What is Sports Massage?
Sports massage is a deep form of soft tissue work generally applied in a sporting setting or for those regularly engaged in any physical activity of one sort or another.
You don’t need to be an athlete to benefit from a sports massage and it is an appropriate form of treatment for anyone requiring remedial or deep soft tissue manipulation regardless of age or level of fitness. This form of massage supports the healing of injuries and prevention of injuries so is effective for people with chronic pain, post-surgery or rehabilitation and those with restricted range of motion.
In the sporting environment, getting a regular sports massage should be considered as a regular part of any training schedule to enhance performance. Regular sports massage can support fitness, helps the body to adapt to the demands and stresses the sport places on it, helps achieve peak performance and reduce recovery times. It can help the client to remain injury free as well as treat any injured muscles, tendons and ligaments.
During this treatment, a consultation and assessment will take place in order to implement a personalised treatment plan with realistic and achievable goals. Homecare exercises will normally be given for you to do in-between sessions.
Pain conditions will not usually resolve in one session so a protocol of 2-6 weekly treatment sessions is recommended. Monthly maintenance sessions are recommended for those using massage as part of a long-term wellness programme.
Depending on each individual’s needs treatment might use the following techniques:
- Power effleurage
- Petrissage
- Soft tissue release
- Muscle energy techniques
- Myofascial release
- Trigger point therapy
- Compression
- Advanced sports stretching
- Tapotement
What is pre-event massage?
Pre-event massage focuses on preparing the tissues to perform a specific job and is usually targeted on specific muscles. Pre-event massage can be carried out anywhere from a couple of days to immediately before an event. In general, it is done a couple of hours before the event and is a short, specific treatment.
A pre-event massage should not replace a warm-up but complement it. It will warm up and increase blood supply to the muscles, improve flexibility, create a readiness in the muscles and allow for mental preparation. The techniques used will vary depending on the athlete’s needs and their sport.
A pre-event massage is not an appropriate time to have your very first massage.
What is post-event massage?
Post-event massage focuses on bringing the tissues back to a pre-event condition and aiding a quick recovery. Techniques used are slower and more superficial. Post-event massage can help your body to cool down properly allowing your body time to recover and mentally relax. It will assist in normalising the tissue, restore muscle tone, relieve muscle cramps and spasms, support metabolic recovery and encourage blood flow to any congested areas.
Generally, a post-event massage should take place within 1-6 hours following the event however it can still be advantageous after a few days. The massage duration can be longer the greater the time after the event.