Sports Massage for Cyclists: What Are the Benefits & Should You Get One

21 January 2022

You’ve probably noticed how soothing a warm foot bath or a day out at the spa can be after a rigorous day of cycling. In the same way, cyclists who opt for a sports massage can reap a plethora of benefits. Regular sessions can increase blood flow, speed up recovery and reduce the risks of potential injuries or speed up recovery for existing injuries.

In this guide, we will be providing you with a detailed guide about what sports massage is and how it can benefit cyclists in the long run.

Rigorous day of cycling. Image from Singapore Cycling Federation

What is Sports Massage and how can it help Cyclists?

As the name indicates, this specialised massage is designed for athletes. It is primarily geared to help athletes prepare their bodies for strenuous athletic activity and prevent injury. Getting a sports massage is also an effective way to relieve tension after a long day of training. These sessions can be especially beneficial for cyclists, runners, heavy weightlifters, along with other high-performance athletes.

In the long run, cyclists can also experience speedy recovery from sports injuries. This is often the result of being in the care of an experienced physiotherapist who will counsel you and provide you with suggestions along the way.

Benefits of Opting for a Sports Massage as a Cyclist

If you’ve been experiencing pain and sore muscles after cycling, it’s time you learn more about the benefits of getting a sports massage. Here’s how getting a sports massage can positively impact your cycling routine:

Improved Circulation

The most obvious advantage of getting a deep tissue sports massage is that it considerably improves blood flow. Better circulation ensures that your muscles have a larger supply of oxygen and nutrients. This encourages the overall healing process and helps the body recover much faster, which means you’ll be better equipped the next time you’re riding a bike.

It’s also worth mentioning that some parts of the body such as the Achilles tendon are likely to get stiff with training, reducing blood flow in the area. Getting a sports massage will ensure your entire body gets enough blood supply which in turn reduces the likelihood of injuries and aids healing.

It’s also worth noting that improved blood circulation also flushes out toxins from your muscles, reducing inflammation.

Counselling

Cycling is an incredibly strenuous sport that can take a toll on you. Hours of practice can be exhausting, not to mention that you’re never really safe from common cycling injuries. In short, it’s quite natural for cyclists to feel overwhelmed or in need of extra encouragement. Getting a sports massage allows you to connect with a professional who will be there to guide you every step of the way.

Prevention of Injuries for Cyclists with Sports Massage

Getting bumps and bruises may seem fairly common for cyclists but there are ways to reduce the risks of these nasty surprises. A massage therapist can successfully identify early signs of injuries. If necessary, they may refer you to a physiotherapist to prevent the problem from aggravating. Your therapist will be the first to identify sore muscles or muscles that seem unusually tight. This can play a critical role in preventing the injury from getting worse.

Be sure to talk to your massage therapist if any of your muscles seem unusually sore or tender. They will provide with the correct guidelines to cope with such problems and may recommend some exercises.

Loosens Tense Muscles 

Cycling is a strenuous exercise which can cause tension to build up inside muscles. Massage therapy can actively loosen tense muscles, allowing you to feel more relaxed after a long day of cycling. It’s also worth mentioning that tension can also spread throughout the body if not treated. For instance, having a tight lower back may cause cyclists to experience pain and tension in the hips. This can slowly move towards the knee, moving all over the body, resulting in increased pain.

Opting for a sports massage can loosen tension, allowing tight muscles to relax. In the long run, this contributes to the cyclist’s overall wellbeing.

Warms Up Muscles

Getting a sports massage before your cycling session can effectively warm up your muscles. This improves flexibility and range of motion, allowing you to do your best as soon as you get on your bike. A pre-massage session can also put a cyclist in a better mental state because of the counselling they have received. All this can contribute to better athletic performance.

Specialised Treatment

Sports massage therapists are trained to deal with athletes and know their way around muscular problems and common cycling injuries. This makes getting a sports massage much more effective as your therapist will be able to identify potential problems before they begin to get worse. While getting a regular massage may also relieve tension and strengthen muscles, you still won’t be getting the attention that a sports massage therapist can offer because of their expertise and knowledge.

For instance, a sports massage therapist will carefully examine your muscles and will be sure to identify any unusual signs of cycling injuries. These therapists use several stretching techniques that are designed to improve muscle strength and aid recovery. Depending on your needs and requirements, your therapist may use myofascial release therapy, compression or even Swedish strokes to relieve muscle pain. Whereas, opting for a regular massage would not offer you the same benefits as your masseuse would use a generalised approach to the problem.

Massage Therapists use several stretching techniques

Reduces Fatigue

Extending the duration of cycling can take a toll on your back and calf muscles. And while a good night’s rest may help you feel better the next day, it might not completely relax your muscles for the next round of cycling.

Opting for a sports massage can effectively treat your sore muscles, allowing you to unwind and relax. Regular sessions of cycling can cause your muscles to get tired day after day. Consider reaching out to a professional sports massage therapist who will aid muscle recovery. In the long run, you’ll notice how these sessions will contribute to reduced fatigue, allowing you to perform your best on the road.

Improved Mobility

Cyclists spend hours crouched in the same position. Matters become worse if your handlebars are positioned too high or too low as this will negatively impact your overall posture. Fortunately, a relaxing sports massage session will help relax these areas. Your physiotherapist will help you stretch your muscles which will effectively reduce tension from the area, improving mobility.

If you’re not careful, build up tension in your muscles can negatively alter your posture and movements. This will make it more difficult for you to engage the right muscles at the right time. Opting for regular massage therapy releases tension, improving overall mobility which can drastically improve your performance.

How Sports Massage Can Speed Up Recovery for Injured Cyclists

We have discussed in detail how getting a sports massage can benefit cyclists, here’s how this massage therapy can speed up recovery for common cycling injuries:

Common Cycling Pains or Injury

Injury Rehabilitation for Cyclists through Sports Massage

If you’ve recently experienced a cycling injury, you should seek professional help along with the services of a skilled sports massage therapist. Going through an injury can take a toll on your body, causing you to constantly feel exhausted or in pain. After the injury, you must take measures not to strain the area and allow the damaged area to heal with time.

As a high-performance athlete, this can be quite difficult since cycling is a very strenuous sport. By opting for massage therapy, your therapist will outline just the right measures you should take to aid recovery.

Expert Opinion of Sports Massage Therapist

With the help of a professional, you will have access to the best resources that will speed up your recovery. If necessary, your sports massage therapist will recommend you to see a physician and will provide you with guidelines on how to take care of yourself.

More than being a cyclist, your health and wellbeing always come first. Getting in touch with a team of physiotherapists will ensure that you’re on the right path to healing.

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