Sports Massage

Strokes intended for athletes include vigorous manipulation, assisted stretching for muscle warm-up prior to strenuous movement and soothing manipulation to ease muscle contractions and promote blood circulation after physical exertion. If injury occurs, focused massage movements are applied to lessen muscle inflammation, facilitate recovery and prevent scar tissue formation.

There are massage techniques aimed for particular body areas and also particular injuries. Specifically, sports massage can render the following physiological benefits:

1. Improved tissue permeability – deep pressure massage strokes enable constricted tissue membranes to open up and allow vital body fluids to enter and for metabolic waste products such as lactic and uric acid to be flushed out. The entry of much needed nutrients and oxygen through the blood enable muscles to heal faster.
2. Thorough stretching of muscles – massage stretches muscles, ligaments and tendons in a way that can not be achieved using traditional methods. Muscles are stretched lengthwise and crosswise. Massage also stretches the myofascia, or the thin membrane that holds muscles together, thereby releasing tension there.
3. Restores tissue elasticity – grueling training can cause tissues to become rigid and inflexible. Massage can make overworked tissues pliant and elastic.
4. Promotes micro-circulation – massage facilitates smooth blood flow to tissues by expanding blood vessels in order for oxygen and nutrients to pass through unhampered.