This type of treatment concentrates on all problem areas of the body to help relieve any pain or tension. Using techniques such as deep tissue massage increases the amount of blood flow into the muscles decreasing any stress and helping you to feel better. Everyone should regularly have a sports massage to maintain a healthy and active body. It is great not only for athletic sports people but also benefits people who do little or no exercise at all but are feeling tightness from everyday life stresses. Sports Massage
The prime purpose of sports massage therapy is to help alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the body's soft tissues during physical activity. Where minor injuries and lesions occur, due to overexertion and/or overuse, massage can break them down quickly and effectively. Above all, it can help prevent those niggling injuries that so often get in the way of performance and achievement, whether one is an athlete, ardent keep-fitter or a once a week jogger. This treatment is not just for the sports person: anyone can benefit from sports massage, including people in physically demanding jobs and those not quite so obvious (occupational, emotional and postural stress may produce many similar characteristics to sports injuries). It is based on the various elements of Swedish massage and often incorporates a combination of other techniques involving stretching, compression, friction, toning, and trigger point response techniques similar to Acupressure and Shiatsu. The skilled therapist brings together this blend of techniques, knowledge and advice during treatment, to work effectively with the client to bring about optimum performance and to provide injury-free training and minimise post event injuries. Benefits and Effects
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.
