The Benefits and Techniques of Sports Massage in Bath
Enhancing Recovery and Well-being for All
Whether you're an athlete or someone who simply wants to relieve muscle tension, improve flexibility, or manage chronic pain, a sports massage can be highly beneficial. While this type of massage is often associated with athletes, it's just as effective for non-athletes dealing with muscle aches, repetitive strain injuries, or restricted range of motion.
At MZ Therapy, Madeleine offers sports massage in Bath and at her home studio in Stanton Prior that is tailored to meet the needs of both active individuals and those looking for relief from everyday discomfort.
What is a Sports Massage?
A sports massage is a specialised form of massage therapy that focuses on the muscles and connective tissues. While it’s particularly beneficial for those involved in physical activity, it can also help individuals with chronic pain, injuries, or muscle stiffness.
Techniques used in sports massage, such as deep tissue manipulation, stretching, and trigger point therapy, are designed to alleviate tension, improve circulation, and promote healing.
Whether you’re an athlete or simply experiencing discomfort from daily activities, sports massage can offer relief and help maintain healthy muscle function.
Why Do You Feel Sore After a Massage?
It’s normal to feel sore after a sports massage, especially if deep pressure was applied. This temporary soreness, known as post-massage soreness, happens for several reasons:
Muscle Manipulation
Sports massage often involves deep muscle manipulation, which can cause micro-tears in the muscle fibres, similar to how your muscles respond after a workout. This promotes healing but can result in short-term soreness.
Increased Circulation
The massage stimulates blood flow, flushing out metabolic waste like lactic acid from your muscles. As your body processes this waste, some discomfort can occur.
Releasing Tension
Targeting areas of chronic tension or muscle knots can cause soreness as these tight areas are released. However, this discomfort is temporary and usually subsides within a couple of days, leaving you feeling looser and more flexible.
Drinking water, doing light stretching, and using heat or cold therapy after your sports massage can help alleviate this soreness.
Sports Massage vs Deep Tissue Massage: What’s the Difference?
At MZTherapy, Madeleine offers both sports massage and deep tissue massage in Bath and Stanton Prior. They are designed to target the deeper layers of muscle tissue, but they serve different purposes:
Sports Massage
This type of massage is deep, targeted, and precise, focusing on specific areas or parts of a muscle group. Whether you're dealing with injuries, muscle strain, or poor alignment, sports massage can help release tension, improve muscle balance around joints, work on scar tissue, and enhance both range of motion and flexibility.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage, on the other hand, is more holistic and relaxing than a sports massage. It focuses on releasing muscle tension across the entire body but with a gentler, more flowing technique. This allows the recipient to fully switch off and enjoy a soothing, deep somatic experience.
Unlike the targeted nature of sports massage, deep tissue massage addresses the body as a whole, making it an ideal choice if you're looking to relax and relieve overall muscle tension. However, if you have specific areas of concern—such as the neck, shoulders, back, or hips—be sure to communicate this with Madeleine, and she will tailor the massage to address those issues.
If you want to improve athletic performance, recover from an injury, or target specific muscle tension, sports massage is ideal for enhancing mobility and preventing future injuries.
For a more relaxing, full-body experience that still relieves muscle tension, deep tissue massage is the better choice, offering both relaxation and therapeutic benefits.
What to Expect from a Sports Massage in Bath
If you’re considering a sports massage Bath, here’s what to expect during your session:
Consultation: Madeleine will discuss your needs, whether you’re an athlete or seeking relief from chronic pain or restricted movement. This ensures the massage is tailored to your specific concerns, whether it’s muscle tension, injury recovery, or improved flexibility.
Targeted Techniques: Depending on your needs, Madeleine may use deep tissue pressure, stretching, or trigger point release to address tight muscles and pain points. These techniques aren’t just for athletes—they can benefit anyone dealing with muscle aches or stiffness.
Soreness After the Session: It’s common to feel a bit sore after a sports massage, particularly if deep pressure was applied. However, this soreness should subside within a day or two, leaving you with increased mobility and less pain.
Improved Flexibility and Pain Relief: After the initial soreness fades, you’ll notice a decrease in muscle tension, improved flexibility, and relief from any chronic aches or pain. Regular sessions can keep both athletes and non-athletes feeling at their best, whether for enhanced performance or simply daily comfort.
Why Choose MZ Therapy for Your Sports Massage in Bath?
At MZ Therapy, Madeleine provides customised treatments to help with a variety of issues, including sports-related injuries, chronic pain, sciatica, and general muscle discomfort. Find out about other massages here, and book a session here.