The simple answer is YES, sports massage is good. Sports massage is one of many tools used by athletes to help them feel good and perform at their best.

Massage has a number of benefits including physical, physiological and psychological.

Massage applied skillfully can:

• - Boost performance
• - Maintain the body generally in better condition
• - Help prevent injuries and loss of mobility
• - Restore mobility to injured muscle tissue
• - Extend the overall life of your sporting career

Massage works in a number of ways:

Physically it stretches, breaks down scar tissue and improves tissue elasticity.

Physiologically it relaxes the muscles through heat generated, stretching and circulation and it also helps to alleviate muscle pain by releasing endorphins and breaking down byproducts.

Psychologically massage helps to reduce anxiety but can also be invigorating if done with brisk movements prior to an event.

By working a regular massage into your training routine, you can feel confident you are giving yourself the best possibility of remaining injury free and enhancing your race performance.
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Article by:
Racers’ Toolbox www.racers-toolbox.com