Sports massage aims to improve the suppleness and flexibility of muscles and joints, improve blood circulation, speed up the healing of damaged or stressed muscles, tissues and joints and prevent future muscle and tendon injuries. The techniques used by sports massage practitioners have been developed to ensure effective and efficient results are gained from each massage given.
Soft tissue therapy may:
The benefits can help relieve the many day to day problems, repetitive strain injury, sprains, tension, fatigue that everyone experiences. Many Soft Tissue Therapists work with a variety of clients in assisting with preventive treatment and injury recovery.
A consultation, discussion around injury, postural assessment and range of movement assessment will be carried out. A treatment plan will then be discussed.
Usually, the outer layer of clothing is removed so the massage can be worked directly onto the skin. It is a good idea to bring sports shorts and vest to the session. The massage is carried out on the massage table and depending on whether it is pre-event, post-event or a corrective treatment, the therapy can take from thirty minutes to two hours.
After the massage some strengthening exercises are practised to strengthen the injured/damaged area then some stretches are advised. Practising these exercises at home, between treatments is advised.
Sports massage, although relaxing and soothing, can also be quite vigorous. If the client has muscle soreness the massage may, initially, cause some discomfort.
People with diabetes should be aware that sports massage will have the same effects as exercise.
Read about the benefits of sports massage
Read about sports massage treatment
Things to be aware of with sports massage therapy
Read about how sports massage works