An Overview
Sports Massage is a massage modality that is specialized for athletes. It doesn't matter whether you are a professional, Olympiad, or just a novice. Sports Massage's intent is to prepare athlete's bodies for optimum efficiency. Quick recovery periods after a work out or competition is also a goal. It is the emphasis of sports massage to prevent injuries to muscles and tendons and help with quick recovery should injury occur. Sports massage is very helpful for those who suffer from injuries or chronic pain or limited range of motion. Sports massages are catered toward the type of sport you play taking into consideration the types of movements your body makes and the muscles and joints most utilized.
Sports massage is actually a style of Swedish massage that stimulates circulation of blood and lymph fluids. Sports massage's goal is to help alleviate the tension and stress which build up in an athlete's body’s soft tissues due to physical activity and exertion. Minor lesions and injuries occur due to overexertion and overuse. Sports massage can break down quickly and effectively those lesions. Sports massage helps prepare athletes for peak performance:
- to promote flexibility
- to relieve swelling
- to reduce muscle tension
- to drain away fatigue
- to prevent injuries.
Sports massage may help prevent minor injuries that so often inhibit performance and overall athletic achievement.
Four Major Types of Sports Massages:
Pre-event Sports Activities Massage
Brief and simulating massage 15 - 45 minutes just prior to the event or sport. It is directed toward the parts of the body that will be exerting effort.
Post-event Sports activities Massage
Massage performed inside an hour or two of the event or sport to be played, to normalize the body's tissues.
Restorative Sports Activities Massage
Massage given during education to allow the athelete to train more difficult and with much less injury.
Rehabilitative Sports Massage
Massage aimed at alleviating ache as a result of injury and returning your body to well being.