Thai Massage and Athletic Performance

Once in a blue moon, we stumble upon activities that both feel good and actually are good for you. Thai massage has now entered these ranks, after recent studies have shown that it not only improves overall health, but also athletic performance.

A new study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science has confirmed what Thai massage practitioners have known all along — Thai massage actually improves athletic performance.

The study found that athletes who underwent Thai massage scored higher on all seven indicators of athletic performance for which they were evaluated, while those who simply rested rather than attending massage sessions only improved in two areas.

Athletic Ability

This finding is fantastic news for the sports community, as this research points to a healthy and safe alternative to enhancing performance (compared with some other methods). Athletes can now seek out Thai massage practitioners with the training and experience to safely and effectively improve their performance.

Rather than risk a host of negative side effects (associated with some of the “other” performance enhancing tools), clients of Thai massage can actually expect to receive additional health benefits. Not only will they perform better, they’ll experience an increased mobility throughout their day and a stronger immune system.

Take volleyball as another example — volleyball players need flexibility to follow the ball, as well as the ability to jump as high as physically possible. A study reported in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research studied the effect of Thai massage on both of these areas, and the findings were significant.

Participants in the Thai massage group improved on both range of motion tests as well as vertical jump measurements, and these improvements lasted for days following the session. In fact, a study in the Journal of Medical Technology and Physical Therapy suggests that lasting effects may actually begin to occur after only three sessions of massage.

Massage Miracles

It’s more than clear that the benefits of Thai massage extend far beyond relaxation. Already a therapy that’s proven to improve range of motion, vertical leap, and overall fitness, it’s likely that Thai massage has applications that have yet to be discovered. What kinds of advantages might teams experience if all of their players underwent regular massage treatments?

In addition to the clear fitness advantages, the other benefits of regularly receiving Thai massage treatments would undoubtedly help to improve overall athletic performance. For instance, the Thai Massage Association tells us that the practice’s relaxing effects result in a subsequent increase in focus.

With increased physical performance and mental clarity, this practice has the potential to turn any athlete into a force to be reckoned with.

Benefits and Blessings

Not only is Thai massage a rejuvenating, therapeutic exercise, but it’s now also proven to be a viable method of training and treatment for the athletes among us.

New advantages to the process are discovered all the time, and working with a professional practitioner can bring health benefits unique to your situation and needs. Treat yourself to a session today, and find out how to incorporate Thai massage into your life.