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Post-workout massage: the benefits of muscle and sports massage
The one thing all athletes have in common is obvious : they love to push themselves, regardless of their level, from Sunday joggers to bodybuilding enthusiasts. But there is one thing that nobody likes : sore muscles the next day. Stiff muscles, tension points… these are all signs that recovery is just as important as training itself. To avoid this, there is sports massage. Deep, precise, and tailored to your needs, it relieves tension, optimizes recovery, and offers a real moment of athletic well-being. In this article, learn all about post-workout massage, its techniques, its benefits, and how to incorporate it into your routine to boost your performance and recovery.
What is sports massage ?
Sports massage is specially designed to support athletes before and after exercise. It differs from classic relaxation massage in its intensity, targeted movements, and analytical focus on each muscle group involved.
How does sports massage work ?
The practitioner uses different techniques tailored to the needs of each athlete :
– Deep kneading to release tension,
– Friction to warm up the muscle,
– Passive stretching to increase flexibility,
– Pressure on tension points to release muscle knots.
When should you get a sports massage ?
– Before exercise : to prepare the tissues, improve mobility, and limit tears.
– After exercise : to speed up recovery, reduce soreness, and prevent injuries.
– Regularly : to maintain a flexible, high-performing, and healthy body.
The benefits of massage after exercise
Accelerated muscle recovery
After exercise, muscles accumulate toxins, lactic acid continues to circulate, and micro-inflammation is active. Muscle massage works to :
- Stimulate blood circulation,
- Increase oxygen supply to tissues,
- Activate lymphatic drainage,
- Promote the elimination of metabolic waste.
The result : muscles regenerate faster. No more legs feeling like cotton wool for days on end !
Less soreness, less pain
Massage acts directly on tense and sensitive areas. The famous DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness*), or muscle soreness, is significantly reduced. It releases tension, dissolves muscle knots, and reduces stiffness, allowing you to resume training with greater comfort.
Preventing injuries
When a muscle is too tense, too stiff, or overworked, it loses elasticity. This is when the risk of injury arises : strains, pulls, tendonitis, etc. Sports recovery massage loosens tissue, rebalances muscle chains, relaxes overworked areas, and identifies points of overload.
In short, it acts before pain occurs. It is therefore an investment in your health that will allow you to keep moving for a long time to come, with peace of mind.
Regained mobility and flexibility
Thanks to gentle stretching incorporated into certain techniques, massage increases joint range of motion, improves movement, and provides greater fluidity. This is invaluable for runners, cyclists, strength athletes, and anyone who wants to move freely.
Real mental benefits
After exercise, adrenaline and fatigue can take their toll. Sports massage offers immediate relaxation, reduced stress, a feeling of mental reset, and better sleep quality.
You leave the session feeling light, calm, and ready to resume training with renewed energy.
Professional sports massage or self-massage ?
Self-massage (foam roller, ball, massage gun) is an excellent complement. It allows you to work between sessions and prevent daily tension. But it does not replace the expertise of a practitioner.
A practitioner can feel things under their fingers that the athlete cannot perceive, working deeply without causing excessive pain, adapting the pressure and techniques to each area and providing a physical diagnosis.
Sports massages offered at Daya Hotel & Spa
- Deep tissue massage for athletes : a deep tissue massage, ideal for muscle recovery after private coaching or a round of golf.
- Restorative stretching : a combination of Thai-inspired stretching techniques, perfect for relieving deep fatigue and improving flexibility.
- Tailor-made massage : a 100% personalized massage, designed with your practitioner, for a unique experience tailored to your needs.
- Traditional relaxing massage : a relaxing full-body treatment that eliminates toxins, relieves muscle pain, and provides complete athletic well-being.
After exercise, it’s time to relax! Post-workout massage is essential for improving performance, protecting your body, and getting the most out of your physical activity. At Daya Hotel & Spa, give your body the care it deserves and discover the unique sensation of a sports recovery massage tailored to your needs. One hour on the table and your whole body will thank you.
*DOMS: delayed onset muscle soreness, commonly known as “stiff muscles.”
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