What is Sports Massage?

Sports massage is a form of body massage involving certain manual manipulation of the muscle tissues using various techniques. Sports massage is often considered a treatment to boost physical mobility and improve muscle health. Further, this massage is performed by a very well-trained sports massage therapist who knows how to exert the accurate intensity of pressure.

Techniques used in Sports Massage

Sports massage therapy uses somewhat similar techniques as deep tissue massage therapy. However, sports massage therapy only focuses on specific body parts rather than treating the entire body in deep tissue massage London. Sports massage includes a set of effective techniques intended to be carried out in the injured areas of the body. Most of the techniques of sports massage are taken from osteopathic manipulative therapy. Hence, the common techniques of sports massage include:

• Effleurage
• Petrissage
• Tapotement
• Friction
• Compression
• Stretching
• Vibration

All of these techniques are exerted to target the trigger points in nervous tissues to get relief from the pain.

Types of Sports Massage

Following are the types of Sports Massage based on different purposes and techniques.

Pre-event Sports Massage- As the name suggests, Pre-event Sports Massage is meant to prepare an individual’s body before their sports event. The massage uses techniques like effleurage, tapotement, and friction but strictly avoids petrissage. The massage aims at reducing muscle tension while stimulating blood flow.

Post-event Sports Massage- Post-event Sports Massage is done within 72 hours of performing an event. The massage starts with effleurage and then uses other techniques to stimulate blood circulation in the body.

Rehabilitation- Sports Massage therapy is usually done as a medical treatment for an injured athlete’s recovery. Effleurage is mainly used in this sports massage to promote blood flow in the affected body areas.

Maintenance- Maintenance Sports Massage is essential for improving the body’s flexibility. In addition, doing this massage once in a while can help prevent the risk of serious injury.

Benefits of Sports Massage

When Sports Massage is performed, you may feel a little discomfort initially, and the pain will remain for a couple of days. But the results of sports massage benefits can be felt within 48 hours of the therapy. With Sports massage, you will see improvement in your body’s natural movement. The other benefits of Sports Massage are mentioned below-

• Relives pain- The pressure applied to the trigger points using techniques of massage therapy London release endorphins to relieve pain in the body

• Eliminates muscle tension- During a sports massage, the body releases tension in the joints’ muscles.

• Helps with blood circulation- The friction used through the techniques of sports massage results in increased muscle temperature, which promotes stimulation of new blood flow through congested areas of muscles

• Fastens recovery- Sports massage breakdown adhesions and scars of the tissues to promote body recovery.

• Increase activity in the lymph system- Sports Massage can increase lymphatic drainage (the removal of waste products) through the lymph fluid.

Who should get a sports massage?

Sports massage is said to be limited to athletes. But the truth is that it can be done on any person with concerns related to muscle and bone health. Sports massage is an excellent method to relieve pain in the body. It helps to partially treat problems such as Acute lower back pain, neck pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, and so on. Sports massage has also been associated with improving bone health and blood circulation.

Contradictions

Sports Massage should not be mistaken for regular massage therapy like a home massage in London. The massage is not for someone who is seeking a luxurious spa-like treatment. The purpose of sports massage is intended to foster physical health. The massage involves slightly painful techniques, and if it’s not done with precautions, it can worsen your pre-existing injury. Hence, it’s always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before a sports massage session with an injury.