What is sports massage?

Sports massage therapy combines classic oil massage in which the body is kneaded, stroked, pressed and stretched with a number of extra techniques to break down knotted muscles and improve flexibility.  The treatment is firm but not painful and provides longer term relief from pain and tension than a regular Swedish oil massage.  The extra techniques include:

Muscle Energy technique (MET) – this form of assisted or active stretching is employed to lengthen shortened muscles, enhance weakened ligament and muscle strength, and increase range of motion.

Soft tissue release (STR) – this massage technique is used to apply a localised stretch to specific areas of tension. This helps target knots of muscle that cannot be reached using conventional stretches.

Trigger point massage therapy – firm sustained pressure is applied to trigger points within muscles. This helps switch off excess signals from the brain thus deactivating the trigger points and reducing trigger point pain and tension. Trigger point therapy is similar to the pressure point techniques used in shiatsu and Thai massage.

Connective tissue massage (CTM) – this type of massage focuses on the sheaths or fascia that surround individual muscles and muscle groups. The loosening and stretching of the fascia facilitates better mobility and can aid the restoration of good posture.

Physical effects of massage

Enhanced tissue permeability – Deep tissue massage opens small pores in the membranes between different tissues thus allowing fluids and nutrition to flow through. This enhances the removal of waste products including lactic and improves the uptake of oxygen and nutrients therefore improving rates of recovery.

Stretching – sports massage stretches and mobilises tissues that cannot be targeted using self stretches. Muscles fibres can be stretched crossways as well as along their length. Local areas of muscle can be targeted. The sheaths or fascia that surround individual muscles and muscle groups can be loosened using specific connective tissue massage techniques.

Scar tissue break down – Injury and repetitive strain lead to the accumulation of scar tissue within muscles, ligaments and tendon that decreases the flexibility of tissues and increases the risk of further injury. Deep tissue massage techniques can help break down and remove this tough inelastic substance.

Pumping – massage strokes draw blood and lymphatic fluid through vessels. Increased pressure in front of the stroke causes a vacuum behind. This is particularly important within tight and damaged muscle as tight tissues squeeze vital fluids out like a sponge thus denying the tissues of nutrition and energy for repair

Micro-circulation opened – both exercise and massage increase blood supply to tissues. Massage however also dilates (widens) blood vessels by stretching them thus facilitating the diffusion of nutrients from the vessels into the tissues.

Tissue elasticity improved – Intense training can lead to tissue hardening and inelasticity. This can contribute to excess training not improving performance. By softening and stretching your tissues sports massage therapy can help counter this problem.

Sporting Performance

• Maintain your body in an enhanced condition by improving flexibility and muscle balance
• Prevent injuries and subsequent loss of fitness
• Increase recovery rates from injury
• Increase recovery rates between training sessions
• Enhance sporting performance
• Extend the duration of your sporting career

Relaxation

Stress poses a significant risk to health. It causes vessel shrinkage (vasoconstriction) thus reducing circulation. The heart has to work harder, breathing becomes rapid and shallow, and digestion slows. In fact, nearly every bodily process becomes less efficient. Studies show how stress factors can cause migraines, high blood pressure, depression, some stomach ulcers, etc. Massage reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol and can therefore help beat the development of stress related conditions.

Numerous research projects, from monitoring of cancer patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, to post-traumatic stress disorder among child survivors of hurricane Andrew in the United States show that massage helps people become more relaxed and less anxious. This is due to increased production of the feel-good hormone, serotonin, and natural pain-killing endorphins during and after a massage treatment.

Back care

An increasing number of people suffer from back problems, especially those who are desk bound at work. Massage can help reduce back pain and help prevent serious problems developing. Massage loosens contracted, shortened muscles and stimulates weak, flaccid muscles. This muscle ‘balancing’ can help posture and promote more efficient movement.

Pain relief

Research confirms that massage is an effective natural painkiller that works by increasing production of pain killing endorphins. At Middlesex hospital, foot massage has been shown to decrease pain among patients recovering from cardiac surgery. Further research has proven massage to help ease pain associated with arthritis, childbirth, MS, burns, acute back pain, cancer and RSI.

Circulation – a key to health and vitality

Healthy functioning of your body requires correct functioning of its individual building blocks – the cells. Cells require an abundant supply of blood and lymph, which supplies you with nutrients, distributes oxygen, and helps to eliminate wastes and toxins. Massage increases your circulation by physically pushing blood back to the heart and by causing bloods vessels to dilate. Your cells are thereby supplied with sufficient blood and the whole body functions more efficiently.

Immune system booster – decrease your downtime

Research in Florida has shown that HIV patients who received regular massage had increased levels of virus-fighting white blood cells. By keeping the immune system strong, sports massage can also help prevent everyday infections such as cold and flu, and aid recovery from illness.

Beauty benefits

Massage can enhance your skin condition by exfoliating, toning and improving the function of the sebaceous and sweat glands. These glands keep your skin lubricated, clean and cool. Deep Tissue Massage can also improve your appearance by increasing your muscle tone and reducing cellulite.