What is a Sports Massage?
Sports massage is an effective and beneficial form of physical therapy for a range of people; those who are physically active, those who may have had a soft tissue injury, those seeking relief from muscle tension and those who would like to maintain healthy muscles - so that's everyone!
Other benefits include:
Pain relief
Decreases DOMS (delayed onset muscle sorness) post exercise
Improves blood flow
Improves flexibility and range of movement
Removal of toxins from the body injury prevention posture correction
Reduces swelling
Drains lymph
Speeds up recovery from injury
Reduces cramping
Well-being
Sports massage involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body and isolating individual muscle groups. Specific techniques such as stroking, kneading, compression, tapotement, frictions and vibrations are used.
During a Sports Massage your therapist will focus in on your problem area, and may ask you participate through movement of limbs, application pressure or resisiting pressure - it's an interactive treatment.
A good therpist will be talking to you throughout your treatment, to gain insights into your injury and ask how you feel you're responding to various techniques. It also creates a sense of trust and reassurance for you the client.
If you've never had a sports massage before, it is important to bear in mind that you may ache for 24 - 48 hours post treatment and any strenuous physical activity should be avoided.
Checkout my next post - do I have to be sporty to have a sports massage?
