Sports massage is a deep, specific massage treatment; which works out tension and relaxes muscle tissue by managing and manipulating the soft tissue leaving the body in a healthier state for the next workout or sporting event.
Sports massage dates back to the Greeks and Romans who used it regularly and specifically on their athletes. In the 1980's and 1990's, sports massage came into its own, that is, a separate therapy from Swedish massage and training programs were created to further develop the techniques.
Before an event/workout, a vigorous massage can be done to stimulate circulation, bringing blood and oxygen to your muscles preparing them for the work ahead. A pre-event massage uses quick, light, massage movements, working on specific muscle groups that will be the most affect in the event to come. Pre-event sports massage can also help focus the mind preparing the athlete for their event.
Post event/workout massage has many applications. A massage given directly after a workout can soothe tired muscles, working out tension and potentially warding off future muscle pain. It can also calm the athlete leaving them mentally relaxed and physically refreshed.
DOMS, delayed onset muscle stiffness, is a condition that can occur after an intense workout. DOMS can appear several hours or even days after the event and is caused by micro trauma to the muscle fibres. Symptoms may include a dull ache in the affected muscles along with stiffness and tenderness. This pain is typically felt only when the muscle is stretched, contracted or put under pressure. Often the soreness increases in intensity over the first 24 hour after exercise, then subsides over the next seven days. A sports massage can soothe tired muscles, easing pain, relaxing muscle fibres and helping the mind and nervous system to focus on therapeutic touch rather than pain and tension.
Sports massage can be used for maintaining muscle quality between workouts. A monthly sports massage can help relax muscle fibres, work out tension, cramping, and trigger points as well as improve flexibility, muscle stamina and athletic outcomes.
Sports massage isn't just for athletes! Take a minute to think about your job...where do you feel daily tiredness, pain or muscle tension? The professions of my clients include: dentists, secretaries, nurses, engineers, gardeners, mothers of young children, factory workers, beauty therapists, soldiers and pharmacists. Every job/profession strains the body in a particular way and can benefit from specific massage strokes to ease tension.
Don't ignore the little warning signs of pain that can lead to a bigger problem. Exercise is good for the body and mind and so is massage. Take care of your body; its' the only one you've got!
