Shoulder pain often starts off as a mild discomfort but if left untreated, it can develop into a chronic and debilitating problem. One way you can stop that from happening is by getting a professional sports massage.
Anyone with shoulder pain knows how much it can negatively affect many areas of your life. Sleep is a struggle, you may not be able to pick things up, and it can stop you from doing the things you love.
Here we’ll look at how sports massage will help, why you have shoulder pain, and all the other benefits of a sports massage. Let’s get started!
Reasons behind Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain refers to a wide variety of problems in the shoulder. The problem could be in the bones, joints, muscles, and tendons. Sometimes the pain is associated with frozen shoulders, impingement, or a tear in the rotator cuff.
Sometimes, an old, neglected shoulder injury can remain quiet for a while, but it may resurface suddenly. Or perhaps it’s a new injury that isn’t getting better.
It’s a good idea to speak to a doctor and a physiotherapist about your shoulder pain. For example, it may be caused by arthritis which would require additional treatment. It’s always important not to self-diagnose your pain.
Will Sports Massage Help Shoulder Pain?
Yes, sports massage helps treat shoulder pain, and it can be especially helpful when the pain results from a sports injury. Deep tissue massage is one technique used by a professional sports massage therapist that can provide excellent results.
This approach works on tight muscles to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process. However, you should not always expect immediate improvement after one or two sessions. Depending on your injury’s nature, location, and severity, the number of sessions and the right approach will be tailored to your needs.
Shoulder pain that comes from a shoulder injury can be properly managed with sports massage. A sports massage can help to restore functionality to the shoulder and also increase flexibility.
How to Get a Sports Massage
If you’re in pain with your shoulder, then your first port of call should be with a doctor. After that, they should be able to refer you to a physiotherapist or for further assessments, depending on the condition.
For example, your shoulder pain may be caused by a torn rotator cuff. Depending on the severity, you may need surgery which is why it’s a good idea to go down this route first.
However, one of the biggest problems with the NHS is waiting times. While you’re waiting for the next steps, you may be in a lot of pain with your shoulder. This is where booking in for a sports massage can be a great idea.
You’ll get instant relief from your pain, which will hopefully go away completely. If it doesn’t go away due to an underlying issue, then you already have the NHS to fall back on. All the while, you can get all the additional benefits that come with a sports massage.
Even if you have a severe condition that requires further treatment, a sports massage can help to reduce your pain and increase flexibility.
Benefits of a Sports Massage on the Shoulders
When it comes to the benefits of sports massage for shoulder pain, you may be surprised about just how many there are. This is due to the fact that shoulder pain might not stop at the shoulder. It can negatively affect the wellness of other body parts like the neck or the back.
Here we look at all the additional benefits of having a sports massage for your shoulder pain.
1. Treating Headaches
How many times have you suffered from unexplained headaches? Well, one of the many causes could be a misdiagnosed or untreated shoulder injury or condition.
When something is wrong with your shoulders, your sitting, standing, and walking postures won’t be correct. There are many times that poor posture contributes to headaches and migraines.
Tense shoulders can be relieved by a professional deep-tissue sports massage. Gradually, you will be able to maintain correct posture in all positions, and this will likely reduce the frequency of your headaches.
2. Improving Your Sleep
Pain in the shoulders can deprive you of a good night’s sleep. Finding a comfortable sleeping position can be incredibly difficult when you’re in pain. Addressing this issue with the right sports massage approach will gradually alleviate that pain. This way, you will restore your old sleeping quality and all the benefits that come with it.
3. Prevention of Future Injuries
When you receive proper treatment from a licensed sports massage therapist, you will have a better chance of preventing further injuries in the same area. In addition, the therapist will give you useful tips on the right postures to avoid relevant pain.
Additionally, your sessions will gradually improve the efficiency of blood circulation in the shoulder area and reduce the build-up of toxins. All this can make the shoulders move freely without increased restriction. So, you will have fewer chances of getting the same injury in the same area.
Can Sports Massage on the Shoulders Have Side Effects?
Sports massage is generally considered safe. However, applying a deep tissue technique can cause minor to moderate soreness around the shoulder area.
The level of discomfort you might experience after a sports massage session can change from one person to the next, but it is completely normal. Using a warm pad or an ice pack and applying it to the area of soreness should reduce the sensation.
This soreness will only be temporary and is just the result of your muscles being worked by your therapist. Sports massages aren’t meant to be relaxing, and after the soreness has gone away, you should hopefully see that your shoulder pain is reducing.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons for shoulder pain, and it can have a hugely negative effect on your life. A sports massage can be a brilliant way to reduce that pain and enjoy all the additional benefits that can come with it.
