Sports massage is a type of massage that is used to help improve athletic performance and recover from injuries. It involves using a variety of strokes and techniques to help relax the muscles, improve circulation, and remove waste products from the tissues.
This type of massage can be helpful for athletes who are trying to improve their performance, as well as for people who are recovering from injuries.. Athletes may also receive this type of massage on a regular basis to help prevent injuries and increase flexibility.
Before an athlete engages in strenuous activity, such as exercise or playing a sport, they may require general body conditioning, as well as specific training for their muscles and joints.
Benefits of Sports massage
A sports massage therapist might use different techniques to warm up the muscles, as well as treat the muscles afterward to help the athlete recover. This massage can also be beneficial for people who are trying to improve their overall fitness and health, as it helps with relaxation and blood flow.
1. Helps relax the body
A study found that a one-hour sports massage helped to lower the blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension of people who had suffered from chronic stress. It may also reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
2. Helps release toxins
Sports massages can help improve lymphatic drainage, which helps remove waste products like lactic acid through the body’s lymph nodes. A sports massage may also help remove fat deposits that have built up around the muscles.
3. Helps reduce stress
Sports massages can help improve the mood and energy levels of athletes, as well as help relieve both mental and physical tension in the body.
4. Reduces inflammation
A sports massage can be beneficial for people who suffer from arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, or carpal tunnel syndrome due to its benefits on inflammation reduction.. A study found that lymphatic drainage helped to significantly reduce pain caused by osteoarthritis of the knee.
5. Improves blood circulation
The rapid movements of a sports massage helps increase blood flow throughout the body by making more capillaries available to carry oxygenated blood. This also relieves congestion in the muscles, which can then reduce any soreness that is felt afterward.
6. Helps to relax tight or tired muscles.
A sports massage may help relieve pain related to injuries, as well as help relax tense and tired muscles. This can be beneficial after a workout, before an athletic event, or if you are recovering from an injury..
7. Decreases recovery time after exercise or competition.
After strenuous activity, such as during exercise or playing a sport, your body’s tissues can become damaged due to micro-tearing of the tissue fibers.. A study found that men who had received five 30-minute sports massages showed signs of decreased muscle damage and had less creatine kinase in their blood, which is an indicator of muscle damage, than those who had not received the massages.
8. Decreases anxiety
A study found that professional rugby players who had sports massages before a game showed fewer signs of anxiety on questionnaires, as well as during simulated match conditions. The massage was also shown to decrease cortisol levels, which may help improve the mood and performance of athletes prior to competition.
9. Improves physical appearance
Sports massages can increase flexibility and range of motion after an athletic event or strenuous activity by relaxing muscles and increasing blood flow throughout the body. It can also be beneficial if you are trying to lose weight since it helps mobilize areas of fatty tissue near your hips and abdomen.
10. Sleep benefits
Some people find that a light sports massage helps them to relax and unwind before sleeping. A study found that people who had received a 20-minute sports massage after strenuous activity was able to fall asleep more easily than those who did not perform any strenuous activity or receive the massage.
11. Helps boost athletic performance
A number of athletes have stated that receiving a sports massage prior to an event can increase their strength, endurance, and speed. One study found that professional rugby players ran 2% faster in sprints following five one-hour sports massages over two weeks..
12. Reduces muscle pain
Sports massages may help reduce post-workout muscle soreness as well as help increase flexibility and range of motion.
13. Improves sporting performance
A number of athletes have reported that they perform better after receiving sports massages since it helps them to decrease anxiety and tension, relax muscles, and relieve pain. A study found that professional rugby players had a faster sprint and were able to jump higher following five one-hour sports massages over two weeks.
14. May help induce sleep
Studies have shown that people who receive a 20-minute massage before they go to bed fall asleep more quickly than those who do not receive the massage. A study also found that participants had lower levels of cortisol ( hormone commonly associated with stress) after receiving a massage before sleeping.
15. Reduces menstrual cramps
Sports massages have been used to treat menstrual cramps amongst female athletes since it can increase blood flow to muscles and reduce pain induced by the cramps..
