Sports Injury Massage Therapy

The prime purpose of sports massage therapy is to help alleviate the stress
and tension which builds up in the bodys 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. Above all, it can help
prevent those niggling injuries that so often get in the way of performance and
achievement, whether one is an athlete, ardent keep fitter or a once a week
jogger.

This treatment is not just for the sports person: anyone can benefit from
sports massage, including people in physically demanding jobs and those not
quite so obvious occupational, emotional and postural stress may produce
many similar characteristics to sports injuries). Sports massage tends to be
deeper and more intense. It is based on the various elements of Swedish
massage and often incorporates a combination of other techniques involving
stretching, compression, friction, toning, and trigger point response
techniques similar to Acupressure and Shiatsu. The skilled therapist brings
together this blend of techniques, knowledge and advice during treatment,
to work effectively with the client to bring about optimum performance and
to provide injury free training and minimise post event injuries.

There are three areas where sports massage is used to benefit athletes.

Maintenance Massage

A regular massage treatment programme based on the therapists
understanding of anatomy and of the muscles used in a given
sport and which are likely candidates for trouble. By concentrating
on particular muscle groups the therapist can help the athlete
maintain or improve the range of motion and muscle flexibility.

Event Massage

Pre-event and post-event massage therapies are tailored for distinct
purposes. Pre-event treatment is used as a supplement to an athletes
warm-up to enhance circulation and reduce excess muscle and mental
tension prior to competition. It is tailored to the needs of the athlete
and his/her event and can be relaxing or stimulating as appropriate.
Post-event massage, on the other hand, is geared towards reducing the
muscle spasms and metabolic build-up that occur with rigorous exercise.
Various sports massage techniques enhance the bodys own recovery
process improving the athletes ability to return to training and
competition, and reducing the risk of injury.

Rehabilitation

Even with preventative maintenance, muscles cramp, tear, bruise, and
aches, sports massage can speed healing and reduce discomfort during the
rehabilitation process. Soft tissue techniques employed by sports massage
therapists are effective in the management of both acute and chronic
injuries. Trigger point techniques reduce the spasm and pain that occur
both in the injured and compensation muscles. Cross-fibre friction techniques
can help with healing by the improved formation of strong and flexible repair
tissue, which is vital in maintaining the full pain-free range of motion during
rehabilitation. In all cases, such massage techniques are employed in
collaboration with other appropriate medical care.