While running around comes naturally to most folk when they are children, in adulthood it tends to be a more serious and non-standard activity. Unless one has a train to catch or a similar emergency, it will tend to be confined to sporting activity.
The good news is that even when the years of peak physical condition have passed, there is still a lot to be gained from running. You might not be very competitive at 40, 50, or 60, but it still offers a wealth of health benefits.
However, running can bring muscle and joint injuries at any age and these naturally increase as you get older and joints stiffen. That is where a sports massage, both before and after a run or other sporting activity, can prove invaluable.
As Runners World has noted, massage is not a silver bullet. Pointing to research by the University of Sheffield, the magazine advised that it does not prevent fatigue, nor make you run faster or jump higher. What it can do, however, is improve recovery times and also help identify problem areas that need more attention.
In older runners, the latter two factors may be particularly important as ageing will naturally slow down recovery times.
It is important to note that a sports massage is much more thorough than a standard massage. Speaking recently to Women’s Running magazine, physiotherapist Helen Preston said the typical massage is “very superficial”.
She added: “It might feel good, but it won’t have the same effect that a sports massage will. A sports massage tends to warm up the muscles and get deeper than a regular massage.”
Whether you are simply trying to stay quite fit or training for a big event like a 10K or half-marathon, regular sports massages can help you overcome the inevitable twinges and minor strains that you will pick up along the way, ensuring these don’t get worse and that you can keep on running without undue discomfort for many years to come.
