Your ultimate guide to sports massageWhat is sports massage? How often should you get one? Top 10 sports massage contraindications and precautions

Sports massage is a specialized technique designed for athletes and active individuals, using targeted methods to relax muscles, improve circulation, accelerate recovery, enhance athletic performance, and even prevent sports injuries.

The techniques combine deep tissue massage, fascia release, and myofascial trigger point therapy, with adjustments made based on different sports and individual physical conditions.

At 摩立康健康工作室, in addition to manual fascia massage, other tools are used to enhance the effects based on each person's condition, such as cupping and fascia knives to intensify fascia release. After a session, you'll feel much lighter, and any previous pain issues will be resolved.

Sports massage offers numerous benefits, whether you're a professional athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or someone who sits for long hours at work. Here are five advantages of sports massage:

Sports massage techniques include deep pressure, kneading, stretching, and using a massage gun or fascia knife to target specific areas for relaxation. These techniques promote blood circulation, reduce lactic acid buildup, accelerate post-exercise recovery, and effectively alleviate muscle soreness. Compared to general massage, sports massage applies deeper pressure and is primarily aimed at athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or those with sedentary lifestyles, helping to improve flexibility and mobility.

To better understand the differences between sports massage techniques and other types of massage, you can refer to the distinct characteristics of sports massage, general massage (SPA relaxation), chiropractic manipulation, and myofascial release below:

While both sports massage and physical therapy aid in physical recovery, they serve different purposes.

Sports massage is ideal for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and those with sedentary lifestyles. It uses deep pressure, myofascial release, and other techniques to relax muscles, boost circulation, accelerate post-exercise recovery, and reduce injury risk, but it cannot truly treat injuries. Physical therapy, on the other hand, specifically targets sports injuries, post-surgical recovery, or chronic pain. Professional therapists provide treatments such as electrotherapy, heat packs, and rehabilitative exercises to help reduce pain and restore normal activity.

The discomfort from sports massage is typically mild, though deep tissue release may cause some soreness. Physical therapy, however, can involve more intense rehabilitation training, making the process more challenging.

The ideal frequency for sports massages depends on your workout intensity, recovery needs, physical condition, and whether you have specific aches or injuries that require attention:

• Low Intensity: For general fitness enthusiasts who enjoy activities like yoga, Pilates, or jogging, a sports massage 1-2 times a month is recommended. The main goals are muscle relaxation, improved circulation, and increased flexibility, serving as regular maintenance.
• Medium-High Intensity: If you're into strength training, CrossFit, rock climbing, or marathon training, a sports massage once a week or once every two weeks is beneficial. In addition to more frequent muscle relaxation, this allows the sports massage therapist to check your physical condition and help prevent more serious sports injuries.
• High Intensity: Professional athletes and competitors may need 2-3 sessions per week, adjusted according to their training intensity and season. Since their muscles are constantly under stress, recovery speed and physical condition directly impact performance, necessitating a higher frequency of sports massages.
• Specific Injuries: When one part of the body is injured, other muscles may compensate, leading to improper body alignment, overuse of other muscles, and even further injury. In such cases, a sports massage can help assess the condition of other muscles and prevent more serious sports injuries.

Whether a sports massage hurts depends on the situation. The level of pain experienced during a sports massage varies based on the massage technique, your muscle condition, and your personal pain tolerance. Some people find sports massages "sore but satisfying," while others might feel "painful enough to want to escape." This largely depends on the massage's technique and pressure, whether your muscles are overly tense, and if there's lactic acid buildup or post-exercise inflammation.

Molikang Health Studio reminds you that if you experience significant pain during a sports massage, it's important to communicate with your therapist to take a break or try alternative relaxation techniques.

Yes, it's normal to experience some soreness after a sports massage, though the degree varies from person to person. Muscles may feel slightly sore or tight, similar to delayed onset muscle soreness after exercise. This typically appears within 24-48 hours after the massage and gradually subsides. However, if the soreness doesn't improve at all, you should seek medical attention promptly.

1. Do not get a massage within 30 minutes of exercising. After a workout, blood flow to the muscles increases and body temperature rises. Deep tissue massage at this time can make muscles more sensitive and even worsen micro-tears. It's best to wait 1-2 hours, do some light stretching and cool-down exercises, then get a massage.
2. Do not get a massage if you have a severe muscle strain or tear. If your muscles are newly injured, especially with a severe strain or bruising, absolutely avoid massage. It could increase bleeding and swelling. Instead, apply first aid, rest, and consider massage only after the inflammation subsides.
3. Do not get a massage during acute inflammation. Any acute inflammatory condition, such as arthritis, bursitis, or tendonitis, is not suitable for massage. Avoid stimulating inflamed tissues, which could worsen pain and swelling.
4. Do not get a massage if you have varicose veins or vascular problems. Vigorous massage can dislodge blood clots in veins, leading to thrombosis. If you have varicose veins, consult your doctor for advice before getting a massage.
5. Massage is not recommended during pregnancy. During pregnancy, avoid strong massages on the abdomen, lower back, and specific pressure points, as this could affect the fetus or stimulate uterine contractions. It's best to seek out specialized prenatal massage to ensure the techniques are safe for pregnant women.
6. Do not get a massage during recovery from fractures, dislocations, or surgery. Gentle rehabilitative massage should only be performed after a fracture has fully healed and with your doctor's approval.
7. Do not get a massage when you have a fever or cold. Massage is not recommended when you have a severe cold, flu, or are extremely fatigued, as it stimulates circulation and could worsen your condition.
8. Use caution with massage if you have high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of stroke, avoid overly vigorous massage, especially on the neck and chest. Deep tissue massage can affect blood pressure and even trigger cardiovascular problems. It's advisable to consult your doctor before a massage to ensure your body can handle it.
9. Do not get a massage after drinking alcohol. Massage after drinking can accelerate blood circulation, increase cardiovascular strain, and even lead to dizziness, low blood pressure, or vomiting.
10. Do not get a massage immediately after eating. Massaging the abdomen right after a meal can interfere with digestion and cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

For example, at Molikang Health Studio:

• 50 minutes: $1,400/session
• 90 minutes: $2,100/session
• 120 minutes: $3,000/session
• Monthly Relaxation Plan: Buy 12 sessions, get 1 free

Yes, Twosevenths recommends Molikang Health Studio in Taiping District, Taichung City. This venue operates strictly by appointment, offering fully customized fascia release massages. Coach Yang tailors each session to the individual's condition, incorporating cupping and fascia scraping tools for enhanced release.

The sports massage here applies moderate pressure, effectively relaxing muscles without causing excessive pain. If you're in Taichung and need a sports massage, book your appointment via Line today!