How to prepare for a sports massage

By January 18, 2023News

Have you recently booked a Sports Massage, but not sure how to best prepare for your treatment? Continue reading to learn more about how you can prepare for a Sports Massage and how to take full advantage of all its benefits.

What is the difference between a massage and a sports massage?

The aim of a regular massage is to relax and destress our clients however, sports massages have a slightly different goal. The goal of a sports massage is to ultimately try and prevent muscle injury in somebody who does regular exercise or movement by encouraging circulation, and the removal of toxins like lactic acid which also helps aid in the recovery of muscles. Sports massage help people who exercise to perform at their peak by keeping muscles in great condition. But sports massages are also great for people with muscle pain or tension issues.

During an average massage you are going to experience a light to medium pressure whereas sports massages use a varied range of techniques to release tension in muscles and soft tissues using a slightly harder pressure from the therapist.

What to do to prepare for your sports massage:

There are multiple steps you can take to prepare for your sports massage to make sure you have the best experience possible.

  • Make sure you are hydrated before your session. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol. Dehydration can lead to cramping and other problems.
  • Wear loose clothing so that your therapist can access the areas that need working on. For example shorts, a loose T-shirt or tank top would be ideal.
  • If you have any particular issues like previous sports injuries let the therapist know beforehand so they are aware not to aggravate a certain area.
  • Take into account how long our massages take so you can make the most of your experience. We offer 1hr sessions or 45min sessions.
  • Make time for a toilet break before your massage so you can undergo your treatment in full comfort.

What not to do before your sports massage:

There are also a few things to make sure you don’t do before a sports massage.

  • Avoid applying lotions or creams to your skin.
  • Avoid eating a large meal beforehand as this can make your massage more uncomfortable or also increase the chances of you feeling sick.

If you’re looking to get a sports massage near Wakefield or Leeds or have any other questions about our treatments please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to book in or to find out more on how to best prepare for a sports massage at Olive Massage.

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