& West Ham United F.C. Women 
For those that have never had a sports massage before you may have some questions about what it is, why and when you could need it, and what the benefits are. Sports massage has many benefits. Some people may be put off by the term sports massage as they think they need to be a professional athlete to benefit, or they may be worried that they don’t have the pain threshold to deal with it.
Sports massage is typically understood as a “deep tissue massage” and through this it seeks to gain the most benefits, in terms of reducing muscle tension, improving flexibility, promoting repair within the body and, particularly for athletes, allowing for greater quantity and quality of training with less chance of injury.
For most people it is through poor posture, overuse, or the stresses and strains of everyday life, that muscles can become overworked, causing aches and pains. Sports massage aims to release tight muscles and relieve these symptoms. One of the scientific principles behind the benefit of massage is that techniques used help to stimulate the circulation of blood in the muscles, helping to remove waste substances and promote tissue repair.
The Sports Massage Therapists at Backworks
At Backworks we see sports massage as an independent therapy, as well as very complementary to chiropractic treatment. However, this doesn’t have to be a painful experience as our massage therapists work within your comfort zones and are trained in other remedial massage techniques which gives them a greater scope of practice.
The training our sports massage therapists in Southend-on-Sea have completed allows them to identify problems within the muscles related to pain or general stress. This training utilises appropriate techniques, enabling them to provide you with beneficial advice, such as specific stretches. Our sports massage therapists aim to work closely with our chiropractors, providing you with the best-coordinated healthcare and wellness regime.
The Benefits of a Sports Massage:
✅ Improve the recovery time after exercise and competition
✅ Prevent injury
✅ Improve muscle flexibility
✅ Reduce stress and tension
✅ Help rehabilitation after injury
✅ Enhance the immune system
Sports massage offers a range of benefits for athletes and individuals engaged in physical activities. Some key advantages of getting a sports massage include:
- Faster Healing: Sports massage may help speed up the healing process for minor injuries, as it can stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
- Injury Prevention: Regular sports massages can identify and address tight or imbalanced muscle groups that are more susceptible to injury. By releasing tension and improving muscle balance, the risk of injury can be significantly reduced.
- Increased Range of Motion: Sports massage can improve joint mobility and flexibility, helping athletes perform movements with greater ease and reducing the risk of strain or injury.
- Stress Reduction: Physical activity and training can be physically and mentally taxing. Sports massage not only relaxes the body but also reduces mental stress, promoting a sense of overall well-being.
- Faster Recovery: Athletes often experience muscle soreness and fatigue after intense training or competitions. Sports massage helps reduce the recovery time by increasing blood flow to the muscles, aiding in the removal of metabolic waste products, and promoting tissue healing.
- Pain Relief: Sports massage can alleviate muscle pain and discomfort associated with overuse, muscle imbalances, or injuries. It can also be effective in managing chronic conditions like tendinitis or IT band syndrome.
- Enhanced Circulation: Massage techniques used in sports massage can improve blood circulation, which helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to muscles and remove waste products, aiding in recovery and performance.
- Focused Treatment: Sports massages are customised to target specific problem areas, addressing the unique needs of athletes. This means that treatment is tailored to your individual goals and requirements.
- Rehabilitation Support: For athletes recovering from injuries, sports massage can play a vital role in rehabilitation. It aids in restoring muscle function, reducing scar tissue, and regaining strength and mobility.
Sports massage is a valuable tool for athletes of all levels, to maintain peak physical condition and optimise performance while minimising the risk of injuries and enhancing overall well-being. When performed by a qualified sports massage therapist, it can be an essential part of an athlete’s training and recovery regimen.
A frequently asked question is how many sessions do I need to reap the benefits of sports massage? Ultimately this depends on the reason you are seeing a massage therapist. A one-off session will likely lead to short-term relief whereas regular sessions have long-term benefits, often when used in conjunction with chiropractic treatments. For those training for a competition or recovering from an injury, a number of sessions may be recommended before or after an event, or a specific sports rehabilitation plan may be formulated.
Myths in Sports Massage:
“No pain no gain”
As the industry has evolved, there is now a huge amount more understanding about how the body works with fascia and muscles. Research now suggests that it no longer benefits to adhere to the older saying of “no pain no gain”.
