As you read this the World Masters Games would have come and gone, but as I write this it is only a few days away and there is still much to be finalised. I am proud to be a part of this exciting event, not as a sporting participant but as a massage therapist to help the athletes in aiding with their recovery.
Many professional athletes and their coaches swear by the benefits of massage therapy – I hear you ask, ‘so what are these wondrous effects of massage?’
- Overall mind-set is key to any good performance. Positivity and confidence achieve extraordinary results, but we’re all human and everyday stress affects us. Massage therapy has physiological effects as well as psychological benefits and has been shown to reduce anxiety, stress and tension while promoting relaxation. Whilst undergoing this much needed recovery, dopamine and serotonin levels are increased and cortisol (stress) levels are reduced which encourages better focus for the next competition/race or workout.
- Rapid recovery – a well-known fact of any physical activity is the resulting aches and pains, but recovery time does not need to be extended or painful. Massage therapy helps in reducing recovery time as massage dilates the blood vessels which facilitates circulation and oxygenation of fatigued muscles. Massage helps to flush the tissues of the build-up of waste products related to exercise and improves flexibility and range of motion.
- Minimising inflammation – we all have our go-to workouts or particular sport that helps to clear our minds of daily stress. Depending on the intensity of the activity and the stress load on the body, our joints experience inflammation. Once again, massage therapy reduces inflammation and encourages growth of mitochondria in our body, these are the cells that supply energy-producing units.
- Injury prevention – regular massage therapy can reduce the chance of injury. Massage aids in reducing muscle tension, allowing athletes to monitor their muscle tone and decrease post exercise stiffness. By increasing body tissue awareness helps to prevent injuring fatigued muscles.
While you’re focused on putting your body through trials and tribulations to achieve your goals, don’t forget to treat yourself to a little tenderness.