Massage is the practise of the movement and manipulation of the muscles, ligaments and joints. There are many versions of massage therapy, but ultimately all the different therapies have one common goal – to work with the soft tissues of the body to have an effect on both the mind and the body.
So what is sports massage? This version of massage therapy focuses in on assisting in the correction body imbalances and or pain in soft tissues that is caused from repetitive and strenuous activity or trauma.
This could be simply that you have worked in the same position for years and your body over time has used some muscles more than others, causing tension that leads to discomfort. Or just that you have increased your training quickly and your body hasn’t quite adapted to the new demands.
This is not to say that the techniques used within sports massage differ from those used in Swedish or hot stone massage for example, they are in the most part the same. But the differences lie in the focus which is to target a specific area to restore balance in the muscular system and reduce pain. This means that there is less ‘flow’ to the massage, with some muscles or joints receiving more attention as needed, or focusing on the right side more than the left. There may also be other techniques included such as stretch therapy, myofascial cupping or neuromuscular work.
So is sports massage for you? Yes! Contrary to what people think, sports massage isn’t just for those that are participating in sport or exercise. It is for anyone who is in need to focused and specific work in an area that is feeling discomfort or pain.
Still not sure? Then drop me an email and we can have a chat through your current issue and how I could help, what a session involves and I can answer any questions you may have.