Sports Massage
Sports massage is a form of massage involving the manipulation of soft tissue in order to benefit a client engaged in regular physical activity or for any client that might userepetitive muscle actions either in their work place or at home.
Soft tissue consists of the skin, muscles, tendons, ligament and fascia.
Sports massage is designated to assist in correcting problems and imbalances in soft tissues that are caused from repetitive and strenuous physical activity and/or trauma and stress. Use of sports massage before and after the event/exercise may enhance the performance, aid recovery and prevent injury.
Benefits of sports massage
Sports massage, as with any other form of massage, helps improve the suppleness and flexibility of muscles and joints. Also, it improves lymph and blood circulation and assists body systems in functioning at their optimum level.
Some of the specific benefits include:
- Increased healing of damaged or overworked soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia), promoting quicker recovery time and allowing a client to regain their health and fitness levels
- Prevents future injuries by identifying and treating muscle weakness, any restrictions and problem areas
- Specific techniques e.g. cross fibre friction and muscle stripping help break down any adhesions that can develop between the fascia of different muscles, as well as improving muscle suppleness and mobility.
- Improved flexibility, realigning of collagen fibres in connective tissues, thus reducing restrictions in the myofascial network
- Improves the range of movement of restricted joints
Specific Techniques used in Sports Massage
- Neuro-Muscular technique (NMT) or Trigger Point Therapy, a form of compression techniques
- Muscle Energy Technique (MET), various types of muscle stretching
- Soft Tissue Release (STR), form of stretching and realigning of muscle fibres
- Connective Tissue Massage (CTM) or Myofascial Release Technique, releasing adhesions in fascia using skin rolling and sustained stretch methods
Effects of Sports massage
Mechanical effects of Sports Massage
- Stretches soft tissues
- Relieves muscle tension
- Reduce muscle spasm
- Improves flexibility of muscles and fascia
- Reduces swelling
- Reduce formation of scar tissue
- Physiological effects of Sports Massage
- Increases blood and lymph flow
- Increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the soft tissues
- Helps the removal of wastes products/metabolites from the soft tissues
- Relieves pain
- Stimulates the nervous system
Psychological effects of Sports Massage
- Reduces mental tension
- Reduces the perception of pain
- Promote confidence
- Supports the client’s aims and objectives
Specific Injuries/conditions that can be treated by Sports Massage
Shin Splints, Calcaneal Bursitis, Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendon, Runners Knee, Rotator Cuff Injuries (Shoulder Injuries), Sprain and Strain, Lumbago, Sciatica, Golfer’s elbow, Tennis elbow and many others.
Price List
Sports Massage for 1 hour = €65
