Tried And True Advice For Finding Your Perfect Sports Massage Therapist
Tried And True Advice For Finding Your Perfect Sports Massage Therapist
Blog Article
DIY Sports Massage Techniques
Athletes are constantly searching for the next edge to boost performance. Massage is one of the best tools available to achieve this goal.
The right techniques can reduce muscle stiffness, aid recovery and help athletes train harder. Learn how to use sports massage as a part of your athlete’s overall training and recovery strategy.
Foam Roller
Using body weight to apply pressure to muscles and "knots" (or trigger points), foam rolling is a self-myofascial release technique that's an inexpensive alternative to seeing a sports massage therapist. This self-massage tool can help to reduce muscular tightness and soreness, as well as speed up recovery after intense exercise.
Foam rollers are cylindrical tools that range in size, shape and foam density. They're a popular addition to training and recovery routines of athletes, weightlifters, runners, cyclists, swimmers and other fitness enthusiasts.
Imagine your first sports massage client is a competitive swimmer. They're about to compete for their lifelong dream of going to the Olympics. They come to you with imbalances and muscle tightness caused by intense training. Your knowledge and skill are going to be critical in helping them reach their goals. Providing a great experience will keep them coming back and help you build your business. Ideally, you should be able to provide them with specific techniques customized for their sport.
Deep Tissue Massage
In a sport that calls for fast reactions and precise movements, having strong joints and muscles is crucial. When these are tight, they can hamper movement and increase risk of injury.
Deep tissue massage can help improve muscle function and range of motion, break up adhesions or scar tissues, and decrease pain by increasing oxygen and nutrients in the area. It can also help relieve stress and tension in the muscles, which may decrease overall soreness.
For example, a study of a sports massage on the forearms of a pickleball player showed improved grip strength and decreased forearm soreness, which in turn led to greater performance. However, the athlete should always be in communication with the therapist to ensure that the massage is not painful. The therapist will adjust the pressure and technique as needed to keep the athlete safe, comfortable and in optimal condition for athletic performance. They should also be encouraged to hydrate and eat well after the massage to promote recovery.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger points are knots of tight, tense muscle tissue. They cause pain in the areas where they are located and also limit the range of motion of surrounding muscles. Trigger point therapy applies manual pressure to the trigger points in order to unlock them and relieve tension. This is accomplished through myofascial release. Fascia is a sheath-like, fibrous tissue that encases musculoskeletal structures. It is normally pliable and flexible, but with stress, injury, bad posture, and lack of hydration and sleep, the fascia can stiffen and restrict movement.
Over 80% of people will experience the same pattern of pain referral from a single trigger point, so it is easy for a massage therapist to pinpoint exactly which muscles need treatment. The goal is to work up to the point where the muscle starts to twitch and release the tension, but not go overboard so as not to cause undue pain. The intensity should be a "good hurt." During the treatment, the top-rated sports massage clinics massage therapist may use their fingers and thumbs to feel the trigger points.
Jostling
Jostling is a massage technique in which the muscle is gripped at the point of origin and shaken gently. It relaxes the muscle and it is claimed to reduce the stretch reflex.
Jostling and other friction techniques are used to break down adhesions in muscle tissue. These adhesions occur as a result of muscle fibers sticking together during the inflammatory healing process and they can prevent muscles from contracting normally. By reducing adhesions and increasing flexibility, sports massage helps athletes perform at peak level and stay injury free.
The physiological effects of sports massage include increased temperature, improved circulation and enhanced muscle recovery and flexibility. This combination of benefits makes sports massage an integral part of any athlete's training and recovery program. It helps them prepare for a competition or a big event, aids in the recovery after an event and improves performance during training. Ideally, sports massage should be done at least a day or two before a big race to ensure that the muscles are fully healed and ready to go.