Sports Massage Techniques

Before we gear up to comprehend the techniques of a sports massage, it is imperative that we know what a sports massage is. There is an aim that is adhered to when the athletes vouch for sports massage therapy.

The purpose of the massage is to manage muscle fatigue, reduce the levels of anxiety that an athlete experiences before the event, increase endurance and vitality, peak flexibility, and minimize the incidence of injury.

Well, these methods may be specifically designed for athletes, nevertheless, they are techniques that can prove useful for an individual who goes out for a jog or a brisk walk once in a week, too. Thus, a sports massage is, in a way, versatile in its own respect.

There are three specific areas of a sports massage. The first area being maintenance massage. It helps muscle flexibility.

This is followed by the on-site event massage that concentrates on improving the level of performance on the field, boost energy when the event pauses for a break, and culminates with a massage after the sports event, where the strained muscle groups are relaxed to speed up recovery.

However, even after measures have been taken to prevent injuries, a rehabilitation massage is given to reduce the pain and discomfort caused due to injuries.

Sports and athletic events have specific muscle groups that exert force. When the muscle groups get tense and tighten in the progress of a sport, an athlete can face troubles in terms of his performance being adversely affected.

Massage therapists need to be aware of these muscle groups and have adequate knowledge of which techniques work best for a particular sport. One sports massage method may be used either all by itself, or in conjunction with the others.

The Swedish massage technique also referred to as deep Swedish massage technique involves a rhythmic stroking of the abdomen also known as the effleurage stroking. This is followed by a massage which concentrates on the pressure points of the skin; the skin is gently lifted and pressed in a certain manner so as to relieve tension.

This massage is called petrissage. When the muscles endure knots and there is pain and pressure in a particular area or spot, the petrissage massage may prove effective. Vibrations and tapotement are the next steps towards completing this massage.

During tapotement, the therapist rhythmically taps the body with varying movements of fingers, also involving rapid thumps exerted through the sides of the two palms by joining them together and then conducting the process.

The compression massage involves rhythmic movement of the fingertips and the sides of the palm and is generally performed on the shoulders, back and the calves. These are the areas that are more often gripped by pain. This is a type of warm-up massage where the muscles are loosened thereby reducing the chances of enduring injuries and muscle pulls.

The pressure points are massaged and triggered in the right manner, so that the vulnerability and sensitivity of the muscle tissues is reduced.

It also is effective in treating spasms in muscle tissues in which one may suffer from a throbbing pain or a simmering pain that refuses to go away.

The lymphatic massage triggers efficient lymphatic flow to help the system get rid of toxins and edema due to which the swelling persists.

• Increased vitality and an adrenaline rush that contributes to a 'feel good' factor.
• It regulates and controls blood pressure.
• Regulates blood circulation.
• Improves the lymphatic system.
• Muscles become flexible and endure less of fatigue.
• Relieves tense and painful muscles.

Despite the above given benefits, sometimes these forms of massage therapies do not suit individuals who suffer from health issues like cancer, diabetes, melanoma and hemophilia. It is not advisable for when you are suffering from body aches and fever.

It is now known through this article that sports massage techniques are meant, not only to facilitate sports persons' regimens; on the contrary, they can also be used by the masses to stay fit, feel good and make the best of their endurance and energy levels.