Sports Massage is a special form of massage and is typically used before, during, and after athletic events. It differs from conventional Massage Therapy in both the techniques used and the goals of treatment. The primary goals of sports massage therapy are to rehabilitate current injuries and prevent new injuries from happening which will enhance athletic performance.
The purpose of the massage is to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. Treatment often involves identifying and treating soft tissue and joint restrictions, areas of hypertonus (tight muscles or muscle spasms), neuromuscular firing problems as well as circulation and lymphatic drainage issues. Having a sports massage before an event can help accelerate blood flow and warm up the muscles. A sports massage after an event can help the body get rid of toxins and waste products, thereby reducing recovery time and allowing an athlete to resume training much sooner.
Sports Massage helps maintain the body in generally better condition. Your Massage Therapist will give you specific techniques and instructions in therapeutic exercises that will help enhance your athletic performance and prevent overuse problems. Your RMT will also focus on the biomechanics of your sport and how they affect the body in order to prevent future sports related injuries.
