When the term 'Sports Massage' is heard, people think of a very technical form of bodywork saved for only the elite type of athlete- professional or Olympic. This is not entirely true; it is a form of bodywork benefiting any person engaged in regular physical activity.
Sports Massage was tuned into a specialized massage via Lasse Viren (the 'Flying Finn), who set a world record time in the 10K, and an Olympic record in the 5K. It was discovered that Viren received deep massages on a daily basis. this information sparked a fire with runners in the U.S. as to the benefit and value of massage..
Since then, massage and massage therapist have become very visible and prominent at and with most Olympic games, professional sports teams, colleges/universities (thanks VCU), as well as at many popular marathons and sporting events...Check me out working with Health Diagnostics Laboratories Recovery Team during the Massey 10K March 31st!
Now to touch on some of the benefits of Sports Massage-
Sports massage can benefit individuals who exercise by assisting in the body's own healing process as well as injury prevention through helping the body prepare for heavy exertion. During and after exercise, the body's systems adapt to handle the increased stresses placed upon it. These adaptations effect soft tissues, bones, nerves and the brain.
The manipulating of soft tissues prior to, during, and after exercise can help promote physical, physiological, and psychological changes that aid performance and recover. Some of those benefits are:
-Increased circulation
-Decreased muscle/soft tissue tension and pain
-Increase soft tissue flexibility/joint range of motion
-Reduction of trigger points
-Decreased soft tissue adhesions
-Reduces edema (swelling) due to injury
-Improves propriocption- the body's ability to sense where it is in regards to time and space
-Improves balance and posture
Please inform the therapist of any of the following, as they are contraindications and cautions to sports massage.
-Bone fractures
-Acute injuries (due to not worsening them...but sports massage can be applied to all other areas)
-Blood Clots
-Skin rashes/sun burn
-Diabetes (due to lack of sensory to the nerves) This is only contraindicated for areas of neuropathy
-High blood pressure
-Open Wounds
-Alcohol/drug use
-Thrombosis
-Tumors/undiagnosed cancer
-Over varicose veins
-Dehydration
-Fever
-Pregnancy
Some techniques will create a positive effect on a particular body part, but a negative effect on another part. When in doubt, always consult a physician for clarification on the contraindication. I am more then willing to speak (with your permission) to any doctor about the techniques applied if you so choose to hire me for sports massage. Many times I combine Sports with Injury, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, etc...each session is structured around You. I will elaborate more on other modalities at a later date. If interested in one now, feel free to comment on this post or ask in private at kneads4knots@gmail.com.
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