By Seth Johnson
Photo by John Torcasio via Unsplash
Sports Injuries: Safety Isn’t Guaranteed
Growing up, we’re always told to be careful playing sports; our parents may have said
something to the tune of:
“Make sure you put on your helmet before riding your bike!”
“Where is your mouth guard? You need that before you can go out and play.”
“Don’t forget to put on your knee brace before going onto the field.”
These small words of wisdom sometimes go unappreciated when we’re that young, and even if
we do continue to apply these crucial preventative measures when we’re out moving around,
they don’t come with a 100% guarantee that we won’t get hurt. Whether it’s a quick injury – such
as from football collisions or missteps on the basketball court – or a longstanding injury, such as
from repetitively throwing or straining muscles, the healing process is truly determined by the
actions we take the minute our body is traumatized and when we realize that our body is
impacted.
Growing up, we’re always told to be careful playing sports; our parents may have said
something to the tune of:
“Make sure you put on your helmet before riding your bike!”
“Where is your mouth guard? You need that before you can go out and play.”
“Don’t forget to put on your knee brace before going onto the field.”
These small words of wisdom sometimes go unappreciated when we’re that young, and even if
we do continue to apply these crucial preventative measures when we’re out moving around,
they don’t come with a 100% guarantee that we won’t get hurt. Whether it’s a quick injury – such
as from football collisions or missteps on the basketball court – or a longstanding injury, such as
from repetitively throwing or straining muscles, the healing process is truly determined by the
actions we take the minute our body is traumatized and when we realize that our body is
impacted.
Benefits of Massage Therapy for Sports Injuries
Sometimes it’s hard to estimate what’s supposed to happen next. For many people, the hospital
is what first comes to mind – but in addition to this, massage therapy for sports injuries could
greatly reduce the negative impact of the injury on the body and could even help the body more
quickly repair from the damage that was done. The Pacific College of Oriental Medicine explains
that “trigger points” occur for many people with sports injuries – which are essentially thought of
as knots in the muscles, which bring about points of tension. Trigger points are very painful to
the touch, but massage therapy can help relieve some of the tension in these areas by
promoting relaxation in muscles surrounding these points.
Even people who avidly exercise and are prone to sport-related injuries, such as Olympic
weightlifters, can benefit from massage therapy. A 2018 study published in the Asian Journal of
Sports Medicine found that these groups of people can experience not only wonderfully
therapeutic effects from massage therapy but can also benefit from less pain intensity after so
much physically strenuous activity. Even if the body is currently injured, massage therapy can
come to the rescue and help the body prepare to avoid re-injury; this occurs by stretching
connective tissue throughout the body, which improves circulation and also helps the body to
release fluids necessary for tissue repair.
A few years ago, Massage Magazine listed a number of incredible benefits that injured athletes
can receive from massage therapy during their recovery time:
- Reduced delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
- Reduced muscle fatigue
- Improved blood flow
- Calming of the central nervous system
- Aiding in muscle endurance
- Increased neutrophil count (these are white blood cells that keep our immune system functioning properly)
- And so much more
While most people would think of traditional R&R (rest and relaxation) for optimized healing,
massage therapy needs to be sought after as well – and as soon as possible – so that the body
can get jump started on the restoration process.
A Strong Foundation for Healing
All recovery takes time, but massage therapy provides an overall buffer for the body to begin
repairing itself. If you’ve recently become injured while out on the field or in a similar
circumstance, call us at Bodies in Balance so that we can help your body heal in the best – and
most efficient - way possible.
Bodies in Balance is an exceptional massage therapy practice based in Flagstaff, AZ,
that aims to help clients relieve pain, improve athletic performance, and reduce stress
with high-quality therapeutic bodywork and outstanding customer service. To schedule
your next much-needed massage, call us today at 928-853-5765. With therapists who
have years of experience - and with an emphasis placed on personalized wellness plans -
you’ll have no problem moving forward with a massage therapy regime that will uplift
your mind, body and spirit to new heights.
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