Sports massage is a good option if you have an injury or chronic pain in specific muscles due to repetitive or continuous use. You don’t have to be an athlete for this; this is for all who need relief from pain caused by a repetitive motion associated with their activity.
Repetitive use of muscles in various physical activities, especially in sports, increases muscle tension. This leads to pain and injuries, which directly affect the performance of the body. In this highly competitive environment, most people choose sports therapy to ease pain, recover from an injury, and increase performance.
This article will outline how can help you recover from injury and increase performance.
What Is Sports Massage?
Sports massage involves manipulating soft tissues and myofascial structures to benefit those engaged in repetitive or continuous use of particular muscles. These soft tissues are connective tissues that are not hardened into bone or cartilage. It helps to recover and correct imbalances in soft tissues.
The massage therapist uses their hands, thumbs, elbows, forearms, knees, and feet to apply different degrees of pressure, techniques, and movements to manipulate the muscles and soft tissues in your body.
Therapists use various massage techniques to balance the body’s musculoskeletal system and restore its physiological functions. Sports massage may involve a fast-paced massage, stretching, and other approaches, depending on the pain area. The primary objective of sports massage is to reduce muscle tension and stiffness and increase the range of motion.
Techniques Used In Sports Massage
Sports massage does not have a particular technique; it uses various techniques from other therapeutic services. The following are the most commonly used techniques used in sports massage:
Effleurage
Effleurage is used to begin a massage treatment and it is a kind of warmup. In this technique, long stroking movements are performed using a flat hand or fingers. Effleurage increases blood circulation by increasing the temperature of muscles and preparing them for further strong massage techniques. It also encourages relaxation and stimulates lymph flow. The lymphatic system forces waste products to leave the body and help to maintain health.
Kneading
Kneading is a technique in which soft tissues are compressed. It is a circular movement technique in which tissues are rolled, squeezed, and lifted in a compressive manner. Deep pressure is applied to the muscles, which break down and realign collagen fibers. This relieves stiffness, decreases pain, and increases the range of motion.
Wringing
Wringing is a technique performed on large areas of muscle. It lifts up and squeezes the muscle in a forward and backward motion. Different levels of pressure are applied depending on the desired outcome. It helps to improve the increasing tissue elasticity.
Trigger Pointing
Trigger Point Release is a technique where pressure is applied to specific points on muscles to alleviate tension. It can limit muscle range and cause pain. Pressure is applied to reduce pain and improve motion.
Along with the above, some other techniques, such as Gliding, Stretching, and Vibration, are also used. In some cases, techniques of physiotherapy and osteopathy, such as soft tissue release, neuromuscular technique, and positional release, may also be used.
