Benefits of sports massage
Sports massage is a form of massage aimed at relaxing and restoring the muscles. It suits people who train regularly, but equally people dealing with stress, overload or a poor posture.
What a sports massage does
Improved blood circulation, so waste products, fluid and pain signals are removed faster and oxygen and nutrients are supplied better.
Faster muscle recovery, which helps prevent injuries and gets you ready for the next session sooner.
Better performance, concentration, sleep and energy levels, because your muscles become suppler and stronger.
Less anxiety, pain and blockage in the muscle tissue, because you let go of tension and stress.
How dry needling strengthens the massage
Dry needling is a technique in which a thin needle is inserted into a trigger point or a muscle knot. This relaxes the muscle locally, so the pain and the stiffness go down. Dry needling can be a good addition to sports massage, because it offers the following benefits:
Relief for specific trigger points and deeper muscle tension that is hard to reach with massage alone.
Improved mobility, because muscle length and freedom of movement are restored.
Long-lasting results, because the cause of the muscle trouble is addressed.
By combining sports massage and dry needling you get the most out of both therapies and keep your body in top condition.
Cupping as an addition
With cupping, cups are placed on the skin and a vacuum is created inside them. The tissue is pulled up rather than pressed down, which is a different stimulus from the one the hands give. It is not a replacement for the massage but an addition to it.
At Optimus Massage cupping can only be combined with a one-hour sports massage. The prices are on the rates page.
Increased blood flow where the cups are placed, because the suction lifts the local circulation.
Looser muscles, as tension and stiffness in the tissue ease off.
Faster recovery after exertion, because tired muscles settle more easily.
A different stimulus from the one the hands give, because the tissue is pulled up rather than pressed down.
Scraping as an addition
Scraping, also known as IASTM after Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, is a technique in which a smooth metal tool is drawn over the muscle instead of the thumb or the knuckle. The tool follows the direction of the fibres and gives pressure along a narrow edge, so the spots that are stuck stand out more sharply than they do under the hand.
Less tension in tight muscles and trigger points, which the tool reaches more precisely than the fingers.
More freedom of movement in muscles and joints, so moving feels smoother again.
Stronger local circulation, because the mechanical stimulus lifts the blood flow.
Less stiffness and heaviness after exertion, so recovery gets going sooner.
Like cupping, scraping is an addition to the massage and not a replacement for it. Say when you make the appointment that you would like it, and I will keep time free for it.
How often, and what you notice afterwards
How often is worthwhile
It depends on what you do. People training hard often come every two to four weeks. People who mostly sit and have built up complaints usually get the most out of two or three treatments close together, after which the upkeep can be calmer. What works for you is something we discuss during the first treatment.
What you notice afterwards
A firm sports massage can leave you a little sore the next day, especially the first time. That normally passes within a day or two. It is better not to plan a hard training session straight after the treatment.