SPORTS MASSAGE & INJURY REHAB

THE BENEFITS OF SPORTS MASSAGE

Sports massage should play an important part in the life of any sportsman or woman, whether you are injured or not, as it will increase the quality and extend the length of your sporting career.

Massage has a number of physical, physiological and psychological benefits.

PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF MASSAGE

Increased tissue permeability

Deep massage causes the pores in tissue membranes to open, enabling fluids and nutrients to pass through. This helps remove waste products such as lactic acid and encourage the muscles to take up oxygen and nutrients which help them recover quicker.

Stretching

Massage can stretch tissues that could not be stretched in the usual methods. Bundles of muscle fibres are stretched lengthwise as well as sideways. Receiving regular massage leading up to a marathon or race will stretch the sheath (or fascia) that surrounds muscle, so releasing any tension or pressure build up.

Breaks down scar tissue

Scar tissue is the result of a previous injury or trauma to a muscle, tendon or ligaments. This can lead to lack of flexibility, which makes you prone to continued injury and pain.

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF MASSAGE

Relaxation

Muscles relax with increased amounts of circulation and stretching.

Reduced pain and discomfort

Muscle tension and waste products such as lactic acid all cause pain. Getting rid of toxins will improve circulation and reduce the stiffness that occurs after a long run or ride.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF MASSAGE

Reduces levels of anxiety

Massage can be invigorating, depending on the techniques applied, which is particularly important pre-event. It will enhance circulation and reduce excess muscle and mental tension prior to competition.

Awareness

Sports Massage stimulates a sense of well being and health.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE?

Relieves, relaxes and balances the mind, body and spirit
Reduces the effects of stress
Calms the nervous system
Increases blood circulation
Improves skin tone
Strengthens the immune system
Decreases chronic pain
Relaxes tense muscles
Stimulates the lymphatic system
Enhances flexibility
Generates a feeling of relaxation and well being

If you have plantar fasciitis, runner’s knee, tight calf muscles or similar issues, or if you are recovering from an injury, several weekly sessions would be ideal. If you are fit and healthy, a monthly massage session will help you stay that way.

Pre event – Marathon, Triathlon or Cycle Race

It is important to receive treatment prior to the race, as it will help warm up the muscles by stretching them and making them more flexible, for optimal athlete performance. It is best performed 2 days prior to the race.

Post event – Marathon, Triathlon or Cycle Race

This focuses on relieving muscle soreness, helping to reduce any swelling and fatigue and decrease any stress in the body.

Massage therapy goes beyond simply feeling good. It has an impressive range of physical, mental and emotional benefits.

WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?

Among the many conditions that often improve with sports and remedial massage are:

neck/shoulder pain or stiffness
tension headaches 
lower back  pain or stiffness
sciatic pain 
tight hamstrings  calves and/or
knee and other joint pain
foot/ankle pain
sports-specific injuries
chronic (long-term) muscular aches and pains

Sports massage is effective in removing the build up of lactic acid, and treating soft tissue injuries.

These common injuries can be intensely painful and lead to more serious problems. Muscle imbalances can be addressed and the muscles released by specific bodywork skills. Massage can be used as a highly effective form of stress control and relaxation.

A Sports Massage may involve treating the entire body as part of a training routine, or treating a specific area due to a particular muscle strain or injury. It is used as a healing art to help with aches and pains and promote healing from within.

A common misconception is that you have to participate in a sporting activity to have a sports massage - this is far from true. It doesn't matter if you sit at a desk all day, dig the garden at weekends, or play sport at a high level; if you strain a muscle the nature of the damage to tissues is the same regardless of how it happened. Therefore people from all backgrounds may, at some time, benefit from a sports massage.