In sports massage, qualified therapists use intense massage techniques that often involve quite a fast pace, heavy kneading of the body’s soft tissue areas – such as muscles, tendons and fascia and some specific techniques such as active release and trigger point therapy.
Tight and damaged muscles are painful and really benefit from being released. Those tense muscles also hold on to waste products such as lactic acid, so a deep tissue massage will help get the fluids and nutrients flowing and will help the body to release its own natural endorphins.
Common Questions About Sports Massage Therapy
Any soft tissue technique aims to improve the mobility and function of the affected tissue. That may see an increase in joint range of movement, an improvement in the recruitment of a muscle, an increase in space to make better shapes for athletic movements, or an improvement in awareness and understanding of posture. With many patients, we also have to look at the bigger picture and align good sports massage with some take-home exercises to aid in achieving our goals.
That said if you are not injured but just looking for a sports massage to help relax you, our aim is also to achieve that!
Sports massage techniques are based on Swedish massage techniques, with effleurage (smooth, gliding strokes) being the main technique we use. Additionally, we mix in structure-specific techniques such as trigger point therapy and myofascial release, as well as stretching techniques like PNF.
You don’t need to be injured to benefit from a sports massage!
Sports massage techniques can be beneficial for managing and treating injuries but are also great during training or competition to help keep your body in top condition.
But don’t forget, sports massage isn’t just for athletes! If you are finding discomfort or stiffness from sitting in the office or driving, a sports massage can help you too!