Link to MamasHealth.com
MamasHealth.com Home
Running Pages

Altitude Training
Avoid Overtraining
Avoid Running Injuries
Avoid Sunburn
Breathing Techniques
Cross Training
Downhill Running
Find a marathon
Half marathon Training
Hill Training
Improve your form
Interval Training
Marathon Day Tips
Marathon Training
Raceday Checklist
Refuel Foods
Recup from a Marathon
Replacing Fluids
Run with a Buddy
Running Accessories
Running Apparel
Running and Blisters
Running Gear Guide
Running Injuries
Running and Massage
Running and Walking
Running Books
Running Programs
Running Shoes
Running on a Treadmill
Sports Therapies
Stretching
Water Workouts for Runners
Winter Running Tips

Links

Email Mama

Inexpensive Treadmills

Instructional videos

Recovery foods

Fitness Accessories



 

The Importance of Sports Massage to Runners

What is Sports Massage?

Sports Massage is a special form of massage that is typically used before, during, and after athletic events.

The purpose of sports massage is to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries.

The main difference between sports massage and other massage techniques is that it directly targets and reduces tension in muscles and joints that are affected by athletic use and injury.

Why Sports Massage is Important To Runners

Sports Massage is especially important for runners who run more than 35 miles a week. The more miles you run, the more strain your muscles are under and the more beneficial sports massage is. Incorporating sports massage into your training schedule will help you train optimally.

Sports Massage is important to runners for many reasons:

 
  1. Reduces muscle inflammationReduces muscle soreness
    • Sports massage helps reduce soreness by flushing out the lactic acid that is produced while running.
    • Lactic acid can build up in muscles and cause soreness over time.
    Reduces muscle tensionPromotes muscle flexibility
    • Sports massage promotes muscle flexibility by removing lactic acid.
    Increases muscle recovery time
    • Removing lactic acid through massage increases recovery time.
    Increases mental alertness and reduces muscle fatigue
  2. Decreases your chance of developing a muscle injury

Massage immediately before and after an event will also help reduce the muscle spasms that occurs with vigorous exercise.

How to Choose a Sports Massage Therapist

It is important to find a sports massage therapist who you can see regularly and build a relationship with. If you see your massage therapist regularly, they will become familiar with your body/muscle structure and be able to provide you with the best care.

When looking for a massage therapist, ask them how long they have been working as a therapist and where they received their certifications. Make sure you are comfortable talking with them because you will have to give them feedback on how your body feels.

Featured Book

Health Book

Advertise on MamasHealth.com

Your product featured on MamasHealth.com

Health Topic: Tummy Tuck Surgery: What No One Tells You

Bulimia: I lost my smile

Soothe aching feet

How to choose the best weight loss program

Helping an alcoholic spouse

MamasHealth $500 Scholarship

How to deal with a stubborn husband or boyfriend

How to support a family on one income

Financial health

Information obtained from MamasHealth.com™ should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner, nor should it be inferred as such. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about a specific condition.

Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use.
Contact us: PO Box 2170, Pasadena, CA 91102-2170

If you want a review of your product featured on MamasHealth.com, let us know.

©2000 - 2008 MamasHealth.com™. All rights reserved

Link to MamasHealth.com