Did you know that the cost of treating Australian athletes - both amateur and professional - is an estimated $2 billion annually? A report published in Sport Australia confirms just that.
Now, what if we told you that the chance of sustaining these injuries could be significantly reduced by regular massage therapy?
Sports massages are important to keep your core muscle groups working to the best of their ability. When you undergo regular massage therapy you train your muscles to be less susceptible to injury and more resilient when you do suffer a sports-related injury.
Sports massages are important to keep your core muscle groups working to the best of their ability.
When is the best time to get a sports massage?
There are a few different stages when a sports massage would be useful.
Before your big game
It's best to book in a sports massage somewhere between four to seven days before your event. This time frame ensures your body will recover from any massage soreness before the event but also gives your therapist the freedom to really get deep into your muscles in order to relieve tension from pre-match training.
You want to keep the focus on gently loosening up your tense muscles instead of pushing too hard and having gameday soreness.
During your event
It's normal to see massage booths set up during events, whether this is on the sidelines of an amateur race or in the locker room during a professional football match. Quick sports massages during an event will often relieve some pain or tension. Ultimately this helps increase the range of motion for athletes so they can carry on with the match.
After the dust has settled
Post-event massages are helpful for all athletes. However, immediately after a game you'll want to steer clear of a high pressure sports massage. After a big event ends it's likely that your muscles might still be really sore, tender and inflamed. At this point, opt for a more relaxing massage option.
Sports massages are most effective 24 hours after your event. Any soreness will have subsided allowing your therapist to better work into the deeper layers of your muscles to get them loose and supple again.
During periods of active training
Whenever you are in active training for a big athletic event (think: a triathlon or a major marathon) it is most beneficial to undergo massage therapy twice a month.
Bonus tip: Both deep tissue and myofascial release massages are extremely beneficial to athletes. These forms of massage ensure muscles are getting the necessary attention, and that your spine and hips are aligned and adjusted properly.
Ready to book your sports massage?
Massage and Myotherapy Australia provides a free online referral service to the public. With our catalogue of trusted practitioners you can locate the right therapist for your sports massage needs easily. To begin your search head over to our directory page today.