Whether you are a dedicated athlete, a recreational sports fan, or generally live an active lifestyle, chances are you have injured an ankle, hip, or arm along the way. Sports injuries are fairly common and usually temporary, but it is important to give them proper care and time to heal so you can get back in the game.
When to Consider Post-Injury Massage Services
Sports injuries and sprains can cause long-term mobility issues if left unaddressed, which is why timely attention is crucial. If you have been injured on the court, in the gym, or out in the field, our seasoned practitioners at Urban Massage & Wellness are here to help. First, let’s talk about how massage therapy can help you through the healing process.
How Massage Therapy Can Speed up the Healing Process
Everybody is different, and no two sports injuries are alike. Before considering massage therapy for your injury or sprain, we recommend speaking with your doctor to determine the severity of your issue and whether more invasive measures are necessary. For example, while massage therapy can be very beneficial for soft-tissue sports injuries like tennis elbow, shin splints, and muscle strain, it is not suited for people with fragile, injured, or broken bones.
A registered massage therapist will ask about the reason for your visit to determine whether massage therapy is a safe way to address the desired treatment area. Before we dive into the massage techniques that can soothe appropriate strains, sprains, and other sports injuries, let’s clarify what constitutes a sports injury or sprain.
What Are Sports Injuries and Sprains?
As you can imagine, sports injuries typically happen during exercise or sports. You might have twisted your ankle the wrong way while kicking a ball, strained your knee sliding into home plate, or felt discomfort in your forearm while swinging your racquet. These injuries can happen to professional athletes and recreational sports enthusiasts alike.
One common way athletes hurt themselves is by not giving their bodies a chance to warm up before starting activity. Individuals who are not regularly active or who play contact sports are also at increased risk.
Some Common Sports Injuries Include:
- Sprained ankles caused by overstretched or torn ligaments when the ankle is twisted or turned out of place.
- Strained hamstrings from overstretching or tearing the tendons that connect muscles to bones.
- Knee injuries affecting the joint, muscles, or surrounding tissues.
- Tennis elbow stemming from repetitive arm motions that strain the tendons over time.
Sprains and strains can affect various parts of the body; it is important to understand the difference. A sprain describes overstretched or torn ligaments (tissue bands), while a strain refers to overstretched or torn tendons (fibrous tissue cords).
Best Massage Services for Sports Injuries and Sprains
Certain massage techniques can help alleviate pain and soreness caused by athletic injuries, which might involve deeper pressure than a traditional relaxation massage. For example, if you visit our St. Albert massage clinic for a sprained ankle, your massage therapist may apply a cross-friction massage technique to the area to help prevent excessive scar tissue from developing on the affected ligaments or tendons.
At Urban Massage & Wellness, several services can help with sport-specific concerns, sprains, and general strains.
Sports Massage for Sports Injuries
A sports massage is designed to target muscle groups that are engaged and often overworked due to frequent physical activity and repetitive motions. The techniques used can improve flexibility, range of motion, and support faster healing.
Hot Stone Massage for Sport Injuries
A hot stone massage can help alleviate aches and pains caused by sport-related injuries, sprains, and strains. The heat and weight of the stones work together to relieve tension and reduce muscle and joint discomfort.
Prenatal Massage for Sports Injuries
A prenatal massage can help relieve tension caused by various muscle strains that pregnant clients might experience while adjusting to a growing baby. For example, if you strain your back while pregnant, your massage therapist will use special positioning techniques and props to massage the area safely and comfortably.
Other Ways to Care for Injured Areas
There are effective ways to care for sport-induced injuries, sprains, and strains at home to speed up recovery. A helpful starting point is rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Let your body rest, apply ice to reduce swelling, provide compression, and keep the area elevated.
Ask your massage therapist about stretches you can do at home following your visit, and consult a physiotherapist if rehabilitation and targeted exercise are needed. There are many at-home stretches and exercises a professional can show you to help restore function, but take recovery at your own pace.
Above all, go easy on yourself and give your body the time it needs to recover after trauma so you do not end up hurting yourself more. Patience is protection!
Book a Therapeutic Massage in St. Albert, AB
Do you have a sports injury? Book a visit online with one of our St. Albert practitioners. Our dedicated team is here to help keep your muscles and joints in peak-performance shape so you can focus on getting back in the field, on the court, or wherever you like to play. You can have peace of mind knowing you are in good hands at Urban Massage & Wellness.
