What is Sports Massage?
Sports massage is a form of massage involving applying a range techniques to facilitate deep soft tissue mobilisation. Tightness and imbalances of soft tissues may occur due to strenuous physical activity, repetitive motions or injury. Sports massage can be used to help correct these imbalances and optimise recovery. Effleurage, petrissage, and trigger point release are all techniques that may be used to help reduce muscular tension, break down adhesions and/or scar tissue and reduce pain. Sports massage may be used to aid recovery after exercise or prior to an event to help prepare the body. It has been proven to help improve muscle flexibility and reduce the effect of ‘DOMS’ (delayed onset muscle soreness) after exercise.
How does it work?
Sports massage has several physiological benefits to the body including the following:
1. Increased blood flow – Hands on techniques cause an increase in temperature to the affected area which helps to dilate nearby blood vessels, allowing increased blood flow to the area. This increased temperature helps improve the flexibility of muscles and soft tissues and allows them to contract more efficiently.
2. Lymphatic drainage – removal or waste products and toxins that can build up within muscles, such as lactic and pyretic acid. This can help to reduce pain, stiffness and increase the speed of recovery.
3. Break down of adhesions and scar tissue – scar tissue and adhesions can form as part of the healing process after an injury and can be tight and inflexible, sports massage techniques can help to break these down to improve flexibility and improve movement.
4. Promoting relaxation – A decrease in pain and feeling of muscle tightness, combined with slower, longer massage strokes can have a relaxing effect. Although some elements of sports massage can be slightly uncomfortable, your therapist will continuously check the pressure used is appropriate.
Who might benefit from a Sports Massage?
Despite the name, sports massages are not just for those who take part in sport. Sports massage can be used for a variety of patients who may benefit from its effects. Sports massage may be used in conjunction with; physiotherapy, injury rehabilitation, post-surgery recovery or just for general maintenance and recovery along-side a training regime.
How do I get booked in?
Elevate Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic now offer Sports Massage appointments every week day! (Monday – Friday)
We currently offer pre-paid plans for sports massage, giving you the option to book a block of 4 and save up to 20% off the total cost!
The easiest way to book an appointment is via our online booking system which can be accessed using the ‘BOOK ONLINE HERE’ button below or call us on 01257 452224.
References
Davis HL, Alabed S, Chico TJA. Effect of sports massage on performance and recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine 2020;6:e000614. doi:10.1136/ bmjsem-2019-000614