16. Stretches tight muscles
Sports massages work by relaxing tension in the muscles which can then help improve range of motion. A study found that women who received sports massages experienced an improvement in their posture immediately after receiving the massage, as well as some improvement up to seven days later. Another study reported that participants were able to squat more easily following a 10-minute sports massage on their legs.
17. May improve sleep quality
A study found that participants had lower levels of cortisol (hormone commonly associated with stress) after receiving a massage before sleeping.
18. May reduce depression
A study found that women who received sports massages experienced an improvement in their posture immediately after receiving the message, as well as some improvement up to seven days later. Another study reported that participants were able to squat more easily following a 10-minute sports massage on their legs.
19. Relieves pain
Sports massages work by relaxing tension in the muscles which can then help improve range of motion. A study found that women who received sports massages experienced an improvement in their posture immediately after receiving the message, as well as some improvement up to seven days later. Another study reported that participants were able to squat more easily following a 10-minute sports massage on their legs.
20. Improves athletic performance
A number of athletes have reported that they perform better after receiving sports massages since it helps them to decrease anxiety and tension, relax muscles, and relieve pain. One study found that professional rugby players had a faster sprint and were able to jump higher following five one-hour sports massages over two weeks.
4 BEST Sports Massage Courses Online
Udemy Sports Massage Courses
This Udemy course is perfect for anyone with an interest in sports massage. Taught by a professional masseuse, you’ll learn about chiromassage and how to apply it to athletes safely and effectively. Additionally, you’ll gain knowledge of functional bandaging techniques that can help prepare athletes for sporting events. No prior experience is necessary, so this course is ideal for beginners.
Certification: YES
Level 3 Sports Massage Diploma Course on Reed UK
If you’re looking for a flexible and affordable course to become a qualified sports massage therapist, look no further than Diverse Trainers. Our Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage can be completed via our online / home learning option, with 40 hours/week access to our team of dedicated tutors. Y
You’ll learn everything you need to know about sports massage, from treatment techniques to injury prevention – so you can start your career as a sports massage therapist with confidence. Check 800+ more Sports massage courses on Reed.
Certification: YES
Sports Massage Online Courses offered by AMTA
Looking to improve your sports massage skills and knowledge? Look no further than AMTA’s online courses. Offering comprehensive education, these courses are perfect for anyone interested in bolstering their skills and learning more about this specialized field of massage. With modules that cover everything from the history of sports massage to theories on how it affects the body, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of this popular therapeutic technique. And with our knowledgeable instructors leading the way, you’ll be well equipped to provide optimal care for athletes and active individuals. So if you’re ready to take your sports massage practice to the next level.
Certification: YES
Sports Massage Practitioner Course offered by Centre of Excellence
The Sports Massage Practitioner Course offered by Centre of Excellence is accredited by the complimentary medical association, quality license scheme and CPD.
You will learn how sports massage differs from other massage types, the theories you need to be aware of, the techniques used, client expectations and how to align with them, and how to run an effective business within this subset of your profession.
This accredited course is perfect for those looking to enter into the field of sports massage therapy, and at just £147.00, it’s an affordable option as well.
Certification: YES
FAQ
Is Sports Massage lucrative?
Yes, sports massage can be lucrative. However, it is important to note that in order to be successful, one must be able to provide a high-quality service.
This means being knowledgeable about the anatomy and physiology of the human body, as well as having proficient massage techniques. Additionally, it is important to be familiar with the specific needs of athletes.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in sports massage, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success.
First, take some time to learn about the field. There are many excellent courses (like the ones recommended above) and free online resources that you can tap into.
Next, practice your massage techniques regularly so that you become proficient at them. Finally, find a mentor who can help guide you in your career.
How much do sports massage therapists make?
Your earnings as a Sports massage practitioner depends on the therapist’s level of experience, licensure, and location.
Generally speaking, though, sports massage therapists make around $50,000 a year. Some make more and some make less.
A lot of what dictates salary is whether the therapist is self-employed or works for someone else. If they’re self-employed, they can set their own rates, which generally means they make more money. But it also comes with greater responsibility (and risk).
Therapists who work for someone else may not make as much money per hour, but their benefits and hours are typically more regular.
No matter which route they choose, a therapist’s salary can be augmented by taking on additional clients or starting a massage practice – which requires additional training and certification.
