What are the Impacts of Sports Massage on a Rugby Player’s Career?

Rugby, amongst other things, is a body contact game. It’s a fast-paced, power game that demands not only the highest level of skill and stamina, but a tremendous power as well. Naturally, all the speed, stamina and power that the game demands takes a toll on the body, leading to muscular and bone-related injuries. Also, being a ‘high voltage’ body contact game, the risk of injuries is very real. All these have a negative impact, on not only the performance of the players but in worst-case scenarios, they even cut short the careers of promising rugby players.

Under such circumstances, the players need comprehensive medication and medical attention to treat such injuries. One of the most effective ways of keeping safe from those injuries is taking regular sports massage. Even when it comes to treating injuries sustained while playing rugby, sports massage may play a very important role. On this page, we shall discuss the impact of sports massage on a rugby player’s career.

How does sports massage influence the physical fitness of a rugby player?

Generally speaking, sports massage therapy by specialists in Sydney like anywhere else helps to improve:

• Cardiovascular fitness & endurance
• Overall agility & strength (the massage helps the muscles to work to their optimal level)
• Speed

Also, sports massage has that mind, body and spirit connection,  which can never be underestimated when it comes to having the right mindset for high-level sports performance. We will discuss the direct impact of sports massage on rugby players shortly.

Common injuries sustained in Rugby

Rugby players, in most cases, are found to suffer from thigh hematomas. It is the most common form of injury for forwards and backs.

They also suffer from anterior cruciate ligament injuries and hamstring injuries. Also constant running and sprinting causes injuries like Tendinitis, Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, shin splints and Bursitis. Tendinitis generally occurs at the ankle or knees with the latter being more common.

Advantages of Sports Massage Therapy

As in any other sport, regaining flexibility and strength following injury is the principal objective of any rehabilitation program. Regaining strength in neck and shoulder, hips, thighs, cuff muscles is crucial. This is what sports massage therapy available in Enmore and other locations, will do. Besides helping these body parts to regain strength quickly, it will also increase the flexibility of the hamstrings as well as the hip flexors. Also, the massage helps increases the overall strength of these vital body parts, so much so that it may help reduce the chance of sustaining a secondary injury.

How Does Sports Massage Impact the body?

All the injuries described above can be career-threatening in worst-case scenarios. They have an adverse effect on performance and may lead to serious consequences if not addressed by a qualified professional. This is where sports massage therapy comes into play. The benefits of sports massage therapy for clients around and in Stanmore include:

• An adequate increase of blood flow along with muscle temperature reduces muscle stiffness and increases muscle compliance.
• It also has a positive impact on the cardiovascular health
• It improves oxygen supply to the lungs and the heart, which again helps in improved blood flow all over the body and increases stamina and agility.
• It removes lactic acid through improved muscular oxidation
• It also helps in the Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness (DOMS).
• It targets the scar tissues, helping to repair joint sprains and damaged ligaments.
• It helps make the body more resilient, thereby helping to minimise secondary injuries

Last but not least, sports massage for Marrickville residents can help in the reduction of stress levels and anxiety and will help in the overall mental and emotional state of the players. With a significant impact on the mind, body and spirit, the massage helps in the release of “happy hormones” that imbibes a positive vibe in the players and this has a significant impact on their overall performance.

Sports massage therapy may go a long way in not only prolonging a rugby player’s career but also helps the sportsperson to perform better.