Having a massage evokes images of dimly lit rooms with scented candles, white linens, and expressions of calm and relief. The proven benefits of massage do wonders for the body and enhance its own healing properties.
However, in the tough and competitive world of athletics, the beneficial impact of massage can be a winning formula. Helping the body help itself works wonders for "average" people and the world's best athletes. Here's why:
1. Massage encourages relaxation.
Whether you're an athlete on the racetrack or just in your mind, relaxation is a universal benefit of massage. By relieving soreness and enhancing blood flow to muscles, the pressure points touched by massage bring the mind and body at ease.
2. It makes you more flexible.
As the massaging rhythms gently relieve tense muscles, blood and oxygen flow is restored and quickly enhanced. In addition, regular massage before and after a workout helps increase your body's range of motion which aids in flexibility.
3. It helps reduce pain.
Athletes train hard, and pain is part of the experience. Better circulation in the muscles aids pain relief by removing tension, thus increasing chances for a quick recovery. In addition, minimizing pain shortens the discomfort and enables you to continue with your regular routine.
4. It promotes faster injury recovery.
It is just a matter of time before an injury threatens any athlete. Massage therapy helps the body's natural healing mechanism and aid in faster recovery. And because massage manipulates muscles and pressure points, recovery is directed where it should be.
5. It helps relieve psychological stress.
Competition can be grueling physically and mentally as well. However, minimizing or removing discomfort helps the mind regain focus, and a positive mindset helps the body recover quicker.
6. Getting a massage can help you sleep better.
Sleep gives the body a chance to recover lost energy. Many agree that sleep is the best medicine, and a good massage adds quality to your Zs.
7. Finally, a massage is known to improve an athlete’s performance.
Undoubtedly, well-being is the overall formula for an athlete's success. However, it is not just about feeling good but keeping your best mental and physical form in balance with the demands on and off competition. In addition, the proven advantage of good circulation, muscle strength, flexibility, and rest contribute to what makes athletes different from the average person.
The benefits of messages for athletes cannot be denied. Athlete or not, these advantages can help improve the physical and psychological aspects of an individual. So if you ever find yourself needing some relief or relaxation, come visit us at Paradise Foot Spa, and we'll show you how the pampering strokes of a great massage can be your best solution to stay in shape.