Runners are always looking for ways to improve their performance and reduce the risk of injury. One way to achieve both of these goals is through regular sports massage. Sports massage is a type of massage that focuses on the specific needs of athletes, such as runners. It can help promote flexibility and strength while reducing stress and tension caused by intense physical activity. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of sports massage for runners.

What is a Sports Massage?

Sports massage is a form of bodywork designed to target areas overused or injured due to physical activity, such as running. It utilises Deep tissue techniques to target knots in muscles. This type of massage also helps restore balance in the body by relieving tension from overworked muscles and promoting relaxation throughout the body.

What are the Benefits of Sports Massage for runners?

There are many benefits associated with sports massages, especially for runners. Some common benefits include improved muscle function, increased flexibility and range of motion, reduce pain and inflammation, improved circulation, improved recovery time after workouts, enhanced performance during exercise, better posture, and improved mental clarity. 

These benefits can help runners stay healthy and perform their best during training sessions or races.

How Can Sports Massage Reduce Injury in Runners?

Sports massages are effective in preventing common injuries among runners, such as shin splints, plantar fasciitis (heel pain), Achilles tendonitis (ankle pain), IT band syndrome (hip/thigh pain), knee pain, calf tightness/strains, back pain/spasms/strains. 

All these injuries can cause extreme discomfort when running, leading to further injury if not treated properly with adequate rest or therapy like sports massages. 

The deep tissue techniques used during sports massages help to reduce inflammation, decreasing the risk of an injury occurring again or worsening due to further physical activity like running. 

Additionally, these deep tissue techniques help increase flexibility which helps prevent future injuries from occurring due to a lack of flexibility while running.

How Can Sports Massage Enhance the Performance of Runners?

Sports massages can also be beneficial in enhancing runners’ performance levels. Reducing muscular tension enables you to run without any restrictions due to muscle tightness or soreness, allowing you to maintain good form and get more miles in!

Further reading

Check out our 5 tips to reduce the risk of running injury. Already injured? Read our article on how to manage a running injury, and of course, we always say, seek professional guidance! 

More from our running series.

In need of a sports massage? Take a look at our range of services on offer at Nordic Balance.