March 30, 2015
Franklin Reyes/AP
Runners receive a massage after participating in the We Run Mexico 10K event in Mexico City, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013.
Now that spring is here, you may have more motivation to get outside and exercise.
If you were fairly dormant during the winter, this sudden burst of activity can be hard on your body, and you will be feeling the consequences the next day.
Adding a sports massage to your fitness routine can help keep your body healthy and strong, massage therapist Mary Kibbe explains in Portland Monthly magazine.
Sports massage therapy is the practice of utilizing massage techniques to focus on specific areas of pain or injury related to physical activity. It is used to relieve muscle tension, increase circulation, improve flexibility and shorten recovery time.
Kibbe says you don't need to be a professional athlete to benefit from sports massage therapy.
In my own practice, I’ve listened to hesitation from a number of clients who aren’t sure if they should call themselves athletes. I hear it all the time: “Isn’t sports massage for the really competitive people?” The truth is, anyone who pursues exercise or athletic activity on a regular basis can benefit from sports massage, especially if you want to take your training to the next level.
When to schedule a massage is based on the individual's personal goals.
Read more about sports massage therapy in Portland Monthly.
