Most frequently Sports Massage is simply a deep tissue treatment although not necessarily in all situations. If you’ve just finished a very heavy training sessions, ran a marathon, suffer acute injury or have a race in a day or two the session would be gentler, focused more on increasing blood flow, supporting the recovery or warming up the muscles and preparing them for intense activity. The deep friction techniques that cause minor tissue injuries could affect muscular performance the following day or slow down the healing process.
Sports Massage uses combination of deep strokes with some other techniques like Muscle Energy Techniques, Reciprocal Inhibition, Soft Tissue Release, Muscle energy Techniques or Myofascial Release.
Some of the main benefits of regular massage treatments include:
· Increased blood supply to tissues what provides better elimination of waste materials and better nourishment on cellular level supporting growth and recovery
· It helps to break down adhesions, fibrous and scar tissue allowing smooth gliding of the fibres and making tissues more pliable; increased blood flow through the fibrous knot stimulates healing and repair
· It stimulates nerve receptors that control tissue tension
· It balances nervous system by stimulating its parasympathetic part enhancing muscular relaxation but also having a positive influence on lowering blood pressure, insomnia, head aches or digestive function.
The above physiologic changes allow for better injury prevention, faster training and injury recovery, decreased inflammation and better muscular performance, increased flexibility and body awareness, improved digestive function, better cognitive function and mental preparation before competitions.
Since deep friction and transverse techniques cause a breakdown of the adhesive bonds between stuck fibres it certainly can cause some pain or discomfort or leave you a little sore the following day. That will actually allow a better blood flow through the area and stimulate a healing reaction. Nevertheless the discomfort should not be unpleasant but rather experienced as a ‘good pain’. I will always communicate with you to make sure the level of pressure is adequate and please do say whenever it’s too much or you prefer a gentler approach.
It is important to know that Sports or Deep tissue Massage is certainly not aimed only at sports people. It is highly beneficial for anyone spending long hours at the computer, performing repetitive tasks or suffering aches and pains due to poor posture by mobilising, soothing and releasing muscular tension.
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