Sports Massage
You do not have to be an athlete or an exercise diva to benefit from a sports massage. In fact many people find sports massage assists with posture, sense of wellbeing and mobility.
There are a few elements to this massage. In general the strokes used in relaxation massage are also applied here. This is in order for the therapist to work into the muscles and tissues whilst they are warm and pliable. To access deeper muscles within the body structure requires the specific area to be warmed up and ready for the pressure, movements and compression which will be applied.
The muscle-specific strokes use vibration, direct pressure, compression, cross-fibre, trigger point, myofascial release and tapotement techniques. These create a deep friction and softening effect in the tissue body, they encourage the muscle fibres to separate, stretch and resume their normal functional ability. They also trigger the central nervous system to use the muscles, tendons and ligaments again properly. Utilising trigger point techniques works to reduce hypersensitivity, muscle spasms and referred pain patterns.
Sports massage is key in the prevention and healing of injuries to the muscles and tendons. It aims to manage, manipulate and rehabilitate the soft tissues of the body, including ligaments, tendons and muscles. There are differing degrees of sports massage which can be applied at different stages of a training programme, competion and to suit the individual.
This massage can be more intrusive, but has huge benefits which include:
- Improving range of motion & flexibility
- Assist in the removal of metabolic waste
- Sedate or stimulate nerve endings
- Encourage proper muscle function
- Improve circulation & lymphatic flow
- Stimulates specialized lymphatic-drainage pathways
- Assist in mental preparation for sporting participation
This massage is more specific to the athelete or competitor who is about to attend a race, competition or event. It lasts for no longer than 15 minutes, to prevent the body from slipping into a relaxed state which will increase risk of injury during the event. Pre-race massage is aimed at stimulating the specific muscles and tissues that the sport uses, much like a warm up and is applied in a high tempo manner.
When the body has been challenged it can become fatigued and imbalances can show reasonably quickly, whether it's due to tight or injured muscles, over used tendons and ligaments or adhesions within the body of the muscles. Post-Race massage works to flush out the toxins, such as lactic acid, which are binding the fibres together and are preventing proper range of movement and functionality of the muscles, tendons and ligaments.
At this stage it can be a prime tool to assist recovery and continued training of that athlete or competitor, particularly if you have several events to attend in one season.
Not only this but it can serve to relax your mind and give you much needed clarity to continue with your training regime.