What is Sports Massage?
Sports massage involves deep manipulation of soft tissue using several techniques. It is designed to benefit not only athletes but also anyone participating in regular physical activity. Strenuous or repetitive physical activities and trauma can cause soft tissue disparity and problems which are specifically addressed by this particular kind of massage. When applied both before and after exercise, sports massage may prevent injury, improve performance and hasten recovery.
Types of Sports Massage
Different types of sports massage are given according to timing of events and desired outcomes.
Pre-event Sports Massage – light and invigorating session normally given 24 hours prior, targeted to the body areas being used.
Post-event Sports Massage – after one or two days, helps to rebalance tissues, reduces recovery time and relaxes muscles
Training Sports Massage – athletes have this massage between training sessions to shorten recovery, reduce injury risk and identify any problems.
Maintenance Sports Massage – used by amateur athletes / fitness enthusiasts to decrease recovery times and manage muscle condition.
Injury Rehabilitation Sports Massage – specifically for rehabilitation from chronic or acute injuries. Addresses several issues to return body to as normal as possible and reduce incidence of reoccurrence.
Injury Prevention Sports Massage – Aimed at identifying disparities in the musculo-skeletal system and returning body back to a balanced state.
What to Expect
On your first visit a consultation prior to the session with your therapist will include medical history, indicate any contraindications or concerns and agree your treatment plan for desired outcomes. Your posture will also be assessed. Different sports and activities with varying degrees of intensity each require tailored treatment. A range of techniques is selected to mobilize soft tissues, improve blood circulation. aid reduction in muscle tension and prevent lactic acid build-up.
Age range
Clients range from teenagers to elderly but are usually young and active with few medical conditions. Young persons under 18 must be chaperoned.
Benefits
These will vary according to specific massage, as described above under Types. However the following positives are commonly experienced –
- Increased joint range of motion (ROM) and flexibility
- Decreased muscle fatigue and tension, fewer spasms
- Decreased anxiety, improved mood and positivity
- Better quality of sleep
Restrictions
There are some medical conditions where sports massage is not recommended; these will be highlighted during the initial consultation.
Consultation prior to the session with your therapist will include medical history and indicate any contraindications or concerns.
Note that the massaging of deep tissues in a vigorous sports massage is different from the relaxing experience of a low pressure massage.
Side Effects & Aftercare
You may feel sore after treatment, deep tissues and muscles have been massaged and manipulated, this releases toxins. These can cause headaches for some clients but normality usually returns after drinking lots of water. This flushes out the toxins released; avoid dehydrating liquids such as alcohol and caffeine. Do not participate in further strenuous activity or sports until at least the following day, relax and allow toxins to be flushed out and muscles to relax. Gentle exercise such as walking or swimming is permissible.
