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Sports Massage
Sports massage is designed to help athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recovery after a big event, or function well during training.
But you don't have to be an Olympian to benefit from a sports massage. Sports massage is also good for people with post workout soreness, injuries, chronic pain or restricted range of motion.
When Should I Get A Sports Massage?
A sports massage is a good choice if you have a specific problem - Tight muscles, muscle soreness that is effecting productivity and lifestyle. Sports massage is also a great addition to you training regimen to help prevent injury.
What Happens During a Sports Massage?
Sports massage is a type of therapeutic massage that stimulates circulation of blood and lymph fluids. During a sports massage, trigger point therapy and various stretching techniques are used to break down adhesions (knots in the muscles) and increase range of motion.
Types of sports massages:
* Pre-event sports massage -a short, stimulating massage 15 - 45 minutes before the event. It is directed toward the parts of the body that will be involved in the activity. Trigger point therapy is not usually used in pre-event massage. The goal of treatment is to increase the circulation, flexibility and mental clarity of the client to improve performance. It does not replace the athletes warm up but complements it.
*Post event massage- treatments are done immediately after an event, usually within 1-2 hours. The goal of the session is to flush the tissue of the lactic acid and other by products of metabolism. The intent is to cool down the body and return it to homeostasis. Muscle tension, cramping, and inflammation are also addressed.
* Restorative sports massage - given during training to allow the athlete to train harder and with less injury. Trigger point therapy, and specific stretching techniques are used to address flexibility and pain issues.
* Rehabilitative sports massage - aimed at alleviating pain due to injury and returning the body to health. |