What is Sports Massage?
Sports massage is a form of massage using specific techniques and stretches to help achieve maximum performance and physical conditioning whilst reducing the chance
of injury or pain.
It can be used for sports men and women including running, cycling, hiking and swimming. However, it is also useful for mothers with children, gardeners and manual workers.
There are three types of sports massage;
Pre-Event, Post-Event and Maintenance
Pre-Event Massage
This type of massage has been shown to:-
- Aid with a persons warm-up
- Reduce muscle tension
- Decrease the risk of injury
This can be a relaxing or stimulating massage, normally completed in the hours leading
up to a sporting event.
Post-Event Massage
This type of massage has been shown to:-
- Relieve muscle soreness
- Minimise the effects of fatigue
- Reduce swelling
- Maintain flexibility
- Reduce cramping
This type of sports massage is usually utilised in the hours/days following a sporting event.
Maintenance Massage
This type of massage has been shown to:-
- Maintain muscle flexibility
- Identify any areas prone to injury
- Reduce muscle spasm and pain
This is the most common form of sports massage outside of the competing arena.
It can be completed as often or as little as the patient feels that it is required.
Benefits of Sports Massage
- Removal of waste products e.g. Lactic acid
- Promotes faster healing
- Releases tension or stress
- Improves muscles stretch
- Reduces pain
- Stimulates a sense of well-being
- Relieve from soreness and stiffness
- Reduced potential for further injury