Sports massage therapy helps to alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the soft tissues of the body during physical activity and through bad postureports massage therapy helps to alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the soft tissues of the body during physical activity and through bad posture

What is Sports Massage?

Sports massage is typically used before, during, and after athletic events. The purpose of the massage is to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. Sports massage is rapidly becoming a widely accepted component of any high performance sports training programme.

Minor injuries and lesions can occur in muscles, due to overexertion and overuse; massage can break them down quickly and effectively. The massage will help relieve swelling, reduce muscle tension, promote flexibility and help to prevent injuries. Sports massage can help prevent those niggling injuries that so often get in the way of performance and achievement, whether a person is an athlete or a person seeking a general fitness level.

From people who are involved in regular sporting activities to people who sit at a desk or lift heavy items in their daily lives, anyone can benefit from sports massage therapy.

How does it work?

Sports massage aims to improve muscle function by allowing tense muscles to move freely. In cases of injury, or chronic muscle tension caused by disease or disorder, painful adhesions in muscle connective tissue builds up preventing movement. Muscles that are not able to function properly can also block circulation and cause inflammation through a build up of toxins. By applying pressure and friction across and along the muscle fibres, the deep tissue massage therapist breaks down adhesions in the connective tissue and restores range of movement. The release of this muscle tension will then improve circulation and aid pain relief. Although many of the techniques used are similar to swedish massage; deep tissue massage is a more intense therapy and focuses on the specific area of the body causing a problem.

The Benefits of Sports Massage

• Reduces muscular tension throughout the body.
• Reduces injury recovery time when used as part of an injury rehabilitation programme.
• Reduces pain by releasing endorphins to combat tension and waste products in muscles.
• Decreases the risk of injury if used regularly.
• Aids in the restoration of the musculo-skeletal system balance.
• Provides an improvement in postural alignment.
• Reduces the symptoms of over training, i.e. muscle, tendon and joint soreness
• Improves flexibility, range of movement and freedom of movement.
• Improve muscle tone and muscle length.
• Improves circulation, blood flow and lymphatic drainage within the body.
• Assists in the removal of metabolic waste via the lymphatic system.
• Breaks down scar tissue, adhesions and fibrous tissue within muscles and structures.
• Relieves and loosens tired and aching muscles, and aids relaxation.
• Enhances one’s own body self awareness.
• Enhances performance when used regularly.
• Reduces recovery time between training sessions.

What to expect from a sports massage treatment

The therapist will use their fingers, knuckles, hands and elbows to apply various massage techniques on the specific areas that need treating. They will begin by applying pressure and stroking movements ('effleurage') using their fingers and palms. As the session progresses, deeper pressure ('petrissage') is used to stretch out and separate muscle tissue and encourage better circulation of fluids in the body. Then ('frictions') are applied which involve breaking down built up scar tissue and separation of muscle fibres. You will be asked to breathe deeply during the session when tense muscles are being worked on. Be aware deep tissue massage can be uncomfortable but you should inform your therapist if they go beyond your comfort zone. After your session you may feel slightly sore or tired but this is normal. Deep tissue massage will dehydrate the body and release toxins so drink plenty of water afterwards. Your therapist will discuss the treatment with you and then make recommendations for any further sessions. They may also suggest ice packs to apply on the areas that have been treated.

From the therapists mouth

I have many testimonials from my regular clients saying that sports massage has done them the world of good, increasing their flexibility and decreasing the tension in their body.

Using the elbows and arms I can get deeper into the underlying muscles to release the pain and tension to enable them to go about their day in a much more productive way.

Some clients have been put out of action due to pain and discomfort. I always say ‘prevention is better than cure’ so I encourage people to come for regular massage to ensure they do not suffer further pain in the future.

Books to read:

• Sport & Remedial Massage Therapy Book – Mel Cash
• Understanding sports massage – Patricia J. Benjamin, Scott P. Lamp