. Its purpose is to increase the athlete's mobility and physical fitness, and to keep them ready for competition. This is an intensive sports massage that lasts approximately 45 minutes.
- Starter sports massage – a type of warming massage whose purpose is to quick warm-up and preparation of muscles, joints and ligaments for exercise. The start-up sports massage is performed approximately 4 minutes before the warm-up – so it is quick and very intense.
- Pre-exercise sports massage – is performed during the break between the last training massage and the day of the competition. Its purpose is to motivate players, prevent stress, anxiety and sleep problems..
- Post-exercise sports massage (Regenerative) – performed after training and competitions, as well as between competitions. Post-exercise sports massage is designed to promote rapid recovery. It is three times more effective than regular rest.
Sports massage with elements of biological regeneration
Sports massage is often combined with elements of biological regeneration. This increases its efficiency and effectiveness, and improves its results. Additionally, sports massage with elements of biological regeneration allows for better and faster regeneration of the body. The wellness process includes post-exercise relaxation, sports massages, brine baths, physiotherapy treatments (sauna, ultrasound, etc.), and therapeutic procedures. All these elements create a training program that is designed to prepare an athlete for competition.
Advantages of sports massage
Depending on the massage technique and the part of the body being massaged: back, legs, arms, etc., it brings different effects.Because different techniques are used in each stage of an athlete's preparation, sports massage can have stimulating, calming, and regenerative effects. Sports massage improves blood and lymph circulation, reduces stress, boosts metabolism, reduces the risk of injury, and helps reduce fatigue after intense physical activity and avoid its negative effects.