Sports Massage Therapy was originally developed to help athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or function well during training. Sports massage emphasizes the prevention and healing of injuries to the muscles and tendons.
A sports massage is a good choice if you have a specific problem — a tender knee from running, for instance. The therapist generally focuses on the problem area — a frozen shoulder or pulled hamstring.
For anyone participating in regular physical activity, Sports massage therapy every week or two may be a great addition to your normal regimen. It’s best to talk with one of our professional massage therapists to find a plan that will work best with your schedule, level of activity, and budget.
Aspects of sports massage therapy are gaining popularity as useful components in a balanced training regimen. Sports massage therapy can be used as a means to enhance pre-event preparation and reduce recovery time for maximum performance during training or after an event. Athletes have discovered that specially designed sports massage promotes flexibility, reduces fatigue, improves endurance, helps prevent injuries, and prepares their body and mind for optimal performance.
You don’t necessarily need to be an athlete to benefit from sports massage. Sports massage is also good for people with injuries, chronic pain or restricted range of motion. The massage therapist generally concentrates on a specific problem area.
There are four 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 exertion.
- Post-event sports massage — given within an hour or two of the event, to normalize the body’s tissues.
- Restorative sports massage — given during training to allow the athlete to train harder and with less injury.
- Rehabilitative sports massage — aimed at alleviating pain due to injury and returning the body to health.