Sports massage is a type of massage therapy that is designed to help athletes and active individuals prepare for and recover from physical activity. It uses a combination of techniques to help alleviate muscle tension, promote relaxation, and improve athletic performance.
During a sports massage, the therapist will begin by assessing your needs and preferences and then use a range of techniques to help improve your physical performance and reduce your risk of injury. Some of the techniques that may be used during a sports massage include:
- Compression: This involves applying pressure to specific areas of the body to help reduce tension and improve blood flow.
- Friction: This technique involves using deep, circular strokes to help break up adhesions and alleviate pain.
- Trigger point therapy: This involves applying pressure to specific points in the muscles known as trigger points. Trigger points can cause referred pain in other parts of the body, so targeting these points can help to alleviate pain and tension.
- Stretching: Sports massage may also involve stretching techniques to help improve flexibility and range of motion.
- Deep tissue massage: This technique involves applying deep pressure to the muscles and connective tissue to help release adhesions and alleviate chronic muscle tension.
Throughout the massage, the therapist may use their fingers, knuckles, elbows, and forearms to apply pressure to the muscles and connective tissue. They may also incorporate dynamic stretching techniques to help prepare the body for physical activity.
Sports massage is a safe and effective way to improve athletic performance and reduce the risk of injury. However, it is important to talk to your doctor or a qualified massage therapist before trying sports massage if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.