What you Need to Know Before Getting a Sports Massage

For athletes, a sports massage is the best option for relieving the pain and tension of the muscles after a game. Sports massage helps in reducing the likelihood of the muscles in becoming overused in the first place. A sports massage in Toronto allows athletes in training more effectively, improve performance, prevent injury, and recover quickly. A growing number of massage therapists offers therapeutic sports massage, and many of these recreational and professional athletes enjoy sports massage on a regular basis.

Things to know about your sports massage for first timers:

• Don’t wait till you’re in unbearable pain 

If you are not in pain, it doesn’t mean that you don’t need a sports massage. However, if you are in pain, look for a sports medicine doctor before getting a sports massage to make sure that you don’t have any injuries. There is a chance that the doctor might suggest a myofascial release therapy instead of a sports massage. It is good to get a body massage in Toronto when you generally get tight and usually a few days after a big run or intense sports activity.

• Go where the athletes go. 

Find a therapist that worked with athletes or is an active person themselves. Always make sure that the sports massage center is accredited as it will be displayed in the lobby or listed on their website. You can Google a masseuse near you or Athletic Edge Sports Medicine to make sure that they are accredited.

• Let the therapist know if you are prone to bruising. 

There are some cases of bruising where it is a possible outcome of a deep-tissue massage. But it all depends on your skin texture and heredity. This is where the therapists will adjust the pressure accordingly especially when you are easily prone to bruise or are taking blood thinning medication. Applying an ice pack to the affected area can also help to help reduce swelling after the sports massage.

• Don’t get a deep tissue massage before a race. 

Remember that every person reacts differently to a sports massage that is why if you had an upcoming race and got a deep tissue massage, it will make you uncomfortably sore. Relaxing your muscles and giving your nervous system a rest once a week or few weeks before the event can be helpful. The best massage in Toronto before a game is a light one for calming the nerves, but also make sure that you are not trying to fix some severe problems.

• You will be in your underwear. 

If you work out commando, then your sports massage center too! You need to take off your pants that is why make sure that you are dressed appropriately. It can get almost bare, but not quite. Their best RMT massage in Toronto may request to leave your private parts covered by the sheets of the massage table. They will also hold up the blankets so that they are unable to see you while you are uncovered.

Sports massage therapists can accommodate any level of clothing that you want. Sports massage has the goal of letting athletes experience healing and wellness. These are beneficial for the athlete in you the first time or next time you visit the sports massage center.

What can an Injury Treatment Clinic do for you

Why do we need to run when it’s tiring? Running may be tiring but it initiates the exploration of human motivation and increase mobility. In our oxygen deprived state, these are the three basic motivators for running: chased by a dog, setting our own personal record in running or getting the joy of running. Joy comes when it’s over, but when injury stopped you, then there’s no joy from it.  You need to meet a sports medicine physician for a detailed assessment of your injury.  During your assessment, you will also meet a team of medical professionals, who will help diagnose the source of your injury and prescribe a treatment plan designed specifically for your needs.

Treatment of a running injury can be done with the help of right staff and facilities and also, with your own self. How? Here are some things to do:

• Get over it

Give time and your body will heal on its own. But if the pain lasts for 10 to 14 days, or it’s very severe or sudden, then it’s time to visit your doctor.

• Ice

Most injuries start with inflammation, so icing it right away can help. Keep cooling sessions to no more than 20 minutes at a time to prevent frostbite or any skin damage.

• Heat

If you’re still hurting in three to four days, try switching from ice to a heating pad, which will increase blood flow to the affected area and speed healing.

• Stretch

Once your pain has gone, gently take the muscles and joints through their full range of motion to reduce stiffness and aid in recovery. Stretch several times daily.

• Tape

Kinesiology tape may reduce swelling, take pressure off overused muscles and cut pain. Research on its value is limited but if it seems to help you, then stick with it.

• Cross-train

A running injury treatment doesn’t have to mean a total break from exercise. Try doing some low-impact workouts (spinning, swimming) to help your fitness up while your body heals.

• Stop running

Running will cause pain on the muscles. Take a rest or do some non-strenuous sports.

• Massage the injured area

This may or may not be appropriate for your specific situation, but in other cases, it helped a lot.

• Sleep more

Most recovery and healing happens where you’re asleep. Make sure to get enough sleep to aid your muscles in the healing process.

• Increase strength

Expand your rehab routine and take extra time to strengthen the area. You can focus on core exercises.

Since many running injuries start with the feet, you can have a running shoe analysis, and a computerized gait analysis. Find sports medicine physicians that will write a biochemical gait analysis report based on your reports. You will also have a treadmill running video assessment and a biochemical assessment with one of their program specialists. With a referral from your medical doctor, you may book an appointment with sports medicine physicians to discuss whether or not you are a candidate orthopaedic surgery. They will listen to your concerns and goals, and provide detailed information and advice. You can contact your nearest sports medicine physician or visit Athletic Edge Sports Medicine (AESM) for details about running injury treatment.