Sports Massage Therapy
Even those who do not participate in sports will benefit from a sports massage as the posture of most people is often poor, either when they are standing, sitting, driving, or sitting at the computer, resulting in stiff and aching muscles.
People carrying out repetitive tasks (such as factory workers, musicians, builders, and window cleaners) would also benefit from sports massage therapy as it aims to help the management, manipulation and rehabilitation of the soft tissues of the body, such as:
- Muscles
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Other connective tissues
These are used continuously and repetitively, whatever the sport or occupation, so they may well need regular attention. Sports massage differs considerably from a normal "health and beauty massage", as application of the massage strokes is generally deeper, following detection of areas which need attention.
When should massage therapy be implemented?
- During the conditioning/training phase
- Pre-competition - to warm up muscles and other soft tissues
- Inter competition - to aid recovery and aid warm up again
- Post competition - to relieve muscle pain and stiffness
- To aid in injury prevention
- For rehabilitation following injury
- For general well-being and relaxation
Benefits of sports massage
- Aids circulation and lymphatic flow
- Improves performance and temperament
- Improves suppleness and range of movement
- Reduces adverse effects of over-training
- Sedates or stimulates nerve endings
- Speeds the removal of toxins from the body
- Relieves muscle soreness
- Benefits the rehabilitation of the injured athlete
- Prevents or relieves adhesions and scar tissue
- Aids mental preparation for sporting participation
- Extends an athlete's overall sporting career
- Can help to prevent injury
