Sports Massage Techniques - How Thai Massage Can Improve Performance and Health

 

Thai Massage and Sports Massage have a lot in common. Both are types of massage that promote physical health. However, some people think Thai massage has more health benefits than sports massage. So which one do you choose?

Most people think that the medical benefits of Thai massage relate to reducing stress, enhancing energy, and enhancing sporting performance. Thai massage employs gentle, rhythmic pressure and stretching methods to soothe the body. This is an old healing technique that originally originated in India. It was used by the Chinese and Japanese as well as the Thai people. Thai Massage is ideal for athletes because it improves flexibility and reduces muscle soreness after strenuous exercise.

Many athletes get chronic headaches and tension headaches from overuse of their necks and forearms. They also suffer from migraines and sinus problems. While there isn't a long and drawn-out scientific explanation for the link between Thai massage and athletes' health, many believe the consistent movement and stretching of the soft tissues in the back and neck relieves tension, eases muscle spasms and reduces headaches and migraines.

Athletes benefit from assisted stretching techniques as well. The constant stretching of the muscles helps keep them limber. And of course, good circulation is important to athletes because good blood flow is essential to running and working out. One study of Thai massage found that tennis players who increased their exposure to Thai massage twice a week experienced greater improved circulation and lessened stiffness.

There are plenty of documented medical benefits to sports massage. But these benefits only apply if the athlete is doing the massage. If the athlete is not, or is only observing, then the benefits are much less obvious. A massage at the end of a workout can be very beneficial, especially when the athlete is warmed up and their muscles are sore and tight. However, this same warmup often dulls the senses and causes discomfort. The discomfort from this type of massage can easily be remedied with a few minutes of assistance from an athletic therapist.

There are plenty of documented health benefits to Thai massage too. For instance, it improves blood circulation and lowers blood pressure. In addition, it can relax muscles, improve range-of-motion and reduce soreness and pain. It can also alleviate such things as depression, anxiety, coughing, digestive problems, insomnia and even death! No wonder athletes are starting to incorporate this ancient technique into their training regimens.

As mentioned, the most immediate health benefits to Thai massage are the relief of pain and the reduction of stress. But what about long term benefits? How is it related to muscle development? One of the key benefits of Thai massage is that it improves joint flexibility and range-of-motion. This means it can help athletes prevent injury and help them overcome the fatigue that comes with overuse. This in turn can lead to better overall performance and increased energy levels which are two major contributing factors to the success of an athlete.

It should also be noted that Thai massage is not just limited to athletes and active adults. Even children can reap the benefits of this amazing ancient technique. In fact, research has shown that Thai massage helps the body become more responsive to touch. This allows the children to become more active and able to engage in more physically demanding sports. Plus, the improved blood flow that results from Thai massage benefits the young as well as the old due to the improvement of blood circulation and the reduction in stress. Thus, the benefits of Thai sports massage techniques go beyond pain relief and improved range-of-motion and is also geared toward keeping the body more supple and healthy.