When you think about getting a massage, you might wonder which type is best for your needs—sports massage or remedial massage? While both offer incredible benefits, they cater to different needs. Whether you are an athlete and want to enhance your performance or are suffering from chronic pain, understanding the difference will give you a clear idea of what your body actually needs.
What Is Sports Massage?
Sports massage uses smooth, flowing movements to improve blood circulation, relax muscles, and relieve tight or injured areas. It’s a great choice for anyone involved in sports, not just professional athletes, and can be beneficial both before and after a game.
Before a match, sports massage helps “flush” the muscles by warming them up and ensuring they have a good blood supply for top performance. After the game or event, the focus shifts to flushing out toxins that build up during activity, which aids in muscle recovery and helps prevent injuries.
The fast movements used in this type of massage help the body get rid of waste products, like lactic and uric acid, and increase blood flow to areas that need healing.
Why Choose This Type?
Here are some primary benefits of this type of bodywork:
- Prevents and addresses sports injuries
- Enhances athletic performance
- Increases flexibility and reduces muscle tension
- Speeds up the recovery process post-workout/exercise/competition
What Is Remedial Massage?
Remedial massage, on the other hand, focuses on relieving pain and tension. It works on deeper layers of muscles and tissues by using techniques such as deep tissue pressure and trigger point therapy to relieve discomfort. You don’t have to be an athlete to take advantage of this therapy; it will resolve issues brought on by day-to-day activities or other long-standing ailments.
Whether you are suffering back pain, stiff joints, or even tension due to stress, this kind of bodywork may help in restoring balance and relieving unease.
What Are the Benefits?
This type of bodywork:
- Targets chronic pain or musculoskeletal conditions
- Reduces stress and improve posture
- Improves joint mobility and flexibility
Which One Should You Choose?
Which you choose will, of course, come down to lifestyle and what you want to achieve. Whether you work out frequently, have particular niggles that need help in recovery, or you simply want to avoid injuries, then it’s more than likely that sports massage is probably your best option. If, however, you are suffering from more chronic pain or tension, then remedial massage could be for you.
Whichever option appeals to you, both types of massage can make a massive difference to your physical and mental wellbeing.
Ready to Feel the Difference?
Whether you’re an athlete who wants to perform at your peak or someone seeking to alleviate chronic pain, a tailored massage may help you achieve your goals. Contact Kirwan Complete Care to book your sports or remedial massage!
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