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Understanding Sports Massage

By: Emma Hardy Massage is recorded as one of the earliest forms of physical therapy and it is known that it was used by very different cultures over 3000 years ago. It is only in the much more recent past since travel and communications have enabled different civilizations to meet that so many forms of massage have been developed. People are raving about massages and anything that goes with it. That also included sports massage. But what is sports massage?

Technically speaking, sports massage is a powerful therapeutic technique in a range of compression and stretching techniques is applied to the body's muscle and connective tissues. It is used to great effect in the rehabilitation of all soft tissue dysfunction ranging from sport-related injury to aches and strains caused by everyday activities, such as working, lifting and gardening. Sports Massage is a special form of massage and is typically used before, during, and after athletic events. The purpose of the massage is to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries.

Spots massage gives way to flexibility and a wide range of movement. It promotes faster recovery from injuries and assists through early detection of muscles dysfunction. Spots massage can be done before, during and after event and aids in the rehabilitation treatments. With its health benefits lots of sports players and coaches have been using this to enhance their performance and helps prevent injury.

Everyday, we exert lots of effort, sometimes even straining every inch our body to do a simple thing. Each of our movements can give damage to our muscles and tissues, although some may be just very minor ones, some can go to extreme damages. It has already been widely known that massage has its health benefits and usefulness. And with the addition of the healthy effects, one should really make massage a regular part on one’s life.

Sports massage has many benefits. In addition to FEELING GOOD, sports massage reduces the heart rate and blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, reduces muscle tension, improves flexibility, and relieves pain. Each sport and athletic event uses muscle groups in a different way. Sports Massage can also include pre-event, post-event and maintenance techniques that promote greater athletic endurance and performance, lessen chances of injury and reduce recovery time.

Each sport and athletic event uses muscle groups in a different way. Sports massage therapists must be familiar with each muscle, the muscle groups and how they are affected by the specific movements and stresses of each sport. They also are trained in the appropriate uses of hydrotherapy and cryotherapy.

Traditional western (e.g. Swedish) massage is currently the most common approach used for conditioning programs. It is frequently supplemented by other massage therapy approaches including deep tissue, trigger point work, and acupressure. Some massage therapists have special training in sports massage and greater experience working with athletes.

Contraindications are conditions when you should not be massaged. The most common condition among athletes is that of an acute injury or inflammation. Usually the first 72 hours after an injury are the acute stage. After the swelling and pain begin to diminish, massage is indicated.

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