“One massage is all you need to feel better”
One massage will give you short-term benefits, not long-term ones. Generally for chronic pain, you will see results in 1-6 weekly sessions then around monthly maintenance sessions.
“I have to feel sore the next day to prove the Massage was good.”
Although it is common to feel sore after your massage if: it is your first massage, you have been sedentary or if the muscles and fascia are tight, it is also normal to not feel any pain or soreness following a massage. Soreness is not the only indication of a massage having positive benefits for you. Yes, you may experience some pain during the massage and some pain is productive.
“Massage therapy is only for “serious” sportspeople”
This is a common misconception, maybe from the name. Generally, sports massage is good for anyone with any aches/pains/tightness. This could be from sitting at a desk at work or from cleaning/gardening around the house.
“There’s no point having a massage unless you’re going to keep going every week”
At the early stages of treatment, it may be necessary for you to have weekly sessions, especially if the injury is in the chronic stage. However, patients see benefits in coming for maintenance treatments between 3 and 4 weeks.
Sports Massage FAQs
What is sports massage?
Sports massage is a targeted massage, involving the manipulation of soft tissue, focusing on a particular area of the body that is in need of treatment. Sports massage uses techniques to provide a deep and rehabilitating process, manipulating the soft tissue to prevent injury.
Does sports massage hurt?
You may experience some feelings of discomfort as the therapist massages you, but this is completely normal and means that the treatment is working. There is no reason for you to be in constant pain when receiving a sports massage. The brain knows it is experiencing some discomfort but the body knows that it is benefiting. This is why it is sometimes referred to as good pain. Communication with your sports massage therapist is key; they can adjust the pressure based on your comfort level.
How does sports massage help?
If you are suffering from an ongoing condition such as tight calves, or tense shoulders or if you have recently sustained an injury such as a sprain, then sports massage can help. Sports massage can help improve muscle performance, reduce muscle soreness, enhance flexibility, prevent injuries, promote relaxation, and speed up recovery time. Sports massages are also sometimes helpful for people that suffer from migraines and tension headaches.
Is sports massage just for athletes?
Although “sports massage” gets its name because it targets injuries that are specific to sports, the treatment is not just beneficial for sportspeople. Sports massage can help if you are suffering from pain or an injury, that is limited to a single part of the body. Anyone engaging in physical activity or experiencing muscle tension can find relief through this type of massage.
How often should I get a sports massage?
The frequency of sports massages depends on many factors such as your activity level, training intensity, and individual needs. For an athlete, a weekly sports massage will produce great results. If you work at a desk all day or participate in heavy manual work then a regular monthly massage can have a positive and long-lasting impact.
Can I interrupt my sports massage therapist with questions or comments during a massage?
We love to talk you through what it is that we’re working on and why. Please ask us any questions you have. Feel free to communicate your comfort level, any pain you’re experiencing, and your preferences regarding pressure and techniques. It is equally ok if you would rather take the time to relax and unwind.
Sports massage enhances athletic performance and overall well-being. It aids in preventing injuries by alleviating muscle tension, promoting flexibility crucial for agility and range of motion. It improves blood circulation, expediting recovery post-activity and reducing muscle soreness. It optimises muscle function, enhancing endurance and strength, while also mitigating the effects of stress on the body. Beyond the physical advantages, sports massage aids mental relaxation, reducing anxiety and promoting better sleep. Tailored to individual needs, it serves as a vital tool for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike, ensuring peak performance and a balanced, resilient body.
We offer the best sports massage treatment available locally in Southend at our clinic along London Road, an easily accessible location from both the road network and public transport, as well as being a 5-minute walk from the high street.
Sports Massage in Southend-on-Sea at Backworks involves the manipulation of the soft tissues and is designed to assist in correcting problems and imbalances caused by repetitive movements and physical activity. Treatments are important in helping with pre and post-exercise, recovery and preventing injury to the musculoskeletal system.
If you are unsure whether sports massage can help you, then call us now on 01702 342329 and one of our therapists in Southend-on-Sea would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.