Athletes at every level are constantly searching for a competitive edge to put them in the best position to win. Whether it’s another rep in the gym, extra time at practice or a perfect strategy to deploy, finding your advantage can be the difference in victory or defeat.
Massage therapy might not be the first thing you think of when trying to gain an edge on the field or the court, but it is proven to help athletes succeed when administered by a trained professional who can address the specific needs of your sport and your body.
I am a trained and certified massage professional who practices in the East Bay, and I have helped athletes representing many different sports find their competitive edge through sports massages. In the sections to follow, I will cover a few key benefits of massage therapy for athletes, and hopefully help you understand if this service is right for you.
Prevent Injuries
When you work with an experienced therapist, they can help you through sport-specific treatment which can limit your exposure to injuries. Whether you’re a pitcher or quarterback and need to protect your shoulder and arm, you experience frequent torque or rapid motion through a sport like gymnastics or have any other unique muscle groups which experience frequent movement, your therapist can help ensure you are protected against injury through targeted therapy. There are several different massage techniques which can be used in tandem to prevent injury, including Swedish massage, shiatsu massage and other practices to match the needs of your sport.
Recover Faster
Even for the most well-prepared athletes, injuries do occur occasionally. In addition, even if an athlete isn’t injured during a game or match, it’s important to recover quickly so they can be ready for the next one. In either case, a massage therapist can help you get back on the field quicker or take the court feeling 100% each time. Many massage techniques are rooted in using the body’s systems which work together to produce natural healing. Rather than taking supplements or medication to try to feel better, massage therapy can help you eliminate soreness, loosen muscles and improve mental health as well. Together, these factors help increase healing and get you back to playing your best.
Perform at a Higher Level
Flexibility is a key attribute for many athletes, and having a great range of motion can help you excel in many different sports. Massage therapy is proven to help people use their muscles more effectively and can make you more agile, flexible and increase key metrics of performance in your sport. A professional massage therapist can target the muscle groups specific to your technique to help you gain an edge.
Many athletes have turned to sports massage as a way to feel and play their best, and if you think treatment from a professional massage therapist can help you as well then I am here to help. To learn more about my massage offerings in the East Bay, browse my website or give me a call today.
