Most of us know we need to do strength work and stretch to improve our running, but we should be scheduling regular sports massage in Poole to keep on tiptop form.
The importance of sports massage for runners.
Most people think of running as a leg workout, but it actually engages the whole lower-body as well as being highly dependent on the spine and abdominal muscles to stabilise the pelvis. The quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, hip flexors and calves must all work in harmony to avoid tightness, pain and possible injury. But as the legs can only work as fast as the arms, the upper body does a lot of work too and can tense up if not paid attention to. Strengthening core muscles will also benefit your running gait and ensure you use energy more efficiently.
Sports massage can help runners recover efficiently, reducing muscle soreness by upto 30 per cent. Sports Massage should be treated as part of any runner’s training programme – in the same way as strength work, stretching, hydration and diet. Massage stretches and lengthens muscles, making them more pliable, it also helps remove tension from connective tissue/fascia, easing movement and improving flexibility. Massage allows fresh, oxygenated blood and nutrients to be drawn to the muscles and encourages the transfer of waste products from the muscles to the blood to be expelled from the body and thereby helping avoid tightness and pain. Therefore, over time, regular massage will help break down scar tissue, increasing joint flexibility and maintaining optimal running gait.
Sports Massage can also detect and effectively deal with any injuries that may be brewing – anything from muscle tears to stress fractures. And importantly, it promotes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which help reduce muscle soreness and help keep you calm.
Make sure Sports Massage in Poole is part of your training programme.
