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Sports massage is focused on systematically targeting muscles used in a specific sport. It employs various techniques to decrease muscle pain and improve recovery, range of motion, and flexibility to support safe and effective movement.
Our sports massages are patient-centered, addressing the muscles or injured areas affected by regular use and activity unique to each patient. While relaxation is often a welcome side effect, the goal is to encourage muscle repair so you can return to your active lifestyle quickly and safely.
The licensed sports massage therapists at Spine & Sport Annapolis are well-versed in helping our active patients train, heal, rehabilitate, and meet their performance goals. However, because we treat all patients with the same level of care and attention as our athletes, we may use sports massage on anyone who adheres to an active lifestyle, including those who exercise regularly, weekend warriors, high school athletes, and others.
Our team is proud to work with elite and professional athletes of all kinds, including partnering with the PGA and LPGA Tours and many other athletic organizations in and around Annapolis. Their use of our natural and integrated services has given us unparalleled experience when working with sportspeople, and we’d love to support you in your athletic journey, too.
We Have Proudly Provided Care For
PGA Tour
LPGA Tour
Washington Mystics
2019 WNBA Champions
Capital City Go Go
Wizards G-League Affiliate
Washington Spirit
National Women's Soccer League
Frederick Keys
Orioles Class A Affiliate
Aberdeen Ironbirds
Orioles Affiliate
Delmarva Shorebirds
Orioles Affiliate
AVP Beach Volleyball
Nitro Circus
What are the Benefits of Sports Massage?
Sports massage uses specific massage therapy techniques in an athletic context to reduce recovery time, enhance performance, and reduce the risk of injury or re-injury. While no injury can be avoided entirely, sports massage combined with our other sports chiropractic and PT services can help the body respond better to accidents, injuries, and healing.
Sports massage can be significantly beneficial throughout the athletic process, including during:
- Pre-performance
- Post-performance
- Training
- Rehabilitation
From elite athletes to recreational exercisers, sports massage is a proven resource for repairing, restoring, and re-energizing the body and mind.
Our sports massage patients have reported numerous effects that help them function better and meet their athletic and wellness goals, including:
- Increased range of motion and flexibility
- Decreased muscle tension, spasms, and soreness
- Decreased neurological dysfunction
- Increased sense of overall well-being, reduced mental stress, improved focus
- Better sleep quality
- Improved circulation
- Decreased risk of injury
- Shortened recovery time between workouts and events
Who Sports Massage Helps
Because sports massage is noninvasive, it can help athletes of various ages, stages, and abilities. From new yogis and pickleball players to CrossFitters and mountain bikers to football players and runners, sports massage can garner physical and mental relaxation as performance increases.
Some of our sports massage patients include:
- Youth athletes, including high school and college athletes
- Weekend warriors
- Routine exercisers
- Professional golfers
- Professional volleyball players
- Professional basketball players
- Professional baseball players
- Professional soccer players
- Professional racecar drivers
- And others
Common conditions and injuries a sports massage can help relieve and heal include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tendonitis
- Sciatica
- Sprains and strains
- Inflammation
- Headaches and migraines
- Shin splints
- Rotator cuff injuries
- IT band injuries
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- And others
Whether your goal is to make it to the finish line or make it to the finish line first, sports massage can aid in your development and maximize your potential.
How Sports Massage Works
After a detailed discussion that offers insight into the patient’s sport or activity, lifestyle, pains and injuries, and goals, we will determine the best sports massage protocol for optimal results. Often combining our massage efforts with sports chiropractic and physical therapy, we will collaborate with our doctors to ensure your time with us is spent as efficiently as possible.
Through a combination of specialized techniques and targeted movements, our sports massage treatment enhances an athlete’s physical conditioning and performance potential. This approach not only reduces the risk of injury and discomfort but also promotes faster recovery.
Each sports massage session is customized to address the unique needs of the individual athlete. While primarily associated with sports, many of these massage techniques are also effectively applied in various physical therapy contexts and for treating non-sports-related conditions.
Techniques we may employ in your uniquely designed sports massage include:
- Stroking and kneading
- Compression
- Friction
- Gliding
- Stretching
- Trigger point treatment
We often combine our other massage therapies into a sports massage session, which may include:
Sports Massage FAQs
What’s the difference between a deep tissue massage and a sports massage?
While both sports massage and deep tissue massage incorporate firm pressure, stretching, and manipulation to enhance flexibility and movement, sports massage focuses on specific areas of the body that are highly affected by the patient’s athletic activities. The aim is to improve performance and recovery while targeting muscle tension related to the sport.
A deep tissue massage typically involves whole-body treatment, relieving chronic tension and muscle knots, and addresses broader health and pain issues.
Does a sports massage hurt?
A sports massage may generate discomfort throughout the session, depending on the patient’s individual tolerance threshold, injury, and pain level. Muscle tension, current soreness, and how well your muscles adapt to the massage will play a role in your comfort level; however, most believe the discomfort felt is minimal and beneficial, some even considering it relaxing.
After a sports massage, you may feel tender in the area massaged, but that should fade within 24 to 48 hours and should not limit or hinder your activity output.
Are there side effects of sports massage?
The majority of sports massage effects are positive, often quickly improving overall well-being; however, adverse side effects may include:
- Stiffness
- Soreness or achiness
- Fatigue
- Dehydration
- Redness or swelling
These symptoms are quick to end and typically do not interfere with the patient’s regular routine.
Working with Our Sports Massage Therapists in Annapolis
Our licensed massage therapists are skilled at determining how to implement the best sports massage treatment for our patients. We design a tailored plan to target specific sports-related injuries and encourage peak performance so our athletic patients can safely return to the activities they enjoy.
Our team often collaborates to heighten your care, offering a range of chiropractic methods and physical therapy options that may include:
- Sports chiropractic
- Chiropractic care
- Spinal manipulation
- Active Release Technique (ART)
- Fascial Stretch Therapy
- The Graston Technique
- McKenzie Method
- Kinesio taping
- Dry needling
- Class IV laser therapy
Many seasoned and new athletes highly regard sports massage for its numerous benefits. If you’re seeking relief from post-workout muscle soreness and tension, overall relaxation, reduced risk of injury, and improved performance, incorporating regular sports massage into your routine could be precisely what you’re looking for.
Sports massage and our other therapies can make all the difference in your abilities.
We’d love the opportunity to work with you on your sports journey.