Every female athlete will have to face the possibility of rearing children and taking time off from their sport. While pregnancy is a beautiful and joyful experience, it can also come with challenges. One of those challenges can be maintaining strength and fitness levels during the pregnancy period.
However, one thing that’ll benefit female athletes during this time is getting regular sports massages. Not only does massage therapy help alleviate pain and discomfort during pregnancy, but it can also help female athletes get back on the field as soon as possible after giving birth.
Why is massage therapy important for pregnant athletes?
Pregnancy will put a lot of strain and stress on a woman’s body, and that’s a fact. As the baby grows, there is increased pressure on the muscles, joints, and tendons. This can lead to muscle soreness, joint pain, and overall discomfort. For pregnant athletes, it’ll hinder their training and performance.
Massage therapy helps alleviate these issues by improving circulation and reducing muscle tension. It likewise promotes relaxation and boosts sleep quality, crucial for expectant mothers to maintain their energy levels. Additionally, massage therapy helps with the physical and emotional changes that come with pregnancy, such as back pain, headaches, and mood swings.
How does massage therapy help postpartum recovery?
After giving birth, female athletes must take some time off from training and competing. While this is necessary for their body to heal and recover, returning to their previous fitness level can be challenging. But massage therapy affords a solution.
Massage therapy helps physical healing by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue regeneration. It can also help with postpartum issues such as back pain, muscle tension, and even stress and anxiety that often come with being a new mother.
Moreover, massage therapy can also aid in emotional recovery. It provides a sense of relaxation and promotes the release of oxytocin, which can help with postpartum depression.
How soon after giving birth should you start getting massages?
Every woman’s body is different, and you must consult with a healthcare professional before starting any massage therapy during pregnancy or postpartum. Generally, it’s recommended to wait at least six weeks after giving birth before getting a massage.
Allowing your body enough time to heal before starting treatments or therapies is crucial. If you’ve had a C-section, it will most likely take longer for the incision site to fully recover before receiving massages in that area.