Sports Massage
This is a form of massage therapy that is specially designed to benefit those who regularly exercise. It helps to correct problems and imbalances that are caused from repetitive physical activity and trauma. Sports massage can be applied before exercise to stretch and warm-up muscles or after exercise to help prevent muscle soreness and release toxins, or to prevent an injury from occurring or reoccurring.
A variety of different massage techniques are used including a blend of Swedish massage, acupressure massage and aromatherapy massage.
There are various time frames when sports massage can be applied.
Training massage
Having massages on a regular basis during training can help to increase flexibility and range of motion and recover faster from workouts. It also relaxes and tones the muscles. Massage also helps prevent the progression of chronic problems and speed healing from any existing injuries.
Pre-event massage
By having a sports massage before exercise, the circulation is stimulated, anxiety is reduced, and the body is prepared for peak performance. It warms and stretches muscles and increases their flexibility, reducing the chance of serious injury.
Post-event massage
Minor injuries and tears in the muscles are common during heavy exercise. A sports massage one or two hours after training can relieve swelling caused by the damage and blood flow is encouraged to the muscles. Massage also helps the body to remove excess lactic acid, a toxin that accumulates when muscles are strained (lactic acid is responsible for the familiar deep muscle soreness and burning feeling often experienced after exercise). Post-event massage also reduces stiffness and cramping, and helps speed recovery time.
Benefits of Sports Massage:
• Stretches soft tissue to restore flexibility and separate adhesions
• Improves performance by easing pain and reducing tension and swelling
• Improves flexibility of muscles
• Reduces muscle spasm
• Improves formation of scar tissue
• Reduces heart rate and blood pressure
• Increases supply of oxygen and nutrients to soft tissue
• Increases blood circulation and lymph flow
• Decreases recuperation time
• Combats fatigue
• Relieves tension and anxiety
• Stimulates physical activity