SPORTS MASSAGE

People everywhere push their physical limits in activities such as running, cycling, hiking, swimming, dancing, tennis, strength training, aerobics... and every active person can benefit from massage, especially a technique referred to as Sports Massage.

Many trainers believe that massage can give participants a competitive edge, athletes who participate in competitive sports often receive a specialized massage before and after competition events to prime their bodies for the high-stress demands they ask of their physical as well as emotional selves, and to enable them to operate at their peak performance. Sports Massage uses a variety of massage and stretching techniques to enhance performance and it is effective for professionals, weekend warriors and those who simply enjoy an active lifestyle.

A pre-event massage generally employs several techniques – some vigorous to purge stagnant buildup and toxins and introduce fresh nutrients and oxygen into the tissues; others are for stretching, range of motion and relaxation to help unwind and elongate the muscles to improve flexibility, and encourage the production and viscosity of synovial fluids in the joints. The circulatory, respiratory, digestive and elimination systems are stimulated, enabling the client to enjoy greater clarity of mind, body and spirit and of course, peak performance!

The post-event massage aids in recovery after activity using similar techniques in a more gentle way. Toxic buildup of waste products (including lactic acid) generated by exertion is gently compressed out of muscles that are often sore and achy from over-exertion, and damaged from micro-tears (and not so micro) in the fibers. Gentle stretching and range of motion exercises encourage muscles to soften, relax and elongate. Improved elimination of metabolic wastes allows the body to heal more rapidly.

Sports Massage offers many benefits:

• Reduce muscle soreness

• Increase the ability to relax

• Enable the body to recover more rapidly, reducing the risk of further injury or chronic problem

• Proven more effective than passive rest in reducing muscle fatigue from overexertion

• Maintain soft tissue and muscle in its optimum state of health and nutrition

• Promote overall muscle balance by reducing tightness and increasing flexibility

• Reduce cramping, spasm and splinting

• Reduce soft tissue adhesions and scarring, re-establishe muscle contraction and elongation function and promote fuller range of motion

Competitive athletes are not the only people who can benefit from sports massage. The techniques used in this modality are beneficial to people who exercise on a regular basis, beginners or those returning to an activity after a long layoff, those who are in recovery from an injury or surgery, and people whose professions or hobbies predispose them to repetitive motion damage (e.g. computer operators, musicians, hairstylists).