Trigger Point Sports Massage- Make it a habit
DIY Sports Massage
What’s the most important part of a good workout? You’re recovery!
Athletes must keep in mind that muscle growth comes during rest periods. You can ruin the greatest workout in the world if you don’t have the proper recovery “Habits”. I’m always lecturing my athletes about nutrition, rest for recovery, stretching and lastly, what I term “body flush” or massage.
At the conclusion of a workout I like athletes to rehydrate (protein drink & water), do an active cool down (rowing, bike, vibration plate), light stretching (static), and self massage (ball, roller stick, foam roller). It’s the last one that I’d like to discuss because it’s easy, inexpensive and has a variety of recovery benefits.
Myofasial release, trigger point therapy are also terms used to describe this form of massage. Self massage techniques stretches muscles and tendons and breaks down the scar tissue and adhesions that result from training.
The benefits of self massage are:
- Flushes the body of lactic acid and toxins.
- Decreases inflammation (soreness, stiffness).
- Restores flexibility and range of motion.
- Improves circulation to speed recovery.
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