All About Sports Massage and It's Perks (Largo)

The physical demand from athletes is tremendous during training and while competing in their respective sports. Injuries are common and muscle strain and pain is an everyday ordeal for them. In order to help these athletes perform better and recover from injury, they can simply go to a certified massage clinic and ask for a sports massage treatment. Clinics offer this type of therapeutic massage all over Largo.

A sports massage is a type of massage technique that focuses on treating stressed or injured deep tissue muscles. It “unties” knotted muscles and increases mobility for physically-active individuals. It is also beneficial for non-atletes who constantly undergo intensive exercise routines and those with injuries or are undergoing physical therapy. A sports massage uses mechanical pressure to soft tissues to stimulate blood circulation and increase the oxidation of muscles. When muscles are properly supplied with blood and oxygen, flexibility and mobility will come more easily for the body. Generally speaking, all types of massage techniques lower the heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that increases heart rate and heightens stress levels. Low levels of these functions means increased feelings of relaxation and positive mood. These very same physiological and psychological benefits from a sports massage greatly helps athletes' performance.

The relationship between sports massages and healing injuries has not yet actually gained enough study. There have even been some speculations that it poses no benefits (at all) for injured muscles. But, substantial observations have been made to safely conclude that post-exercise massages do reduce the after-effects of a strenuous work-out like muscle soreness and fatigue. So, knowing that you won't feel as much muscle pain is better that feeling the full blown misery of an aching body.

Note that a sports massage is not similar to a deep tissue massage. The latter has greater focus on releasing trapped toxins from muscles brought about by posture problems, repetitive tasks, general physical stress. It applies slower strokes as compared to the more rapid massage action in a sports massage. This technique also helps eliminate scar tissues from muscles and so it is normal to feel a little soreness after undergoing this treatment. The pain should go away after a day or two.

Sports massages  and deep tissue massages are easily available in clinics all over Largo. But, it is important that you go to a certified massage therapist to get this treatment since it involves more delicate deep tissues. Make sure to ask them these important questions: “Are you accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)?”, “Are you a licensed massage therapy in the Florida state?” “Are you certified by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork?", and "What kind of training have you had for this kind of massage?"  

To find a massage therapist in the areas of 33771, Belleair, and Indian Rocks Beach, you can search the Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) database. A directory is also available in the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTS) database. If you are interested to find other types of massages in the Largo area, you can ask to get other treatments like a Swedish massage, Oriental massage (Shiatsu or Acupressure), prenatal massage for expectant mothers, aromatherapy, back massage, or a cranial sacral massage. All these are available at your nearest licensed massage therapy clinic.