SPORTS INJURIES & MASSAGE
There are three areas where sports massage is used to benefit athletes:-
Maintenance Massage:
A regular massage treatment benefits all the muscle groups that may be used in a given sport. By concentrating on particular muscle groups massage therapy helps the athlete maintain or improve range of motion and muscle flexibility.
Event Massage:
Pre-event and post-event massage therapies are tailored for distinct purposes.
Pre-event treatment is used to enhance circulation and reduce excess muscle and mental tension.
Post-event massage, on the other hand, is geared towards reducing the muscle spasms and metabolic build-up that occur with exercise. Sports massage enhances the body’s own recovery process improving the athlete’s ability to return to training and competition, and reducing the risk of injury.
Rehabilitation:
Sports massage can speed healing and reduce discomfort during the rehabilitation process.
Soft tissue techniques are effective in the management of both acute and chronic injuries.
Trigger point techniques reduce the spasm and pain that occur both in the injured and “compensation” muscles.
Cross-fibre friction techniques can help with healing by improved formation of strong and flexible repair tissue, which is vital in maintaining full pain-free range of motion during rehabilitation.
The prime purpose of sports massage therapy is to help alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the body’s soft tissues during physical activity. Where minor injuries occur, due to overexertion and/or overuse, massage can break them down quickly and effectively. Above all, it can help prevent those niggling injuries that so often get in the way of performance and achievement.
This treatment is not just for the sports person, anyone can benefit from sports massage, including people in physically demanding jobs.
Sports massage tends to be deeper and more intense.
It is a combination of techniques involving stretching, compression, friction, toning, and trigger point response techniques. I bring together this blend of techniques, knowledge and advice during treatment, to work effectively with the client to bring about optimum performance and to provide injury-free training and minimise post event injuries.
To book a Sports Massage contact Marie for an appointment on 046 9433225 or 086 8870441
