What is a Sports Massage?
Sports Massage - What is it?
Sports Massage is a targeted form of therapeutic massage designed to prepare athletes and active individuals for their sport or activity. However, sports massage is not only for athletes and many people benefit from sports massage to help release tension from day to day life. During a sports massage the musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles, tendons and ligaments are manipulated by using hands on techniques. These help the body improve its efficiency and reduce the risk of injury.
Sports Massage is proven to reduce and release muscle tension, improve circulation and remove waste products such as lactic acid which are produced during high intensity activity. These in conjunction help to promote recovery and reduce the chance of muscle injury. Sports Massage is also beneficial in those who are prone to overuse injuries by helping muscles relax and recover before the next session.
In addition to the physical benefits, a sports massage can also help to mentally prepare athletes for an activity or competition.
Who can benefit from Sports Massage?
Anyone and Everyone!
Whether you are a competitive athlete or someone who suffers from work related injuries or general discomfort, sports massage can help you!
When should I have a sports massage?
Sports Massage can be effective during each stage of preparation for an event, however, the emphasis of the massage will vary for each stage.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE MASSAGE:
A regular massage may be suggested by a physiotherapist depending on the individual's requirements for their sports and level of participation. It may focus on a particular muscle group to help maintain or improve range of movement and flexibility in any area of the body that may cause trouble or injuries and help to prevent them. Your physiotherapist will also give you stretches and exercises to help maintain the benefits (ie. increased range of movement and flexibility) between massage sessions.
MASSAGE FOR A SPECIFIC EVENT OR COMPETITION
Massages before and after an event are used for specific purposes. Pre-event massage can be used alongside an athlete's warm up to boost circulation and reduce muscle tension, whilst also assisting with mental preparation. Post-event massage is used to enhance the body’s recovery process by helping to reduce muscle spasms and metabolic build up. Pre and post event massage can help a participant return to training and competition more quickly and reduce the risk of injury.
REHABILITATION:
Sports Massage can be used in conjunction with Physiotherapy to help you to return to sports following injury by aiding in the rehabilitation process by speeding up healing and reducing discomfort. The techniques used in sports massage can be effective for both acute and chronic injuries and conditions.
Should I book a Sports Massage or Physiotherapy appointment?
Sports Massage is a great way of encouraging fast recovery and assisting in injuries prevention and rehab. However, if you have or think you may sustain an injury that is preventing you from participating in the sports you love, or living pain free in day to day life, we recommend that you book an appointment for an Initial Physiotherapy consultation and treatment which address the problem in more detail.
