What
is Sports Massage?
Sports
Massage is the science and art of applying massage and
related techniques to ensure the health and well being
of the athlete and to enhance athletic performance. The
major applications of sports massage are recovery, remedial,
rehabilitation, maintenance, and event. (ie, pre., inter-,
and post event).
"Rock Run Waterflow" | ©2007, Stephen Conklin, Jr.
All Photography here is available at ~piscean )-( delusions
Purpose
of Sports Massage?
The
purpose of the massage is to prepare the athlete for peak
performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling,
to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to
prevent injuries.
One
of the benefits 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.
Sports
massage can help prevent those niggling injuries that
so often get in the way of performance and achievement,
whether a person is an athlete or a once a week jogger.
Types of Techniques?
Depending on the needs of the athlete, a variety of techniques
are used. The technique often involves a blend of traditional
Swedish Massage and Shiatsu specifically designed to treat
professional athletes.
Each type of sport has different demands on the players.
Each sport uses muscle groups in a different way. Sports
massage is designed to address those specific concerns
and may differ according to the sport the athlete plays.
Sports massage can be aimed to help heal strained muscles
and allow healthy ones to reach peak performance and maintain
it while minimizing the risk of injury.
Benefits of Sports Massage?
Sports massage has many benefits. In addition to FEELING
GOOD, it reduces the heart rate and blood pressure, increases
blood circulation and lymph flow, reduces muscle tension,
improves flexibility, and relieves pain. Each sport and
athletic event uses muscle groups in a different way.
Sports Massage can also include pre-event, post-event
and maintenance techniques that promote greater athletic
endurance and performance, lessen chances of injury and
reduce recovery time.
"Autumn Fog Upon the Wishbone Tree" | ©2004, Stephen Conklin, Jr.
All Photography here is available at ~piscean )-( delusions
