The 2022/2023 ski season is well underway, and it’s shaping up to be a good one! Snowpack is above 100% throughout the Rocky Mountains, which means conditions are ideal for your favorite winter sports.
Not as ideal? Waking up the day after skiing or snowboarding with sore, achy muscles.
Did you know there’s a specific type of massage that can help you reduce soreness, recover faster, and even improve your performance on the mountain?
Keep reading below to learn more about sports massage and what it can do for you.
What Is Sports Massage?
Sports massage is a targeted, therapeutic massage designed to treat aches, pains, and injuries. Rather than a general full-body massage, this type of massage is customized to address your body’s specific needs.
For example, skiers and snowboarders often need extra attention to their hips, glutes, legs, and feet. Meanwhile, kayakers and rock climbers may need targeted work on their shoulders and arms.
The benefits of sports massage include:
- Less pain and stiffness
- Increased range of motion
- Reduced DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness)
- Improved athletic performance
- Better quality of sleep
- Faster healing of sports-related injuries
A sports massage therapist will use a variety of techniques to address sore muscles, tight tendons, and stiff joints. This might include trigger point therapy, deep kneading, range-of-motion movements, and active or passive stretching.
How Can Sports Massage Help Me?
Interestingly, the majority of athletic and lifestyle injuries are not due to trauma. Experts estimate that 65% of soft tissue injuries are actually due to overuse!
Whether your aches and pains are due to overuse or trauma, here are four ways sports massage can help you feel your best.
Pre-Event Preparation
If you’re preparing for a bike race, ski event, golf tournament, or similar activity, a sports massage can help to get your body ready. Your therapist will use quick, targeted movements and stretches to energize your nervous system and prepare it for intense activity.
Post-Event Recovery
After an event, a massage can help your body recover faster and reduce muscle soreness. Your therapist may use slower, deeper strokes combined with gentle stretches to calm your nervous system and restore your muscles to their normal resting length.
Injury-Specific Therapy
This type of massage is also ideal for anyone suffering from common overuse injuries such as:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shin splints
- Frozen shoulder
Your therapist will use a variety of techniques to address soothe irritated soft tissues and promote healing within your body.
General Sports Massage Therapy
You don’t have to be a professional athlete or a gym rat to benefit from sports massage. This modality can improve the quality, ease, and range of motion of your body’s movements no matter which types of activities you enjoy.
Where Can I Get the Best Massage in Vail?
As we’ve discussed, sports massage is a powerful weapon in your healthcare arsenal.
Regular massages can address specific issues with your muscles, tendons, and joints. At the same time, it can help to improve your athletic performance while minimizing your chances of injury.
Does this sound like the solution your tired, aching body needs? Call us at 970-445-2114 or use our contact form to schedule your next session at Apres at Simply Massage in West Vail!