When you need a massage, you can’t just go to any massage therapist. You need to go to a therapist that can give sports massages, but you need more. You need to understand your own needs first. Everyone is different in what they are looking for in a healthcare provider. Once you know what sports massage therapy is and how to choose a sports massage therapist, keeping your body feeling good will be much easier.
What is Sports Massage Therapy
Sports massage therapy is a specialty massage technique that massage practitioners can learn. Sports massage therapy is about much more than just technology though; it also requires understanding the demands of the sport. A sports massage therapist will know that a marathon runner has many different demands compared to a sprinter or football player.
When it comes to how to choose a sports massage therapists, an athletic background can be beneficial because of the understanding of a sports demands. For example, an excellent therapist understands timing well. Whereas most people can get a deep tissue massage at any time, a sports massage therapist cannot.
Sports massage is not just for world-class professional athletes. Anyone can benefit from a sports massage. The goal of sports massage is not stressed relief or energy balancing like other techniques. The purpose of sports massage is to improve muscle quality as much as possible for athletes next competition. If it is off season, that means there is a lot of time before anything critical approaches.
Benefits of Sports Massage Therapy
- Improved range of motion
- Improved flexibility
- Reduced stress
- Reduced Fatigue
- Improved recovery time
- Injury Prevention
- Mental readiness
Sports Massage Can Be Given:
- Before Event
- After Event
- During Event
Why Should You Seek Sports Massage Therapy
The reason to seek a sports massage therapist is that when they treat you their goal is to improve athletic performance. If you hurt your hamstring and see a typical family medical doctor, they will tell you to rest and ice. They do not typically specialize in sports injuries, and they are not going to risk being sued for telling you that you can compete this weekend.
A sports massage therapist will understand that you have a competition or a game and they will do whatever they can to get you ready for that. Sometimes that may be temporary solutions to get you feeling better so you can get through. Other times it may mean coming up with a longer-term game plan to get you healthy.
A lot of people will foam roll daily and think that it is replacing getting a massage and that could not be further from the truth. A foam roller works well with regular visits to your massage therapists to hold you over. A foam roller cannot do what a pair of hands can do from a good massage therapist. Ice will also not replace what a massage therapist can do.
Things to Look for in a Sports Massage Therapist
There are a lot of aspects to choosing a healthcare provider that people do not think of. The first thing you need to know is where this is no good or bad. For example, some healthcare providers give really quick treatments and send you on your way; others will take their time. If you are a busy person the first could be the best option for you and there is nothing wrong with that.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Massage Therapist
- Do they listen?
- How long does it take to get an appointment?
- How long have they been practicing?
- How close are they to your house?
- How much pressure do they apply?
- Do you feel comfortable with the person?
- Do you get a good vibe from the person?
- What other skills and certifications do they have?
- Were they an athlete?
- Do they or Did they used to play the sport you play?
- How long do appointments usually last?
- How much do they cost?
The list above just things to consider. You may read some of the questions above and not care at all about the answer. That is ok. The point is to think of these things, so you know in advance precisely what you are getting into when you are choosing a sports massage therapist.
How to Find a Sports Massage Therapist to Meet Your Needs
9INE POINT Health can help you locate a local therapist that can meet all your needs. All you need to do is let us know what you are looking for, whether it is a review, 9INE POINT Number, or by skillset, we can help you filter your searches and see the best options. If you have no idea what you are looking for but you know you need help, we will help guide you to the correct person at the correct time.
What If You Can’t Go Deal With Your Pain On Your Own
Sometimes you can ice all you want, but a muscle is in pain because another area is not working or because it is protecting you. With the hips, for example, your back may be hurting because your psoas is doing too much work and it is also tight. The psoas may be doing too much work because your other hip flexors are not activating correctly. The chain reaction could keep going until you get some sports massage therapy.
Sometimes you need the help of a sports medicine therapist. Sports massage therapy is used to working with athletes recover quicker to get back on the field. If you are not an athlete, I am sure that you still want to recover from any pain faster.
There are many different options you can go with if you want something other than sports massage therapy. You could get a chiropractor, massage therapist, physical therapist or many other options. The key is finding someone you trust and that you are excited to work with.
How to Find The Best Healthcare Providers for Sports Massage
9INE POINT Health is the best place to find the health care providers you need for any injuries. It does not matter where you are hurting; a 9INE POINT Health provider will be able to get you healthy again. 9INE POINT allows you to find the best local providers and compare them quickly using the 9INE POINT Number.
If you have no idea what you need, but you know you need something, 9INE POINT Health is an injury guide, and you will get helped through the process. We make it easier for you to find the information and the person you are looking for.
Skills to Look for in a Sports Massage Therapist:
- Active Release Technique
- Graston Technique
- Acupuncture
- Fascial Stretch Therapy
- Corrective exercises
- Dry Needling
- Sports Background
- Functional Movement Screen
- And more
KHO Health was acquired by was acquire by 9INE POINT in the summer of 2019 and is now referred to as 9INE POINT Health.
