Don’t let the name fool you! Contrary to popular belief sports massage isn’t just reserved for international athletes. It can be use used by ‘Average Joe’s and Joannes’ too. Here I want to highlight my top 5 reasons why you should book in for a sports massage this week.

It’ll make you feel better! 

Ultimately, isn’t that what we all want?  Taking an hour out of your week to spend some time on yourself, is something we should all be doing.  That time can be spent forgetting about work, and emails and day to day chores and… (fill in your own blank here).  Note: Its best if you use this as downtime and turn your phone onto silent during the treatment, so you’re not distracted when you hear a BUZZ.

It’ll improve general aches and pains!

Sitting at a desk for 8 to 10 hours a day takes a lot of energy.  Muscles like to be moving and contracting.  If the muscles are contracting to hold you in one position but not actually moving then the blood flow to those muscles will be compromised.  Waste products from normal cell metabolism will also build up in the muscles.

Fear not… Sports massage is great for improving blood flow, relaxing muscles, getting rid of lactic acid and improving lymphatic flow.

It could help stop you getting ill!

As I touched on before a sports massage can help with the movement of lymph around the body. Lymph is a by-product of cell metabolism and is involved with the immune system.  Sports massage can work on the lymphatic system, improving areas of ‘stagnation’ and help the circulation of white blood cells.

Warning!! After your first sports massage you can sometimes get mild cold symptoms as the immune system is stimulated. It’s important to stay well hydrated after a treatment, avoid alcohol and get good amounts of sleep.

It can improve flexibility!

Surrounding your muscles is a connective tissue called fascia.  If your body is held in one position for long periods, the facia can adhere to the muscle underneath it.  These adhesions stop the normal gliding movement between the muscle and fascia. Sports massage can help to break down these adhesions and improve mobility and flexibility in the body.

It can improve your posture!

Muscles work in pairs.  When one muscle contracts, the opposite muscle must relax.  If you have a ‘desk posture’ ie head forward, slumping etc… there will be an imbalance between these muscles. Sports massage can help to relax the overworked muscles and to stimulate the underworked muscles.

I hope this helps to answer some questions about whether sports massage would be appropriate for you.

For more information on massage, please check out the website of my governing body https://www.theisrm.com

I’m also happy to answer any questions that you might have.  You can contact me at the clinic on https://www.bodyfixclinic.co.uk/contact-us/

My hours at BodyFix Clinic are Mondays and Saturdays.