The powerful benefits of a sports massage for runners

Running is one of the most satisfying, challenging, and physically demanding sports.

Almost all runners know that pain after a long run, but few realize that a professional therapist can help them identify the source of that pain, relieve it, and even help them improve their performance.

What are the benefits of massage for runners?

If you look at professional runners, they have an entire team of professionals around them, including a therapist; they rely on massages to improve performance and help prevent injuries and manage aches and pains.

The primary benefit of massage is that it relaxes tense muscles and eliminates adhesions or minor scar tissue between the muscles and the fascia, the covering that surrounds the muscles.

Unnecessary tension and adhesions can restrict movement and affect their range of motion, which can lead to abnormal movement patterns that may cause overuse injuries.

Another great benefit is pain relief, helping to recover muscles after intense training.

One of the obvious benefits that is often undervalued is relaxation. The stress of work or personal life can negatively impact your training and how you adapt to exercise.

Recovery is another significant benefit of massage; it can reduce pain and the intensity of muscle soreness after intense training or a marathon.

Some studies indicate that massage can reduce inflammation, improve immune function, and decrease stress hormones like cortisol.

While massage will not eliminate lactic acid or any other waste products from the muscles, it will promote increased circulation in the muscles, and greater circulation is what will aid in recovery.

These benefits of sports massage for runners suggest that you can recover faster and be ready for another race sooner. Running more fast training sessions or more miles is one of the best ways to become a better runner. And a sports massage can help you do that while mitigating the risk of injuries.

What is a sports massage like?

Certified sports massage therapists use special techniques to prevent and treat minor injuries associated with high-impact exercises.

Sore muscles or joints can benefit from sports massage, as the techniques used are designed to focus on the areas most susceptible to developing pain or injuries.

Sports massages are beneficial both before and after exercise, and usually combine gentle techniques and deep techniques, to work all layers of muscle tissue.

The primary goal of a sports massage will vary depending on the areas of the body most used by the athlete. A certified and experienced therapist will know to ask the right questions to maximize the benefits of the massage.

Can a sports massage help with knee injuries?

It is very common to hear that runners injure their knees, feel pain, or have swelling.

Massage can relieve pain and promote healing; a certified therapist will know to advise you on when an injury requires the assessment of a doctor, physiotherapist, or other specialist.

If you have concerns about any injury or severe pain, it's important to consult with your doctor.

Can a sports massage help in a marathon?

There are specific techniques that a certified therapist knows to perform before or after a marathon.

It is important that you have a close relationship with your therapist and that they know how your body reacts to different techniques, to personalize the massage according to your needs. Some people respond better to gentle techniques, while others require deeper techniques.

It is also important for your therapist and you to know how your body reacts a few hours or days after a massage, to determine when the best time for a massage is. Not all of us are the same, and some may need a sports massage 2 or 3 days before a marathon, or even on the same day.

How often should you get a sports massage?

It depends on your budget, schedule, and goals, but including sports massages in your routine, whether once a week, once a month, or occasionally, can offer great benefits in terms of physical and emotional health, as well as muscle health and even performance.

Furthermore, regularity will help you get to know your therapist and for your therapist to know you and your body, what techniques work best for your body, how your body feels a few hours or days after a massage, etc.

A long-term relationship with your therapist means you can receive even more personalized service. If this is not possible, don't worry; you can still enjoy the benefits of occasional sports massage.

How can I find a certified sports massage therapist for runners?

You can search online for therapy centers; however, not all offer the same services or quality, so it is important to check the ratings and reviews from people.

At Zen to Go, we work exclusively with certified therapists with at least 5 years of experience, so we are confident that we can be your allies for your training and wellness routine.

We understand that when you find a good therapist, you don’t want to let them go. For this reason, after a service with one of our therapists, you can add them to your list of preferred therapists and book with them again.

Book your next at-home sports massage at www.zentogo.com.mx.