Sports Massage

Sports Massage

A sportsperson, especially a professional one, has to devote a huge chunk of the time of his day working out his body. We aren’t talking necessarily only about working out in the gym. The sport, no matter which sport you play, in itself is a complex set of exercises.

The physical fitness that a player needs has to be relinquished with minute care of the body. This is why sports massage is an integral part of a sportsperson’s routine. Unfortunately, many assume that a massage should only be taken in case of an injury. But, you would be surprised to know the various implications that a sports massage can have.

What is a sports massage? Sports massage is an intense type of soft tissue mobilization. It involves the application of a wide variety of skills in order to relax your muscular-skeletal system as well as address the problem areas. It helps prevent injuries and aids your body in getting ready for athletic activity and in overall rehabilitation.

Besides, it plays a crucial role in helping your body maintain an optimal condition. Every sportsperson has to swear by it if they want to have a prolonged and safe career in their respective sports.

Depending on the timing and regularity of applying, a sports massage can be divided into three basic forms – pre-event massage, post-event massage, and maintenance massage.

The pre-event and post-event massages are pretty self-explanatory, being done before and after sports or physical activity, respectively. Maintenance massages are done at regular intervals – monthly, weekly, or even daily) or as part of an athletic training program.

Possible Causes

Sports massage is applied to relieve the tension built up in your muscles by playing sports and exercises.

Risk Factors   

Sports massages are considered preventive treatments that help sports persons from getting injured. Thus, there are no risk factors associated with a sports massage treatment.

Signs and Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms that you need a sports massage are:

• Muscle stiffness
• Pain in joints or muscles
• After hectic sports events

Diagnosis

Before your session the therapist may conduct a physical examination. However, it is not mandatory.

Treatment Options at 7DMC

Sports massages include a combination of the following techniques:

Kneading

It involves moving, squeezing, and lifting your body tissues with the intention of manipulating them. When the relaxation of hand strokes and alternate pressure hits the target area, it helps in exerting a pumping action on the underlining veins and capillaries. As a result, it helps in increasing blood circulation, stimulating the removal of waste products, and mobilizing tissues.

Hacking

As part of the percussion massage, hacking requires striking your body tissues in a springy yet light manner with the help of the border of your hands. It plays a vital role in softening hard tissues, increasing tone while also stimulating the reflex contraction of your muscle fibers.

Effleurage

Effleurage helps create a relaxing and calming effect not only physiologically but also psychologically, and it can be performed both deeply and superficially. It warms up your tissues and aids in lymphatic drainage, and improves overall circulation.

Trigger Pointing

Evident by its name, trigger pointing helps in deactivating the trigger points in your body by relieving pain and returning the physiological functions of your muscles. The trigger point can be anything from a fascia tissue to a tiny irritable area in your muscle. It is usually tender to touch and is painful. By applying direct pressure on it, pain is relieved, and fresh blood is released.

Wrinkling

Wrinkling requires alternate releasing and squeezing of the hands-on body tissues with the aim of bringing nutrients and oxygen to the area while also removing waste products from it. Besides, it also helps in improving tissue extensibility and elasticity. It aids in releasing tension from your muscles, stretches tight muscle fibers and fascia, and improves mobility.