Sports massage was developed to help athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or function well during training. Sports massage emphasizes prevention and healing of injuries to the muscles and tendons.
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.
A combination of modalities may be used during a Sports focused massage, such as Swedish massage to stimulate circulation of blood and lymph fluids, Deep Tissue/Myofascial Release/Trigger Point Therapy to break down adhesions (knots in the muscles), Stretching to increase range of motion, CranioSacral therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Hydrotherapy and orthopedic assessment.
You don’t have 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.