What is a sports massage?

Therapeutic sports massage is a type of massage technique that focuses on either the preparation of soft tissue before a sporting event, or to help with the healing process afterwards. By addressing soft tissue aches, pain, injuries, and myofascial adhesions that are associated with the performed activities, massage can help to reduce muscle stiffness, increase flexibility and greatly improve relaxation. In addition, motivating the parasympathetic system can aid in reducing heart rate and blood pressure.

What do they do in a sports massage?

Sports massage therapy is designed in its entirety for the physically active and athletes. Sports massage therapy utilizes techniques from other massage styles to become an entity that works to provide a deep and rehabilitating process that manipulates soft tissues to prevent injury, promote healing, increase mobility and favorize a faster recovery after events.

What are the BENEFITS of a sports massage?

Benefits of sports massage therapy include:

• Increased joint range of motion (ROM)

• Increased nerve innervation (better grip and power output)

• Increased muscle compartment size (gain more mass)

• Decreased muscle spasms

• Decreased muscle tension

• Decreased neurological excitability (nerves more relaxed)

• Increased flexibility

• Better sleep

Observed benefits that are not supported by research include:

• Decreased recovery time between workouts

• Increased elimination of exercise waste products (lactic acid)

• Decreased chance of injury

• Increased blood flow

Who benefits from sports massage therapy?

EVERYONE can benefit from sports massage therapy, specially after a long hike or a hard construction work week. We primarily recommend physically active people, athletes and the weekend warriors to book a sport massage vs a deep tissue massage because of the physiological response needed to rehabilitate soft tissue.

Here is a list of recommended sports and activities that can benefit for a sport massage therapy session:

• Hockey (NHL / OFT)

• CrossFit

• Bodybuilding / Fitness / Gym

• Golf

• Lacrosse

• Hiking

• Wrestling

• Rugby

• Cross-country skiing

• Football (CFL / NFL / OFT)

• Tennis

• Snowboard

• Soccer

• Basketball

• Ski

• Many more

Nova Naturopathic Clinic is located at Unit 208, 6707 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2V 0E4, and we are open for you Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm. CALL US today at (587) 391-5753 to learn everything else we can tell you about Sports Massage Therapy and Appointments, the benefits, and how we can help you with your overall wellness. You can also CALL US to BOOK AN APPOINTMENT with us, or you can BOOK ONLINE. We hope to hear from you soon!