Massage Therapy's Role in Athlete Rest and Recovery 🏃🏽♀️🫀
Have you met our massage therapist, Bailey McCormack at our downtown Edmonton clinic? She wrote a wonderful Instagram post about her history in athletics which cultivated her desire to start a career in massage therapy. This blog is a continuation and expansion on the information provided.
As athletes push their bodies to the limit, striving for excellence in their chosen sports, the toll on their muscles, joints, and overall well-being can be immense. The pursuit of peak performance often goes hand-in-hand with muscle soreness, stiffness, and the looming risk of injuries or repetitive strains. In this relentless journey, massage therapy emerges as a valuable ally, offering not only relief but also aiding in the rest and recovery that athletes desperately need.
Bailey’s personal journey through the realm of sports and injuries led her to the remarkable benefits of massage therapy. Having participated in various sports, including track and field and high-level club volleyball, she became no stranger to the physical toll that intense training and competition can take. Recurring strain injuries in her hip and shoulder left her searching for solutions, and that's when she discovered the healing power of massage therapy.
“For athletes who are partaking in high interval training; massage treatments can help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness and act as a preventative tool for potential injuries & syndromes. Muscular endurance & strength training causes micro trauma to your tissue in order for your muscle to repair larger and therefore stronger in a process known as muscular hypertrophy. This is why we experience soreness the day following a heavy lift or practice. Massage techniques work to bring new blood and nutrients to the area to aid in this repair process.”
Furthermore, massage therapy and therapeutic massage treatments serve as a preventive measure against potential injuries and syndromes. Athletes frequently engage in muscular endurance and strength training, which involves causing micro-trauma to muscle tissue. This trauma, although essential for muscle growth, can leave athletes vulnerable to injuries if not managed properly. Massage techniques play a crucial role in this scenario, by promoting increased blood flow and delivering essential nutrients to the traumatized tissues. This aids in the repair process, facilitating not only recovery but also enhancing overall muscular health.
The passion for healing athletes from their injuries and allowing them to reach their potential drives Bailey to do what she does, and she desires to work closely with athletes of all levels, from professionals to enthusiasts. Every athlete deserves the chance to perform at their peak and manage the inevitable discomfort that accompanies rigorous training. Through massage therapy, athletes can experience relief from muscle soreness and stiffness, enabling them to focus on what they do best—excel in their respective sports.
The holistic benefits of massage therapy, and deep tissue massage, extend beyond physical relief. The calming and relaxing effect of skilled hands on tired muscles can have a profound impact on an athlete's mental well-being. The stress and pressure that come with training and competition can take a toll on an athlete's psyche. Massage therapy offers a respite, allowing athletes to unwind, clear their minds, and reconnect with their bodies. Bailey is a talented massage therapist and we encourage you to try her out - she’s located out of our downtown Edmonton massage clinic inside the Evolve Strength Gym in the 124th Street District.
If you're an athlete seeking to harness the power of massage therapy for optimal rest and recovery, I invite you to take the next step. Book a session with Bailey here, and you'll not only experience the therapeutic touch of skilled hands but also receive a tailored assessment to address your specific needs. Additionally, you'll gain access to at-home exercises and rehabilitation protocols that will further contribute to your overall well-being.
In conclusion, the partnership between athletes and massage therapy is one rooted in understanding the body's needs and striving for excellence. As athletes push their physical boundaries, the role of massage therapy in providing relief, promoting recovery, and enhancing overall performance becomes increasingly vital. Whether you're an aspiring athlete or a seasoned pro, the healing touch of massage therapy can be your secret weapon in achieving your goals while keeping your body in top shape. 🌟🏃🏽♀️🫀
-Excerpts & Topic by Bailey McCormack, expanded by Miranda Horvath.
