Welcome to Everest Therapeutics, your haven of healing in the heart of downtown Vancouver. With a team of over 20 expert massage therapists, each bringing a unique focus to their practice, we’re committed to enhancing your health and athletic performance.
Whether you’re a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who enjoys an active lifestyle, recognizing when to seek the expertise of a sports massage therapist is crucial for maintaining peak physical condition and preventing injuries. Here are five signs indicating it’s time to book an appointment with one of our specialized sports massage therapists.
1. Persistent Muscle Soreness
After intense physical activity, it’s normal to experience some level of muscle soreness, known as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). However, when this soreness persists beyond 72 hours, it suggests that your muscles are struggling to recover. This prolonged discomfort could be due to micro-tears in the muscle fibers or a buildup of lactic acid.
A sports massage helps by enhancing circulation to the affected areas, which speeds up the removal of waste products and delivers nutrients necessary for muscle repair. It also breaks down scar tissue, reducing stiffness and pain, and facilitating a faster return to your training regimen.
2. Limited Range of Motion
A restricted range of motion can significantly hinder your athletic performance and could be indicative of underlying issues such as muscle stiffness, scar tissue, or adhesions. This limitation often manifests in difficulties performing standard movements associated with your sport or activity. Sports massage therapy targets these problem areas with techniques designed to increase tissue elasticity and flexibility. By restoring your range of motion, sports massage not only improves your performance but also decreases the likelihood of injury by ensuring your muscles and joints work together in harmony.
3. Recurring Injuries
Frequent injuries, especially the same type recurring in the same area, signal that your body hasn’t fully healed or there’s a chronic issue that needs addressing. Such injuries are often the result of overuse, improper form, or inadequate recovery time. Through a combination of deep tissue manipulation, stretching, and strengthening techniques, sports massage can address the root cause of these injuries. It promotes proper healing by increasing blood flow, reducing scar tissue, and improving muscle balance, thereby preventing future injuries and enhancing your resilience.
4. Pre- and Post-Event Fatigue
Experiencing fatigue before participating in a sport indicates that your body hasn’t adequately recovered from previous exertions while lingering tiredness after the event suggests a slow recovery process. Sports massage plays a crucial role in both scenarios. Before events, it can stimulate the nervous system, preparing your body for the demands ahead. It enhances circulation, which warms up the muscles and makes them more pliable for peak performance. After activities, sports massage aids in the recovery process by helping to remove metabolic waste, alleviating muscle soreness, and reducing recovery time, allowing you to return to your training regime sooner.
5. Stress and Anxiety
The mental aspects of sports performance cannot be overlooked. High levels of stress and anxiety not only detract from your ability to perform but can also manifest physically as increased muscle tension, leading to imbalances and a higher risk of injury. Sports massage incorporates various techniques to relax both the mind and the body. By reducing cortisol levels and increasing endorphins, sports massage can help alleviate stress, improve mood, and boost focus, enabling you to approach your sport with a clearer, more positive mindset.
Conclusion
At Everest Therapeutics, we understand the demands placed on your body by sports and physical activities. Our specialized sports massage therapists are here to support your journey towards optimal performance and well-being. Whether you’re facing persistent soreness, limited mobility, recurring injuries, event-related fatigue, or the mental pressures of competition, we have the expertise to address your needs and help you achieve your goals.
Don’t let these signs go unattended. If you’re experiencing any of the above, it’s time to give your body the attention and care it deserves. Book your appointment with Everest Therapeutics today, and take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced athletic life.
Mark Bentz is a highly experienced Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) with over two decades of practice. Despite having only two percent of his vision due to a progressive retinal degenerative condition, Mark’s unique perspective and heightened senses allow him to deliver a powerful and intuitive massage therapy experience. With a background in Human Kinetics and extensive training at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT), Mark is adept at identifying and releasing primary restrictions in the body, enabling the alleviation of secondary symptoms. Mark’s commitment to the field is further demonstrated by his active involvement with Provincial, National, and International massage therapy organizations. You can request a session with Mark by contacting Everest Therapeutics.