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There are three areas where sports massage is used to benefit athletes.
Maintenance Massage:
A regular massage treatment programme based on the therapist's
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 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 athlete's 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 body's own recovery process improving the athlete's
ability to return to training and competition, and reducing the risk of injury.
Rehabilitation:
Even
with preventative maintenance, muscles cramp, tear, bruise, and ache. 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 improved formation of strong and flexible repair tissue, which is vital in maintaining full pain-free range of
motion during rehabilitation.
In all cases, such massage techniques can be employed in collaboration with other
appropriate medical care.
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