You don’t need to be a pro athlete to get one, but you do need to have the tolerance of one to appreciate the vigorous kneading, pummeling, poking and forceful pushing that comes with a traditional sports massage.
I got my first sports massage a few weeks after completing my first marathon. I would have loved to get one directly after running 26.2 miles, but the line for the massage tent was longer than the race route itself (at least it looked that way), so I opted for a warm shower instead.
If you’ve ever had a sports massage, then you know that the experience is less relaxing than a typical massage. A sports massage features techniques that deeply penetrate soft tissue. It can be a painful procedure, especially if you go in expecting a soft and delicate rub down.
There are different types of deep tissue massages with the most popular being Swedish-style sports massages. These are typically used to prime muscle tissue before an intense workout or to flush the system after a race or sporting event. Advocates of deep-tissue work contend that such massages don’t just aid in recovery, but they also accelerate the rebuilding process.
For example, a technique known as Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization is used to facilitate muscle regeneration. Experts contend that the massage intentionally inflames the tissue to kick-start the body’s own natural healing cycle. In addition, by using active release, fascial adhesions (connective tissue buildup created by exertion) are broken down and muscles are lengthened.
A 60-minute sports massage can run anywhere from $45 to $150 an hour. Health clubs and spas typically offer these types of deep-tissue massages, but some physical therapists are also providing them to clients as well.
Have you ever had a sports massage? If so, what was your experience like? Would you recommend it to other amateur athletes?
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