What is Sports Massage?
Sports
Massage is a special form of massage and is typically used before,
during, and after athletic events. The purpose of the massage is to
prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to
relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and
to prevent injuries.
Purpose of Sports Massage?
The main
purpose of sports massage therapy is to help alleviate the stress and
tension which builds up in the body’s soft tissues during physical
activity. Where minor injuries and lesions occur, due to overexertion
and/or overuse, massage can break them down quickly and effectively. The
massage will help prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain
away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote
flexibility and to prevent injuries. Sports massage can help prevent
those niggling injuries that so often get in the way of performance and
achievement, whether a person is an athlete or a once a week jogger.
Types of Techniques?
Depending
on the needs of the athlete, a variety of techniques are used. The
technique often involves a blend of traditional
Swedish Massage
and Shiatsu
specifically designed to treat professional athletes.
Each type
of sport has different demands on the players. Each sport uses muscle
groups in a different way. Sports massage is designed to address those
specific concerns and may differ according to the sport the athlete
plays. Sports massage can be aimed to help heal strained muscles and
allow healthy ones to reach peak performance and maintain it while
minimizing the risk of injury.
Benefits of Sports Massage?
Sports
massage has many benefits. In addition to FEELING GOOD, it reduces the
heart rate and blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph
flow, reduces muscle tension, improves flexibility, and relieves pain.
Each sport and athletic event uses muscle groups in a different way.
Sports
Massage can also include pre-event, post-event and maintenance
techniques that promote greater athletic endurance and performance,
lessen chances of injury and reduce recovery time.
|