Sports massage demonstration videos
Sports massage is a form of massage which is growing in popularity. It is used by athletes, both professional and amateur, as well as many non-sporting individuals due to its many benefits.
A regular sports massage can help prevent injury by improving the condition of the muscles . A good massage therapist can identify muscle tightness, trigger points and scar tissue which if left untreated may lead to injury. Therapists should have a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, in order to provide an effective treatment. Most have undertaken a sports massage qualification, although it is also a skill taught in courses such as sports therapy, physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation.
Sports massage can be used in the treatment of specific injuries, such as hamstring strains, as well as to help correct muscle imbalances, overuse and postural issues. It is these issues which should be corrected in order to prevent future injuries and improve the efficiency of our muscles and so enhance our performance.
Here we demonstrate a number of simple sports massage techniques for various areas of the body....massage video
Benefits of Sports Massage
Sports massage should play an important part in the life of any sportsman or woman whether they are injured or not. Massage is essential for optimum treatment of certain injuries, as well as preventing future injuries. The benefits are physical, physiological and psychological.....benefits of massage
Contraindications
When is sports massage dangerous? What conditions prevent you from having massage. It may seem a simple thing but massage performed on the wrong person at the wrong time can make sports injuries worse, cause damage to your health or worse! Check out in more detail contraindications to massage.
Professionalism and Ethics
There are certain standards of behaviour, treatment and attitude that should be expected from your sports massage therapist. We lay out some basic guidelines of what to expect if you are visiting a massage therapist....professionalism and massage.
Specific Massage for specific injuries
Sports massage can be used to treat specific injuries. Click below for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is sports massage different from other types of therapeutic massage?
- The basic techniques in sports massage can be the same as the basic techniques in any other forms of therapeutic massage.
- In sports massage the therapist may apply the techniques more firmly and deeper than a general massage therapist might.
- The sports massage therapist may also use frictioning techniques which involve applying deep pressure to tissues repeatedly to break down adhesions (sticky bits on tendons) and soften scar tissue.
- Some sports massage techniques are designed to reduce an injury back to its acute stage in order to trigger the bodies natural healing response.
Does it hurt?
- Some forms of massage are very superficial. The term 'skin polisher' has been used! A superficial massage can be very relaxing, particularly when applied with aromatherapy oils. However, they aren't as good at treating the muscles.
- A sports massage needs to be applied deeper to manipulate muscle tissue more effectively. This can induce a deeper relaxation although at times some techniques (not all) may border on the uncomfortable.
- However, the important point is massage should not be so painful that it causes the patient to tighten up or tense with pain. Some techniques need to be applied deeply (requiring a therapist with strong thumbs) but not so deep that the muscles tense up. This is pointless and of little benefit as the therapist is working against the body.
How do I know its safe?
Before having a massage (or giving a massage) your therapist should check to see if the client has any contraindications. A contraindication is simply something the means you should not be given a massage or it could be seriously harmful. Contraindications include:
- Open wounds
- Muscle ruptures
- Tendon ruptures
- Contusions
- Burns, Chilblains and Broken bones
- Periostitis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout
- Bursitis
- Myositis ossificans
- Infections of the skin and soft tissue
- Thrombosis
- Artificial blood vessels
- Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia
- Tumors
- Absolutely anything else you are not sure of
Related external links:
Embody Guide to Sports Massage
Find out more about sports massage and other holistic therapies.
Sports Massage Association
The governing body for Sports Massage Practitioners in the UK.
American Massage Therapy Association
The mission of the American Massage Therapy Association is to serve AMTA members while advancing the art, science and practice of massage therapy.
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