Hiking is always a fun adventure, but there’s no denying that it can be physically demanding and can leave our bodies feeling tender and sore afterwards. While it’s good for both our physical and mental health, hiking can put an immense amount of pressure on the knees, legs and back, especially if you’re hiking steep trails. Add in the weight of a backpack and you have a recipe for a lot of aches and pains when you return home.
We think of sports massage as something elite athletes and marathon runners use to keep the body supple and pain-free, but it can be a valuable tool for hikers too. Read on to find out why investing in sports massage might be beneficial for you, and the types of massage to look into.
What is a Sports Massage?
Sports massage is the process of manipulating soft tissues in the body, particularly muscles that are used during active pursuits or are more inclined to become injured. Different techniques are used that manipulate the body to correct imbalances and improve the flexibility of the tendons, ligaments and muscles. It can be beneficial for the body both before and after a hike, to warm up the muscles and get the body ready for your next adventure, so you feel more flexible, and helping to prevent cramping and injuries.
Is Sports Massage the Same as a Deep Tissue Massage?
There are several similarities between a sports massage and a deep tissue massage, which is why the terms are often used interchangeably. But there are a few key differences. First, as the name suggests, a deep tissue massage focuses on the layers of tissue on top of the muscle but not necessarily on the muscle itself. This can rid your body of new tension in this area and means it’s best used for minor aches and pains.
However, if you have previous injuries or conditions, or aches and pains that have built up over time, a sports massage is more effective. Sports massage is a long-term treatment that helps to treat persistent injuries or soreness and tension that is caused by exercise and active lifestyles, like those that hikers will experience.
Why Use Sports Massage as a Hiker?
Faster Recovery
Hiking can result in injuries, from minor sprains to torn ligaments, but massage therapy helps these injuries to heal safely. Your therapist will guide new tissue growth so that the muscle repairs well, reducing unwanted scar tissue, so you can return to your beloved hobby as soon as possible.
Relieve Muscular Tension
After a hike, many of us will be familiar with the feeling of achy legs or a tired back. This feeling might even appear several days after you arrive home, which is known as DOMS or Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. Targeted tissue massage is relaxing and releases tight or tense muscles to stretch them and encourage relaxation.
Greater Flexibility
You want to be in the best shape before a big hike, especially if you’re planning on being on the trails for several days in a row. A massage before you set off can help to loosen up the muscular fascia and increase blood supply to the area being treated. This stretches out the muscles you need the most on a hike and increases synovial fluids in the joints, which improves flexibility and prevents your joints and muscles from seizing up on the trail.
Reduced Fatigue
If your hike has left you feeling drained, whether physically, mentally or both, a massage can be a relaxing endeavour that offers proven benefits. Prolonged walking can result in toxin build-up in the muscles that leave us feeling stiff and tired. Massage stimulates the body to get blood flow moving and encourages lymph circulation which eliminates these toxins to leave you feeling more refreshed and rejuvenated.
A Wellness Focus
We all hike for different reasons, whether to stay physically active, to explore the world, or for the mental health benefits that spending time outdoors offers. Massage can form part of the wellness benefits of hiking, helping you to become more mindful of how your body is performing and how you can take care of it for a long and healthy life. It gives you a clearer sense of your recovery and how your body responds to different activities, together with dietary choices, so you can make decisions that benefit your health.
What Can Sports Massage Treat?
Sports massage is helpful for a host of conditions, in addition to tight muscles or strain. If you have poor posture that causes back pain, massage techniques can help to ease the pain—likewise, it can be effective in treating repetitive strain injuries, joint pain, golfer’s or tennis elbow, and even headaches or migraines.
What to Consider Before Booking a Massage Session
There are many benefits to a sports massage, but as with any treatment, it’s not for everyone. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, make sure you tell your massage therapist so they can tailor your treatment accordingly. You should also tell them of any allergies or sensitivities you have, as they may use certain creams or oils that won’t be suitable for you.
Before and after your massage, make sure you stay hydrated to flush out any toxins that might be released through the deep tissue techniques, and dress comfortably in loose clothing.
A sports massage isn’t just for professional athletes—as a hiker, your body goes through a lot of physical labour, so reward it with a refreshing massage that goes beyond just being a relaxing benefit. This targeted treatment helps you to recover quickly, prevents future injuries, and encourages flexibility so you’re in better shape for your next hike.
If you’re inspired to walk yourself happy and healthy, why not order your own copy of ‘Walk Yourself Happy’ today?
Author: Annie Button
