Did you know that we offer sports massage services, alongside physiotherapy? Ever wondered what specifically a sports massage is? Here are the top few questions we get from our patients!
First up – what is a sports massage?
A sports massage is deep tissue manipulation performed by a professionally-trained sports massage therapist who understands the body and its injuries in relation to the different types of sports. There are different benefits sports massage can help with, such as loosening tight muscles and/or promoting recovery. Additionally, it can soothe sore muscles and prevent injuries from recurring. It can also help in increasing your range of motion, thereby improving performance.
What differentiates a sports massage versus a normal massage?
In most cases, for a normal massage, the masseuse will massage the whole body and work their way down to target specific areas that may seem tight. On the other hand, a sports therapist will consult and understand your body & anatomy as a whole before targeting specific areas, using their thorough understanding of the anatomy of the body and its musculoskeletal system. Although both types of massages promote relaxation and stress relief, sports massages are specifically targeted for functional benefits like enhancing one’s performance through the activation of the muscles, improved blood flow to maintain muscle strength/energy, and assisting in performance through loosened muscles.
What can I expect at my first session?
Our trained massage therapist will assess you and ask you some questions regarding the physical activities and/or sports you participate in, as well as the frequency and intensity of your exercise regime. Of course, your medical history, including previous injuries, will also be taken into consideration. You may suggest areas that you would like our masseuse to focus on as well.
Is it painful?
The massage should not be painful to the point it feels unbearable. Some extent of soreness/tightness should be expected in areas with issues or that have been significantly engaged not too long ago. Communicate with your massage therapist regarding your pain threshold. Remember, we are here to help you and not hurt you!
Am I suitable for a sports massage?
Despite its name, sports massage is suitable for anyone, not just athletes. If you would like to release the tension and tightness in certain parts of your body, a sports massage can undoubtedly benefit you!
Here are a few of the common types of patients we see, just to name a few:
- Active individuals recovering from injuries and starting to return to sports;
- Deskbound workers who developed muscle tightness from over-sitting;
- Professional athletes
How often should I go for a sports massage?
It depends on your level of activity, overall fitness, and what you would like to achieve. Typically for professional athletes, a sports massage should be done once a week, so that your aches can be addressed especially if you are training for an event, while your performance can be increased. Otherwise, for normal active adults, once a month should suffice.
When is a good time for a sports massage?
For athletes, prior to an event, you may want to inform your therapist in advance about any pre-existing injuries you have, and what kind of event it will be. The therapist can then advise an ideal time to get a massage, typically 2-3 days before the event. A pre-event massage can help to improve muscle performance, as well as assist the mobility of joints for athletes.
For a post-event massage, it will typically be 1-2 days after the event. It will help reduce pain and fatigue while promoting recovery. Areas of tension and cramping will be targeted.
There is also routine maintenance massage, which can be performed once a month for people who regularly train. This can help improve mobility and muscle tension.
Meanwhile, for normal active adults, we would recommend simply listening to your body. If you feel there’s something you would like worked on, drop us a chat or book an appointment. However, if you find yourself experiencing sharp pain while conducting your training, we’d recommend you to consult a physiotherapist, as they’ll be able to suggest muscle groups to focus on during sports massage!
[PROMOTION HAS ENDED]
Get 10% off your first sports massage* with us in the month of May 2022! To book a slot with our massage therapist, please drop us a WhatsApp message, and mention “Motion is lotion” to enjoy this great deal! Don’t forget to follow us on our socials – Instagram & Facebook!
You can also send us any inquiries you may have on sports massage. Our clinic is conveniently located 5 minutes away from One-North MRT station.
*Subject to the therapist’s availability, for first-time clients only.