Learn About Sports Massage Therapy

Everybody loves massages because they are enjoyable and relaxing.  You benefit a lot from getting regular massages.  Sports massage in particular has a lot of physical, physiological and psychological benefits.  Contrary to what most people think, sports massages are not just meant for athletes.  Sports massages will affect how you move, how you feel and how you think.  Massage is basically the manipulation of our body’s soft tissues to bring on a positive effect.  Many years have passed since the introduction of massage therapy.

 Sports massage is just a branch of sport massages  therapy. Sports massage therapy is different from regular massage therapy in that there are different reasons for seeking sports massage therapy and the patients expect varying results.  Sports massage therapy is a clinical massage that is designed to treat soft tissue and musculoskeletal injuries.  Sports therapy is structured to meet an individual’s needs.  Athletes are encouraged to get sports massage to prevent injuries that may arise from the strenuous activities they take part in.  Sports massage therapists need to have undergone special training to be able to identify sports related injuries.

Sports massage therapists need advanced skills so they are able to tailor each patient’s massage needs based on the type of injury they are suffering from and give them advice on how to deal with their injuries post-therapy.

 Massage therapy comprises of a number of techniques. Effleurage is one such technique, which is basically a beginner’s massage therapy to help ready them for their treatment. Another technique is petrissage where the massage therapist compresses and releases soft tissues.  Another technique is known as frictions, whereby a therapist uses the pads of his or her fingers and thumbs to put pressure on a small area so as to help in the break down of scar tissues.  Another major technique is percussion.  Percussion is a technique used to ready a patient for exercise by relaxing his or her muscles. Watch this video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F88kdVY6LuU for more info about massage.

Sports therapy is important for a number of reasons.  Sports massage therapy is important because it prevents delayed onset muscle soreness.  This type of massage therapy will accomplish this by improving the circulation of blood and other tissue fluids all around the body so as to prevent muscle fatigue. A number of people also get sports massage therapy to reduce their stress levels. You will come out of a sports massage therapy session feeling happier because this type of massage stimulates the brain to release neurotransmitters known as endorphins.  You will benefit a lot from sports therapy despite your fitness goals or workout intensity. Be sure to see page here!