Summer is right around the corner. Due to the interesting spring, however, my body is craving a walk, a bike ride, a good lift in the gym, or just a full day of sunshine! But what keeps me from actually doing any of this stuff is the thought of getting back into the routine. In other words, I’m not a big fan of feeling sore or tired, and I know that my first few workouts will consist of burning lungs and lazy muscles.
But one thing is consistent in all active people: whether we’re starting a new workout routine or training for a high school sports team, our muscles need continual maintenance. Even if you or your young athlete doesn’t feel a need or consistent craving for a tune up, the longer we go without recovering, the harder it’s going to hit us later.
So what can we do?
The Wellness Center offers “Sports Massages” for people who are or want to be more active – athletes or non-athletes alike. This means that a Sports massage is for anyone, of any age, doing anything from marathon training or playing competitive sports to mowing the lawn or moving a couch.
Think of a Sports massage as treating your muscles to tune-ups. They will not only help some of us get back into a routine, like me, but they will also help us stay in a routine and increase the odds of staying injury-free. The purpose, then, behind this type of therapy, is to prepare, recover, and maintain muscles before, during, and after any type of physical activity.
The two types of Sports massages are “Preventative Sports Massages” and “Conditioning/Maintenance Sports Massages.” Preventative Sports Massages are designed to prevent injuries as we get into our routine of activities. These sessions are designed to prepare and relax the body for and from physical strain; though, stretching and other preventative measures can be taken for injury prevention. Conditioning/Maintenance Sports Massages, on the other hand, are designed to treat the body of an already active person. It will simply improve your or your young athlete’s current physical condition and performance.
A Sports massage uses slow, light pressure strokes in order to relax and release the muscles. Unlike a Swedish massage, which uses long strokes, or a Deep-tissue massage, which uses deep pressure, a Sports massage will not allow your muscles to get sorer or spasm; instead, getting a Sports massage is like giving your body extra credit – it will improve your overall performance in your chosen activity no matter what.
Maybe if I had started Sports massages sooner, I’d be in better shape today. But the good news is that it’s never too late to get back in the game! That’s what I plan on doing, and that’s what I often tell my young athletes…even though they still think they’re invincible!
If you are considering a Sports Massage for you, contact The Wellness Center today at 303-357-9355. If your young athlete could benefit from a Sports massage, here are some tips that should help make the experience comfortable and therapeutic:
1. Choose a Wellness Center therapist with the same gender as your child.
2. Start with a shorter sessions time (30-45 minutes).
3. Have them dress in comfortable clothing that will allow for active stretching during the session.
4. Consider being in the room during the massage to alleviate any hesitation on your or your child’s part.
Whether you’re like me and are a little intimidated getting back into it, or if you or your young athlete want to up the personal or competitive performances, consider getting a Sports massage today.
