Sports massage therapy is a therapeutic massage given by a trained professional prior to or after sports events to prevent injury.

Sportsmen and women put their bodies under extreme pressure and exertion, and are therefore more likely to suffer injuries as a result. Injuries can have an effect on the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints, and these injuries along with tiredness can have an impact on the overall performance of the individual.

Sports massage has gradually became part of the normal routine for sports professionals, due to the strenuous regime of training that they are subjected to. Sports massage therapy helps to decrease toxins within the muscles, lengthen the muscles to increase overall flexibility, and improves the circulation, which speeds up recovery and improves circulation. It is usually a combination of shiatsu and Swedish massage involving work specific for the individual.

Styles of Sports Massage Therapy

Swedish massage – Massage linked to specific muscles using vibration.

Cross-fibre massage – Friction massage to strengthen and lengthen the muscles. Helps to repair and heal damaged fibres.

Compression massage – Compression of the muscles to soften and loosen up the tissues.

Lymphatic massage – Massage of the lymphatic system to remove toxins.

Trigger point massage – Finger and thumb massage of the muscle groups to decrease muscle spasm, and allow free, painless movement of the joints.

How Sports Massage Therapy Can Help

There are numerous benefits to sports massage therapy. It prepares the body for physical exertion, and also aids the recovery process after strenuous exercise. It not only reduces the chances of an injury occurring, but it also improves general mobility, and decreases the rest time needed between training or exerting the body.

Most professional sports training sessions do involve regular sports massage, as it can improve the physical and mental stability of the individual, assisting physically with muscles and joints, and mentally by decreasing stress and tension.