WHAT IS SPORTS MASSAGE:
A Sports massage is a form of bodywork and manipulation of soft tissue (muscle), geared towards preparing and repairing stressed muscles, preventing or improving soft tissue injury. The treatments focus on softening tense tissue, stretching tight muscles and improving range of motion, eliminating risk of further damage to the already fragile tissue. As a qualified therapist, the focus is on working together to achieve the desired outcomes and soothe the body. A great Sports Massage combines passive stretching and moving muscles in a specialised way to improve the overall efficiency of the musculoskeletal system. There is a thin line that exists between working the muscle and and stressing the muscle.
Pre Event sports massage, uses a gentler technique to simply to warm up, stretch and loosen muscles and prepare the body for sports and/or movement. It helps promote a feeling of psychological preparedness for achieving optimal performance. In Post-event sports massage we work to speed up recovery and the repair process of strained and tired muscles and tissue. The pressure should be accommodated enough to manipulate the tissue that lays on top of and deeper into the muscle, enough to release any newly formed or small scar tissue knots and to stretch stiff muscles.
With sports massages we encourage bloodflow back into muscles, soothing and reducing any inflammation, soreness, cramping and strains, allowing for faster recovery.
BENEFITS OF SPORTS MASSAGE
Sports massage has been proven to be effective for:
- releasing and reducing tension in the muscles
- improving circulation
- encouraging the removal of waste products such as lactic acid
- stimulating or suppressing nerve activity
Sports massage can be extremely effective in mentally and physically preparing an athlete for exercise as well as a recovery aid. In fact it can be effective for all stages of the performer’s participation including the preparation, training, competition and recovery stages.
Sports massage is highly beneficial for those athletes who are prone to overuse injuries, as the muscles are allowed to relax and recover fully before the next exercise session. Golfer’s and tennis elbow and frozen shoulder are good examples of this.
WHEN TO AVOID SPORTS MASSAGE:
Sports massage should be avoided if the athlete is suffering from an illness or infection or has been diagnosed with a serious health condition such as cancer or haemophilia. Sports massage is usually not advisable for those who suffer with diabetes.