What is Sports Massage?
Sports Massage incorporates Functional Massage Therapy, Remedial Massage and Deep Tissue Massage.
Functional Massage is the term we prefer to give to soft tissue treatment that aims to restore function to an area, or the body in general. Many people are put off by the term sports massage in that, feeling that it is only appropriate for Sports people. This cannot be further from the truth. Although Sports people need to be able to move and perform correctly, so do all of us whether you are a professional Tennis player, office worker or truck driver. We continually subject our bodies to repetitive stresses and strains. Over time this can result in injury, tightness and restriction, and eventually pain. As the body tries to compensate to avoid this pain, a vicious cycle develops leading to altered movement and other areas of the body being affected.
Functional massage looks at specific muscular problems that may be related to poor posture, repetitive strain and general overuse. It uses massage techniques, soft tissue manipulation, stretching, exercises and movement to restore function to an area. It is more specific and often deeper than other forms of massage, as many problems can be deep rooted. It is not always a comfortable experience, as dysfunctional or tight muscles tend to be tender. However, the results can be worthwhile.
Sports Massage has four main applications
Pre-event massage
A fast-paced, rhythmic treatment, designed to warm and loosen the muscles to be used in the event. It stimulates the blood circulation and neuromuscular centres, shortly before a sports event or other vigorous exercise. It should be regarded as complementing the athlete’s own warming up and stretching programme rather than being a substitute for it.
Post-event massage
This is aimed at normalising the tissues and relaxing mind and body after sport or other exercise. The various massage movements stimulate the circulation, warm, soften and stretch the muscle tissues and speed up the elimination of lactic acid. This reduces muscle tension and soreness, and helps to prevent cramp. Areas of strain can be identified and treated.
Training massage
For use on a regular basis to help maintain the health and function of muscles, tendons and ligaments by improving blood circulation and applying muscle stretching and joint mobilisation techniques. Areas at risk of injury can be identified and given corrective treatment. By concentrating on particular muscle groups the therapist can help the athlete to maintain or improve the range of motion and muscle flexibility.
Remedial massage
Can help to reduce the recovery period for musculo-skeletal injuries such as sprained ligaments or strained muscles. It is also excellent for relieving muscle tension and pain which often occurs after strenuous or prolonged activity.
Remedial massage for minor strains may be incorporated in a post-event massage, but for more serious injuries a separate treatment session may be indicated.
Your Sports Massage Therapist
Ben Levine has trained under the Welsh School of Sports Massage and is a registered member of the Sports Massage Association. He has worked on a wide range of people from professional athletes to the general population having great success at treating a wide range of muscular related problems.