Notes

Sports Massage Therapy - Treatments for Injuries
Sports massage is a great option to alleviate the discomfort caused by overuse injuries, strain, and tears in muscles. Massage can aid in calming, loosen and relax the muscles and tendons while increasing the range of motion and circulation. A massage for sports has many physical benefits that boost the heart rate of the athlete, reduce strain, injury, and increase long-term fitness. It not only improves recovery , but it also helps prevent injury and relieves the pain, tightness and inflammation. Sports massage techniques include:

Effleurage: Effleurage is a technique to be used in sports massage. It involves applying massage strokes to the soft layers of tissue. Effleurage utilizes long, sliding strokes to loosen and relax tissues that are damaged or tight. For Effleurage therapy, the therapist should hold their hands over the body, with the palm on the heart and the fingers pointing down the persons back. In Effleurage the therapist will employ their thumbs, hands, and fingers to create a fluid movement around the spine. This can help to release tight muscles and stretch the deeper layers of soft tissue.

Traction: Many sports massage therapies employ the use of light tension. Therapists can employ this technique to pull the collagen fibers and the skin closer, which can help reduce discomfort, inflammation and tightness. Also, traction is used in Sports massage to increase blood flow and stimulates the affected area. Another advantage of the traction method is that it increases joint flexibility and mobility. It can also be used to lessen stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and back after a workout.

Cold compression The cold compression is applied during the Sports massage therapy session, the therapist can apply a cold compression to the muscle group that is deep. This is a technique that has numerous advantages, including the ability to increase circulation, reduce the amount of inflammation, as well as reduce pain. Cold compresses can be used throughout the entire exercise routine or between workouts. One drawback is that cold compresses take some time to take an effect on the muscles. A skilled massage therapist will be able to tell when to apply an ice compress the most.

Heat: Heat is another well-known technique that is used in sports massage techniques. The capillary veins that carry warm blood throughout the body can be stimulated by heat that can improve blood circulation. The ability to relax tight muscles and increase flexibility can be helped by heat. It is especially effective in treating injured or frozen tissues. It assists in opening up the tissues and makes them more receptive.

Athletes are often advised to use sports massage before or during training. It is a soft tissue treatment that can increase flexibility and range of motion. Athletes are also more likely to suffer injuries because of their hectic routines and endurance sports. Thus, a sports massage prior to a workout or game is beneficial for athletes that want to be in top form to compete in their sporting events.

Sports massage is not often thought of as a method to treat for injuries. It is an alternative to the use of prescription pain medication and helps loosen tight muscles that are stuck in joints. This could cause severe pain. The therapy has been shown to improve flexibility, reduce inflammation, and can even increase muscle strength. It's even being utilized more frequently in training programs for athletes due to its effectiveness and safety benefits.

Aside from the techniques for soft tissue, sports massage therapists also often perform deep massages known as trigger point therapy. This is achieved by gently applying pressure to tight knots or areas in the spine. It is utilized to treat injuries due to sports, like tennis elbow, bursitis and strains.
Read More: