What is sports massage?

 

What is Sports Massage?

Massage is one of the oldest forms of medical treatment. Athletes have been using massage since the first Olympic Games. 

Deep localised pressure techniques, stretching and broad massage movements are essential components of sports massage. This is combined with lighter myofascial techniques, which gently release muscle tension.  Sports massage is more clinical and specific than a general therapeutic massage.  

It is relevant to all sports people.  It is also relevant to people who sit at a desk all day and do no sport, but have tightness and pain in the back, neck and shoulders.

What are the benefits of Sports Massage?

Whether you exercise, play sport to keep fit or compete from club to international level, sports massage may have something to offer you.

It:

- promotes faster recovery from hard training
- assists in removal of metabolic waste
- identifies areas of micro-scarring
- promotes recovery from injury
- decreases muscle tension and helps improve flexibility
- prevents delayed onset muscle soreness
- improves circulation and lymphatic flow

Sports massage can be beneficial during training pre and post event and to prevent injury. It is tailored to meet the demands of your sport.

 

 

Is sports massage relevant to non sporty people?

Sitting at a desk all day, regular computer use and any work involving repetitive movements can commonly cause neck, shoulder and back pain, which can become chronic if left untreated.  Sports massage is more clinical and specific than a general massage, so it will tend to be more effective for the treatment of chronic back, neck and shoulder pain. 

Regular sports massage can:

- alleviate occupational related chronic muscular pain
- prevent the build up of muscle tension and stiffness
- reduce stress and anxiety
- improve circulation and joint mobility
- create a feeling of well-being psychologically as well as physically