Many groups of people who exercise regularly are always on the hunt for quality recovery methods, and runners are a great example here. Whether you're a long-distance runner, a sprinter or anything in between, quality recovery methods are vital for maintaining your speed and efficiency without pain or discomfort - and massage therapy is often one of your most effective resources here.
At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're here to offer a wide range of massage therapy techniques to clients around Lehi, Orem, Saratoga Springs, Highland and nearby areas, including sports massage, deep tissue massage and many others. Here are some of the key reasons why massage is often a major benefit to runners as part of their regular training and recovery routine, plus some of the massage techniques that often tend to be best for those with these needs.
How Massage Therapy Benefits Runners
There are several specific reasons why runners often benefit from massage therapy as part of their exercise regimen, including the following:
- Improved recovery: Massage is well-known for its ability to improve circulation and promote healing in sore or injured muscles. For runners who are constantly putting strain on their muscles during training, regular massage appointments can be incredibly beneficial in promoting quicker recovery times and reducing the risk of long-term injuries.
- Reduced pain and discomfort: Many runners experience aches, pains or even cramps during or after intense runs. Massage can help alleviate these issues by targeting specific areas of the body, breaking up adhesions and promoting relaxation in muscles that may be tense or overworked. This can result in less overall pain and discomfort for runners on a regular basis.
- Improved flexibility and range of motion: Tight or tense muscles can limit a runner's range of motion, which can be frustrating when trying to improve speed and efficiency. Massage helps loosen up these muscles and promote improved flexibility - allowing runners to achieve the full potential of their body.
Timing for Massage for Runners
If you've decided that incorporating massage therapy into your regular routine might be beneficial for your running practice, the next question is often when to schedule these appointments. Here are some general recommendations:
- Pre-run: If you're planning on a particularly intense run or race, scheduling a massage beforehand can help loosen up tight muscles and prevent potential issues during the run.
- Post-run: A post-run massage can help promote muscle recovery and reduce soreness after a long or intense run.
- Regular appointments: For those with chronic pain or ongoing training needs, scheduling regular massage appointments every week or two may be the best route to achieving your running goals.
Best Massage Techniques for Runners
At Body Balance Massage and Float, we offer several different massage techniques that have shown immense success for runners over the years. These include:
- Sports massage: As its name suggests, sports massage is designed specifically for individuals participating in physical activities, such as running. This massage technique uses a combination of deep tissue and Swedish techniques to help prevent injury, promote recovery and improve performance. It also focuses on specific muscles and movements used in running, helping to release tension and improve range of motion.
- Deep tissue massage: This massage technique targets deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue that are often affected by intense physical activity. For runners, this can be particularly beneficial for breaking up adhesions, increasing circulation and promoting healing in damaged tissues.
- Trigger point therapy: Trigger points, or specific areas of tension and pain in the muscles, are common among runners. Trigger point therapy involves applying pressure to these areas to release tension and alleviate pain.
- Swedish massage: For runners looking for a more relaxing massage experience, Swedish massage may be the way to go. This technique uses long, flowing strokes to improve circulation and promote relaxation throughout the body.
Incorporating regular massage appointments into your running routine can provide immense benefits in terms of improved recovery, reduced pain and discomfort, and increased flexibility and range of motion.
With various techniques to choose from, our team at Body Balance Massage and Float is dedicated to helping runners achieve their goals and maintain a healthy, pain-free body. Book your appointment today and experience the difference massage therapy can make for your running practice. Contact us to learn about any of our massage or float therapy services for clients across Lehi, Orem, Saratoga Springs, Highland and nearby areas.
