Massage Therapy for Those Who Exercise

Whether you’re an elite athlete training for the next big event or an everyday person who makes exercise part of your life, massage therapy can help you get the most out of your workout. Find out how you can benefit from regular massage, and how it can impact your overall workout routine.

Why Massage Therapy Should Be Part of Your Exercise Routine

No matter what kind of exercise routine you adopt, from light jogging to full contact sports, massage therapy can provide myriad benefits. You want to get the most out of your workouts, whether your goal is a general sense of wellness or a purpose-built body ready for anything your chosen sport throws in its direction. When you’re able to train longer, work harder and have more stamina, you simply get better results. Working with a massage therapist who understands the unique needs of those who actively exercise can:

• Actively prevent injuries
• Reduce muscle tension
• Enhance your performance
• Increase range of motion
• Optimize breathing patterns
• Boost soft-tissue function
• Minimize swelling
• Reduce stiffness, soreness and fatigue after working out

If the first thing you think of when you imagine a massage is a pampering but ultimately useless perk at the nearest spa, it may be time to reconsider your opinion. Massage therapists are able to help you maintain not just an active and strong body, but also a healthy one that is less prone to injury and fatigue. Recovery times after an intense workout are reduced, along with the aches and pains of inflammation due to overtaxed muscles.

Regular exercise is vital for good health, but there’s no denying the strain it can place on your muscles, tendons and ligaments. The connective fibers beneath your skin that aid in smooth, efficient muscle function, the fascia, also benefit from regular massage.

Since injuries can sideline even athletes in peak condition, it’s important to recognize the value of massage in both preventing injuries and treating those that do occur. Sprains and strains cause muscles to tighten, which means you’ll have to work harder to regain the flexibility and range of motion you had before the injury occurred. Staving them off with regular muscle maintenance in the form of a massage can be incredibly valuable, as can working to mitigate the effects of existing injuries so recovery happens faster, with less momentum lost.

The Psychological Benefits of Massage Therapy

Your workout regimen can play a significant role in your self-care routine, but it’s not the final stop. When you combine regular exercise with the stress-busting effects of a massage, it’s a one-two punch for stress and anxiety. Working out releases endorphins, and massage therapy reduces levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Together, they can help you feel your best while pursuing fitness goals.

Making massage a part of your overall workout routine can help you reach the next level, whether that means jogging an extra block or conquering a full marathon. Working with a licensed, professional massage therapist who understands the unique needs of your body is a great way to elevate your entire workout routine.

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