Have you noticed that most professional athletes seem to have a massage therapist in their camp?
Massage therapy can do more than soothe tired, strained muscles. A good massage therapist will identify areas of tightness due to overuse or injury. Most massage therapists will recommend stretches to help you remain flexible and pain free.
Massage therapy can also help you to achieve balance in both physical posture and workout regimens. Most runners, for example, eventually find that they favor one side of their body. This might be because of an injury or might be due to the contours of a running route. By identifying areas of imbalance, a massage therapist can naturally provide training recommendations.
Finally, massage therapy may help to relax your mind as well as your body. While many of us view massage therapy as purely physical, mental relaxation is also an important component of a good massage.