Sports Massage
Sports Massage isn't just for sportsmen
Sports Massage is the term applied to the discipline of using massage for the specific benefit of all sports exercise participants. It covers the management, manipulation and rehabilitation of the soft tissues of the body e.g. muscles, ligaments and tendons. Sports Massage should be tailored to each individual's needs to positively enhance ones ability to perform. However, you don't have to be a competitive athlete to benefit from sports massage. Office workers may develop back and neck discomfort from being seated for long periods sustaining poor posture. Benefits of Sports Massage include
- improving circulation and lymphatic flow
- sedate or stimulate nerve endings
- increase muscle length
- assist in the removal of metabolic waste
- increase muscle tone
- remodel scar tissue
- assist in mental preparation for sporting participation
- help to relieve stress and headaches brought on by excessive muscle tension.
We all benefit from a fit and healthy body for our jobs or simply to maintain a particular lifestyle and regular massage is an easy and enjoyable way to keep our bodies functioning properly.
Why sports massage is different
Sports massage differs from other types of massage because it works more deeply on your body's tissues. No matter the cause of your injury (a sporting injury, lifestyle injury, problems due to surgery, poor posture or illness) the same techniques may be applied for your treatment. Sports Massage aims to make lasting changes on your soft tissue that will allow your body to start functioning properly again. By having a pain free body you will have a body that works properly. During your treatment I will select from a wide variety of techniques to use the ones that can actually have a positive effect on the soft tissues of your body. As a result of a sports massage, much heat is generated in muscles which will have a relaxing effect. The general stretching effect on the blood vessels will contribute to a lowering of blood pressure and so further aid relaxation. This will make a real and noticeable difference to your posture, comfort and range of movement.
Sports massage may assist in pain reduction through the release of bodily endorphins.
In addition to these beneficial physical effects, positive psychological effects also occur (e.g. anxiety reduction) as a result of greater relaxation and the general “invigorating” feeling. In addition to treating and helping to avoid injuries, I can also educate you so that there is a greater chance that you can avoid further injury.
© 2007 Will Mepham