What Should I Expect From My First Sports Massage?

If you are considering booking your first sports massage, you may be wondering if it is the right option for you. This specialised form of massage is a popular choice for those who lead active lives, very physically demanding jobs or simply feel that they would benefit from a more intense treatment. Individuals who spend a lot of time sitting at desks can also benefit from sports massage as it can help ease tired and aching muscles.

If you are looking for a sports massage near you, look no further. Here at Manchester Massage, we have specially trained massage therapists who are experts in their field.

What to expect during your first sports massage

Once you have booked your first sports massage at Manchester Massage, you may be curious as to what to expect.

When your first arrive, you will be introduced to your massage therapist. They will talk to you about what you hope to gain from your treatment. The therapist will also ensure that you have no medical conditions which could prevent you from having your sports massage.

 

Your massage therapist will then ask you to position yourself on a specially designed bed with the area of focus exposed. Unlike other massage treatments, your massage therapist will focus on specific areas of the body. The exact areas will vary depending on what your needs are and how the therapist feels best able to help.

Initially, they will use smaller, softer movements to warm the muscles. Then, using all areas of their arms, hands, wrists and fingers, your masseuse will work into the deep layers of tissue. This helps to remove any tension or knots from the muscles, increase blood flow and encourage healing. The exact process your masseuse will use may vary depending on which area of the body is being focused on.

Types of Sports Massage

There are four main types of massage. The majority of people who choose sports massage will choose a restorative or rehabilitative form. Your exact treatment will vary depending on the type you choose:

  • Pre-event massage is typically performed 15-30 minutes before a sporting event. The aim is to prepare the muscles ahead of use and can help to avoid injury.
  • Post-event massage would usually be given within two hours of finishing a sporting event. This form of sports massage helps muscles to relax and normalise.
  • Restorative massage is normally used as part of a regular training regime. This form of massage helps to restore muscles during training and avoid injury.
  • Rehabilitative massage is used as part of the healing process after an injury. It works to decrease the amount of pain from an injury and can help to speed up recovery times.

Once your massage therapist has completed your first sports massage, you may find that you feel a little tender and sore. This is completely normal and should pass within a few days. Staying hydrated may help this feeling to pass more quickly.

How to choose a massage therapist

Choosing a massage therapist can be a daunting task. It may seem that the options are endless and it can be a challenge to choose between them. The most important thing to remember when choosing a masseuse is that sports massage is a very specialised skill. Making sure that your chosen therapist is fully qualified and experienced is vital in gaining a good outcome from the experience. It is often useful to read any reviews from past clients. This can help you to get an idea of what to expect and may make choosing the right massage therapist easier.

 

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