| -> | | | | improving performance;o inter-event: helping the |
| Sports massage focuses on the individual need of | | | | athlete recover and prepare for the next event;o |
| the athlete and is used before, during, and after | | | | post-event: focusing on tissue normalization and |
| athletic events. | | | | repair, promoting mental and physical relaxation. |
| The purpose of sports massage is to prepare the | | | | What are the Benefits of Sports Massage? |
| athlete for peak performance. It alleviates muscle | | | | The continual build up of tension from overuse |
| stress and tension, relieves swelling, drains away | | | | can stress the joints, ligaments, tendons and |
| fatigue, promotes flexibility and prevents injury. | | | | muscles. |
| Aiding recovery and enhancing performance, | | | | Resulting muscle imbalances, if untreated, can lead |
| whether you are an athlete or an occasional | | | | to discomfort and impede performance. |
| sports person, sports massage helps you perform | | | | Sports massage benefits the athlete in many |
| to the best of your ability. | | | | ways and is very affective for releasing muscle |
| How Sports Massage Differs From Other Types | | | | tension and restoring balance to the |
| of Massage | | | | musculo-skeletal system helping athletes prevent |
| Continued overuse of the body which occurs | | | | injuries. |
| from systematically increasing levels of training | | | | It is also beneficial for:-o reducing muscle tensiono |
| can cause minor injuries and lesions, causing | | | | improving flexibilityo improving blood circulation |
| imbalances in the soft tissues. | | | | & lymphatic flowo reducing heart rate and |
| Massage has been used for many years as a | | | | blood pressureo relieving paino assisting in the |
| healing therapy and benefits the body as a whole | | | | removal of metabolic wasteo sedating or |
| in a number of ways. | | | | stimulating nerve endingso increasing/decreasing |
| Sports massage works predominantly to alleviate | | | | muscle tone and lengtho assists in mental |
| the build up of stress and tension which occurs in | | | | preparation |
| the soft tissues of the body during physical | | | | Is Sports Massage Safe? |
| activity. The approach may differ depending on | | | | Sports massage is relatively safe. However, as |
| the area of concern to be addressed. | | | | with all massage therapies there are times when |
| Depending on the athlete's need, the technique | | | | sports massage could be detrimental rather than |
| may involve a blend of Swedish massage and | | | | beneficial to you. |
| shiatsu. Three main strokes are used in sports | | | | You should not receive sports massage if any of |
| massage. These include:o Effleurage: | | | | the following is present:-o cancero melanomao |
| Gliding strokes with the palms, fingertips and | | | | haemophiliao varicose veins, phlebitis, thrombosiso |
| thumbs usually carried out at the beginning and | | | | tumours - where there is swelling, which is |
| end of a sports massage session.o Petrissage: | | | | inconsistent with recent bruising.o open wounds, |
| Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and | | | | recent bruising, muscle tears, sprained ligaments, |
| fingers used on deeper tissues to induce | | | | contusions, chilblains, burns.o infectious skin |
| relaxation, stretch muscle fibres and mobilize | | | | disease, bacterial infection, lymphangitis, fungal and |
| fluids.o Friction: | | | | viral infections |
| Circular pressure with the palms, thumbs and | | | | If in any doubt, it is advisable to consult your |
| fingers. Used primarily for exploratory purposes or | | | | physician before receiving sports massage and in |
| for deeper more painful movements, this stroke | | | | particular if you feel unwell, have a high |
| breaks down lesions and recent scar tissue and | | | | temperature or have any symptoms that may |
| separates muscle fibres. Friction should only be | | | | require medical advice. |
| used for short periods as longer periods can | | | | Why Have a Sports Massage? |
| cause irritation and inflammation. | | | | Massage is now considered an integral part of |
| How is Sports Massage Used? | | | | most professional athletics regimes. Sport coaches |
| Sports massage can involve prevention, | | | | and high performing athletes alike are of the belief |
| maintenance and rehabilitation and is used:-o | | | | that massage provides an extra edge. |
| pre-event: aimed at decreasing injury and | | | | |