Whether you’re a professional athlete or just a weekend warrior, sports massage therapy can help boost your performance and reduce injuries. But not all sports massage techniques are the same.
Effleurage – smooth, gliding strokes that warm up the muscle tissue and increase circulation. Friction techniques break up muscle knots and encourage blood flow to the area.
Pre-Event Massage
Pre-Event Massage is done to energize the athlete and prepare them for athletic competition. Techniques include effleurage, petrissage and resistance stretching. It is done quickly and at an up-tempo pace, as the athlete needs to remain ready for their event.
This type of massage can help to improve the flexibility of an athlete, thereby reducing the likelihood of muscle strains or sprains during their sporting event. It also helps to identify and address any minor aches and pains that could affect performance.
Athletes can receive pre-event massages as part of their regular training regimen, or prior to a competition or practice session. However, it is important for a massage therapist to carefully consider the risks of massaging underage athletes, as this is against the law in some states. It is recommended that a parent or coach is present when working with underage athletes, as this allows for better communication and safety measures. It also enables the therapist to understand the athlete's wishes, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Post-Event Massage
Post-Event Massage is performed after a competition or athletic event and is usually part of an athlete’s cooling down routine. This type of sports massage is more focused on easing muscle tension, increasing circulation and speeding up recovery time.
This type of massage should be done as close to the actual event as possible, but not within an hour in order to not overwork the muscles. This massage typically consists of effleurage and petrissage to warm up the primary muscles used and a little friction to stretch the connective tissue (fascia) to reduce tightness.
This type of massage also helps to decrease the toxins in the body from the metabolic waste and lactic acid that has been released during the workout and to help increase blood flow to the intensely worked muscles. This allows the muscles to receive oxygen and nutrients more quickly which aids in reducing muscle soreness, cramping, and stiffness. This also supports the onset of the body’s natural recovery process and helps minimize any future injuries.
Maintenance Massage
Maintaining a massage schedule with a professional and licensed massage therapist is crucial for preventing injuries, lowering stress levels, and keeping the body tuned up. This is important for athletes and gym enthusiasts alike. Regular sessions allow the therapist to detect muscle imbalances & tightness in the body that can lead to injury.
This type of massage is used post-training or between events and will focus on the athlete's strength, coordination, flexibility, biomechanics, posture, stress patterns, scar tissue, and existing injuries. This will where to find affordable massage therapists help reduce inflammation and move lactic acid out, allowing the body to recover faster before the next event.
This will also boost circulation and increase muscle elasticity. This is important to prevent delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Enhanced circulation can also aid in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles, which promotes and enhances performance.
Injury Rehabilitation
Injury Recovery Massage
If you’ve suffered an injury at the gym or during your favorite sport, a specialized form of sports massage can help get you back on track. This type of massage encourages circulatory movement and relaxes muscles, helping them heal at an accelerated rate.
During the early stages of healing, massage promotes the release of endorphins and reduces inflammation. It also increases capillarisation, which allows more blood to reach injured tissues, providing them with the oxygen and nutrients they need to repair themselves.
Moreover, sports massage is a great way to prevent injuries by identifying imbalances and areas of tightness before they become more serious issues. This can then be addressed with specific exercises, preventing future injuries. Regular sessions can also improve muscle flexibility and range of motion, reducing the risk of straining or spraining. This is because tight tissues can easily pull and tear, resulting in injury. With improved mobility, the body can handle greater amounts of physical stress.
