Sports Massage

SPORTS OR ATHLETIC MASSAGE
Sports, or Athletic Massage, is a little different from regular Swedish.
 It does began with the warming up of the tissue to prepare the tissue for the deeper work such as neuromuscular or deep tissue, but the Sports Massage has a different plan of action and intent.
Sports Massage targets the larger muscle groups and is applied with faster and more vigorous strokes than a regular Swedish.
Four Categories of Athletic Massage
Pre-Event•Massage, previous to an event, to prepare the athlete for the exertion of an all out competition. Usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
•Pre-Event allows the athlete to reach his peak performance earlier and maintain it longer.
•Pre-Event is not a replacement for the proper warm up, but an adjunct.
•This uses no oil and is usually given through the clothing.
•It is fast and invigorating
•It is usually on the larger group of muscles
•Example:   A baseball pitchers arm would be the body part massaged:  A runner's legs and hips would be massaged.
 Post Event
•Usually given within an hour or two after the event. 
•The goal of this is to increase circulation, flush metabolic waste
•Reduce muscle tension and spasms and quiet the nervous system.
•Research shows that this type massage acts as a mechanical cleanser of the metabolic waste buildup such as lactic acid and is three to four times as effective in recovery as rest.
•This prevents soreness and stiffness of muscles
 Restorative•This targets previous injuries and uses techniques to help heal and restore muscles.
 Rehabilitation
•Focuses on the restoration of tissue function following injury.
•It shortens the time it takes for an injury to heal.
•Helps to reduce swelling and edema.
•Helps to form storage pliable scar tissue.
•Maintains or increases range of motion
•Eliminates splinting in associated muscle tissue
•Locates and deactivates trigger points that form as a result of the trauma.
Benefits of MassageMassage dilates the blood vessels, improving the circulation (by as much as 3 times) and relieving congestion throughout the body. (Congestion is caused by metabolic waste, toxins, and latic acid)
 Increased circulation means increased nutrients and oxygen to the cells and tissues, plus increased venous flow to carry away metabolic&lactic; waste.
Working out, or running,  causes negative effects on the body such as lactic acid, (oxygen debt) increased metabolic waste buildup, strains in the muscles or connective tissue, spasms and pain that restrict movement.
Massage acts as a mechanical cleanser, stimulating lymph circulation and hasten the elimination of wastes and toxic debris, thus boosting metabolism and digestion.
It normally takes an overworked muscle 48 to 72 hours to recuperate.  Massage can reduce the recovery time by as much as 50%.  (After a tramatic injury such as occurs in a fall, a massage should not be applied before 48 hours has elapsed, so that the swelling can go down.)
Massage allows a client working out to reach peak performance sooner and maintain it longer.
Muscles also "draw up" and forget to release to the usual elasticity.  Massage can release those muscles, stretch and broaden muscles thus relieving spasms and tension.
Tight muscles can also restrict nerves and circulation.
Massage improves muscle tone and aids in prevention of muscular atrophy resulting from inactivity.
Massage can have stimulation or sedating effect, depending on the type treatment given.
Massage increases the number of red blood cells, especially in cases of anemia.
Massage can aid in reduction of high blood pressure.
Massage encourages the retention of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur necessary for tissue repair in recovering from bone fracture.
Massage stretches connective tissue, improves the circulation and nutrition of the skin, thus breaking down and preventing formation of adhesions and reducing danger of fibrosis.