What does sports massage do? This is probably the most frequently asked question by my massage clients.
A sport or deep tissue massage can achieve a number of things. These include:
- Improved Circulation
- Improved flexibility
- Increased tissue pliability
- Reduced Scar Tissue
Improved Circulation
Sports massage in very simple terms is the application of certain types of pressure to the soft tissues of the body. This pressure, in the form of gliding strokes along the muscles, results in fluids being pushed along the system. In particular, sports massage increases blood flow. This increase in blood flow occurs both during the massage and in the hours after the massage.
Improved circulation, in the form of increased blood flow is great for recovery from hard training sessions. This is one of the key benefits of massage.
Increased Flexibility?
Yes, sports massage can increase flexibility. The pressure that is applied to the muscles is, in effect, a very localised stretch. Furthermore, massage can stretch the muscle in certain ways that traditional stretching is unable to do. Sports massage is certainly not a replacement for traditional stretching. However, it is extremely complimentary to traditional stretching. A programme of massage combined with traditional stretching will improve flexibility more compared to using either modality on its own.
What does Sports Massage Do – Increased Tissue Pliability
Flexibility is not the only functional improvement that comes from sports massage. Increased tissue pliability is an additional benefit. Flexibility can be thought of as muscle tissue length. Pliability can be thought of as muscle tissue quality. For an athlete to function optimally, we need both tissue length and tissue quality. Stretching is great for working on tissue length. But sports massage is required to improve tissue quality. Much in the same way as a chef will tenderise a steak by working on it with his hands. By kneading the muscles, they become more pliable.
Reduced Scar Tissue
When muscles become injured, they are very effective at healing over time. However, part of the healing process involves laying down scar tissue. Scar tissue is the fibrous connective tissue that forms over a wound or injury as part of the body’s natural healing process. Scar tissue tends to be a dense, thickened mass of tissue. It is often different in texture and appearance from the surrounding tissue. Scar tissue is often rigid and can lead to decreased flexibility, reduced range of motion, and pain. Massage can help reduce scar tissue by breaking down adhesions and restrictions in the affected area.
York Sports Massage
Sports massage is available in the York area, as one of the key services provided by Foxwood Personal Training. Our York Sports massage service takes place at the HQ for Foxwood Personal Training, Egerton’s Garage Gym (The EGG).
Egerton’s Garage Gym is a completely private personal training gym. It is only available for use by Foxwood Personal Training clients. This means you can be assured a completely private environment for your massage. If you want to learn more about our York Sports Massage service, please visit the following link:
You can also contact me for more information via Instagram DM:
Foxwood Personal Training Instagram Page
Egerton’s Garage Gym
Please also get in touch if you would like to arrange a tour of Egerton’s Garage Gym. I am happy to show you around and chat things through before booking your massage or personal training sessions. I am also happy to talk on the phone. However, it is a very popular choice for people to come and visit the gym. This way you can see for yourself what all the fuss is about!
Tim Egerton, Foxwood Personal Training, York