Physical activity is essential for staying in shape. And for sports professionals, it’s crucial to maintain their performance at an optimum level. But what many of you don’t know is that while you’re committed to a training routine, you also need to devote enough time for rest.
Creating a perfect balance between these two will keep your body healthy – without causing extreme exhaustion. And if you’re an active sportsperson that wants their recovery to include more than just lying in your bed, you’ve come to the right place!
Let’s take a look at the four types of massage you can try so that you reap all the benefits of sports therapy!
Effleurage
Effleurage incorporates long, stroking movements to massage the body using flat hands or fingers. It is one of the different types of sport therapy that helps the body eliminate waste. In essence, it stimulates the lymphatic system in order to get rid of toxic products faster.
Effleurage also improves circulation and prepares your body for more energetic massage techniques. It encourages lymphatic drainage and makes your body feel more relaxed. This technique also makes the healing process faster, so if you’ve suffered from a sports trauma – this is the massage you should get.
Petrissage
This technique is also known as kneading – a deeper massage method that uses short, circular strokes. The pressure is applied by using the hands, palms, or knuckles. Did you know that petrissage is quite a popular technique sportspeople use? It can be performed with or without using oils.
Some of the benefits of sports therapy this method provides are removing waste from your body, breaking up the knots in your muscles, and improving blood circulation. Some female athletes even use it to get rid of cellulite!
Tapotement
Another one of the different types of sports therapy that is incredibly effective! The process includes hacking and cupping – a technique used to promote relaxation. It is also known as “rhythmic striking” and involves a series of brisk and lick strikes to the body’s surface, utilising the ulnar part of the hand.
Tapotement is usually used for fleshy, muscular areas and is frequently used in warm-up sessions. This helps athletes feel ready for the upcoming event. The list of benefits of sports therapy also includes improving blood circulation and stimulating nerve endings and reflex muscular contractions.
Deep tissue
A deep tissue massage uses deeper strokes to apply pressure, targeting the deeper layers of any muscle or tissue. This technique is often used to reduce muscle tension in certain areas, as well as to get rid of scar tissue that’s been formed from previous injuries.
The benefits of sport therapy incorporating this deep tissue massage include reduced symptoms of arthritis, lowered blood pressure, and reduced muscular pain.
Remember that you should always strive to create the right balance between being active and dedicating enough time for rest. Don’t hesitate to try some of these techniques and experience all the benefits of sport therapy – we promise that you’ll feel like you’ve been reborn!
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