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The Benefits of Sports Massage
Sports massage is a rapidly evolving specialty in the
field of massage therapy. It provides therapeutic benefits for the unique physical and
biomechanical needs of athletes of all levels.
Massage has historically been used by many different cultures and dates back more than
3000 years as one of the earliest forms of medical treatment. Various forms of massage,
including sports massage, have developed in recent years as demands of society have
evolved.
In all types of massage the therapist has specific goals based on the individual needs of
the client. Sports massage focuses on the specific needs of the athlete. As more people
participate in sports and fitness-related activities, and as the level of activity becomes
increasingly competitive and intense, the demand for sports massage has also increased. It
is an area that is becoming more and more recognized as an aid in recovery and performance
enhancement.
Athletes who want to improve performance and increase their competitive edge do so by
training at a level that often borders on overuse. There is a fine line between overuse
that improves performance and overuse that results in problems and imbalances in the soft
tissues. Overuse problems often develop and go undiagnosed until they are serious enough
to cause discomfort or impede performance. If these problems are ignored and allowed to
become chronic, the athlete will be susceptible to developing more serious injuries.
The skilled massage therapist can detect variations in the soft tissues. Through the
specialized technique of sports massage, the therapist can help the athlete obtain and
maintain a healthier body.
A constant build-up of tension in the muscles from regular activity may lead to stresses
on joints, ligaments, tendons and the muscles themselves. Regular massage sessions are
helpful in preventing injuries in athletes and fitness enthusiasts, which might otherwise
be caused by tension build-up or overuse.
Sports massage can benefit the athlete who is participating in a particular event, both
before and after the event. Pre-event massage administered before a major event stimulates
circulation, loosens up muscles and calms nervous tension to prepare the athlete for
maximum performance.
Post-event massage treatments improve circulation, aiding in the removal of waste products
and lactic acid from the tissues. They prevent adhesions and tension of muscles due to
muscle strain and focus on trouble spots and soft tissue stress points to prevent chronic
injury from developing.
More and more athletes at the amateur, college and professional levels have discovered the
benefits of sports massage.
If you are interested in incorporating sports massage into a regular program of exercise,
wellness or athletic training, contact a professional massage therapist.
Rose Alverson
Alverson & Federer Therapeutic Massage « Return To Fitness |
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Last updated: Thursday, July 19, 2001 12:18:38 AM
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