WHAT IS SPORTS MASSAGE?
Sports massage may be defined as the application of manipulative and stretch methods to the muscles and soft tissues of the body in order to enhance/influence athletic performance. (Copyright: SPS Ltd)
WHAT EFFECTS MAY BE ACHIEVED BY THE APPLICATION OF SPORTS MASSAGE?
Historically, wherever sports have been seriously undertaken, massage has been used in some form. Even today it is widely used throughout the world and if the statistics from recent major Games were analysed it would probably indicate that the modality demanded most by athletes was sports massage.
Sports massage may be able to cause mechanical, physiological and psychological responses.
Mechanical responses to massage occur as a direct result of the graded pressure and movements of the hand on the body. Such actions may encourage venous and lymphatic drainage and mildly stretch superficial and scar tissue. In the aftermath of an injury, massage and stretch techniques may influence the organisation of scar tissue and help prevent a reduction in the functional length of soft tissue.
Massage may increase circulation and, as a result, increase metabolism to the musculature and aid in the removal of metabolites. The beneficial effects of massage on skeletal muscle include: muscle relaxation; relief of spasms and cramps; relief of myofascial pain; prevention or treatment of delayed muscle soreness; improved athletic performance (when massage precedes activity); enhanced recovery (when applied following training); and rehabilitation following muscle injury.
COMMON CONDITIONS THAT RESPOND WELL TO SPORTS MASSAGE
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), caused by excessive or unfamiliar training loads cannot be prevented, however, massage may help to reduce the effects and thus allow early return to normal training.
Lateral knee pain, often caused by increased tension in the ITB and associated musculature, responds well to sports massage.
Conditions commonly known as 'Golfers Elbow' and 'Tennis Elbow' which are associated with the Common Extensor/Flexor Tendons can be managed with sports massage techniques.
Discomfort, aches and general tension in the calf muscles caused by repetitive activities, impact and harsh playing surfaces can be relieved by application of massage and stretch.
Postural aches caused by occupational/sporting posture leading to increased muscle tone can be managed by regular application of massage.
Following soft tissue injury, in the post acute stage, massage and stretch can be used in the rehabilitation process to stress and strengthen healing tissue and thus prevent potential loss of functional length.