For many athletes, massage therapy is a key to their success, particularly when undertaken as part of an intensive training, diet and exercise routine.
Besides the relaxation benefits that come from most types of massages, they improve circulation of the blood and oxygen to muscles, boost flexibility and help to prevent injury during training.
Most professional athletes and sports teams have dedicated massage teams for this purpose and sports therapy is as critical a part of training as full-speed scrimmages.
However, a debate that is often had between sports trainers, managers and therapists is about massages directly before an athletic event, particularly in combat sports such as boxing.
One notable example of this debate was found in the Marvin Hagler vs Thomas Hearns boxing match.
Often known as simply “The War”, the fight was notable for its intensity, aggression and short length, only lasting eight minutes or three of the scheduled 12 rounds.
One theory for this, posited by Mr Hearns’ trainer Emmanuel Steward, was that whilst he was managing another boxer, his charge was receiving a deep tissue massage from a member of his entourage.
This, according to Mr Steward, weakened ‘The Hitman’s’ legs, reduced his endurance and forced him to be more aggressive than he ordinarily would be. Allegedly, his legs were giving out even before the boxer had made it to the ring.
Intense massages can do this because the purpose is to separate and break down muscle ready to rebuild stronger. It is exceptionally important after a competitive contest or intensive training session but could be counterproductive when not done at the right time.
The best types of massage to have directly before an athletic event are light massages that boost circulation, help provide an opportunity to focus, calm down and wake the body up ready for performance and a warm-up.
As well as this, try any massage you plan to have before a competitive event a few weeks before the event, to understand how the body will react.
