Do you love lifting weights, playing tennis, swimming, or running? Physical activity is crucial for maintaining your health and overall well-being. Yet, after a grueling session, it is not unusual to feel sore and achy in the days following.
If your muscle tension is particularly painful or plagues you for longer than usual, a sports massage may be your best choice for relief.
Sports massage is a therapeutic technique for people of all ages, from teens to seniors. A session focuses on common “problem areas,” such as muscles and joints that face repetitive motion or high levels of exertion. You need not be a professional athlete to benefit from this service; it is an incredible resource for weekend warriors, too.
The Paseo Club is a private club that has served the Santa Clarita Valley, providing fitness, tennis, pickleball, and swimming resources for over 20 years.
In this article, you will learn about what a sports massage is and what to look for when you want to get a great sports massage.
What is a sports massage?
Sports massage often emphasizes deep tissue massage, which helps to break up adhesions, increase blood flow, and reduce lactic acid.
However, sometimes deep tissue work is too painful at the beginning of a session. Your muscles might be too tight and inflamed to be able to relax and release with intense pressure.
A skillful sports massage therapist will then draw on other tools, such as stretching, mobilizing, and compressing the muscles to gently loosen the troubled areas.
Throughout the session, the massage therapist will treat your body to help improve flexibility, reduce soreness, and diminish pain. Sports massages often last 60-90 minutes, depending on the customer’s preference.
7 Tips to look for when shopping for a sports massage in Santa Clarita
When you are sore and achy and need to get a sports massage, there are several tips you can use to find a practitioner who is a good fit for you.
1. Learn how long the massage therapist has practiced
The massage therapist’s experience is often an indication of their knowledge and expertise — but not always! Practicing for several years can help a therapist know more about the nuances of the body and learn several complementary techniques, which means more tools in their toolbox for you!
However, do not automatically discount someone who is newly out of massage school. Their studies are fresh in their mind, and their enthusiasm can be a great asset.
2. Inquire about certifications and licensure
Unlike in most other states, massage therapists in California do not need to be certified to offer services; it is completely voluntary. However, the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) issues certifications to professionals whom they want. Applicants must complete a certain number of training hours, pay fees, and be 18 years old or older.
Many massage therapists pursue continuing education units for complementary training, such as prenatal massage, Reiki, ashiatsu, aromatherapy, and sports massage.
3. Ask for a referral — or two
One way to learn about the technique and skills of a massage therapist you are considering hiring is to talk to their clients. Surely, they will select referrals that will speak well of them. Yet, you can still learn other important details about their services, such as bedside manner, ease of scheduling, and overall quality of their care.
4. Review their location
If you are like most people, you are juggling work, family, errands, and more. The last thing you need is to go to a massage therapist’s office that is far away. Make it easy on yourself and choose a location that is within 5-10 minutes of where you live or work. You will find getting to your appointment is easier and you are more likely to be on time.
5. Check out the ambiance
An important part of the massage experience is the ambiance. A lovely massage room can help set the tone for the entire experience. Many massage therapists appoint their rooms with tasteful art, house plants, relaxing music, fountains, or other tasteful decor.
This can create a relaxing setting that will help you have a rejuvenating bodywork session.
6. Discover the cost
Some insurance companies cover massage therapy — especially if it is prescribed by your personal care provider. You must call your insurance company to learn about your specific plan and the providers that are contracted with them.
Most people pay for massage therapy, including sports massage, out-of-pocket. Ask your massage therapist for their rates in advance and for bulk discounts. Bulk discounts can bring the price of your massage session down to a more affordable rate, and they guarantee you will receive regular massages — a great way to practice self-care.
7. Try Add-Ons
Add-ons are extra services you can include with your sports massage. They can elevate and enhance your experience, making your sports massage even more wonderful.
Common add-ons for sports massage therapy are:
- Cupping
- Hot stones
- CBD products
- Aromatherapy
- Himalayan salt stones
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Relaxing and recovering in Santa Clarita
Sports massage is both relaxing and therapeutic. It is the most effective type of bodywork to help you recover after strenuous exercise. It can also be used to speed up the healing of an injury.
There are many qualified massage therapists in Santa Clarita, but not all of them will offer sports massage. Two of the most knowledgeable and experienced massage therapists who offer sports massage are Haruko Hayashi and Tarra Clements, massage therapists at the spa at The Paseo Club.
Clients of theirs can also receive reflexology, body scrubs and wraps, heated Himalayan salt stone, CBD oil, and more. The spa is open to members and non-members alike.
If you want tennis, pickleball, fitness, childcare, and a spa experience all under one roof, then The Paseo Club may be the place for you. One membership grants you access to all eight acres of the facilities. Work out, socialize with friends, grab a bite at the cafe, and live the Paseo Lifestyle. Schedule a tour or simply become a member today and live your best life here at The Paseo Club.
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