Sports Massage

Every two years we focus our attention on the athletes competing in the summer and winter Olympics. World-class athletes are largely responsible for popularizing massage therapy because it enhances their performance, prevents injuries, and helps restore their bodies to homeostasis. At the same time, more Americans realize the benefits of regular exercise. Their interest in taking responsibility for their own health leads them to explore the benefits of massage therapy.

Pre-Event massage lasts about 15 minutes and emphasizes work on muscles to be used in the competition. Massage enhances muscle performance by increasing blood circulation and reducing muscle tension while increasing athletes' overall flexibility. Pre event massage tends to be nonspecific, involving fast paced, light, gentle rocking, shaking out and warming muscles. Swedish massage techniques such as effleurage, compression, palmar friction, kneading, and broad strokes are best for pre-event massage. Relaxation exercises increase range of motion and muscle flexibility.

Inter-competition massage occurs during time-outs in a game, between heats in elimination races, or during breaks in a workout. It is short duration and very light, focusing on the muscles being used. Muscles are shaken out and gently stretched, helping the body remove waste material while maintaining muscle warmth (hyperemia).

Post event massage occurs after athletes complete their events. Its goal is to reduce muscle swelling and tension wile helping the body reduce soreness. Massage spreads muscle fibers, relaxes muscles, and reduces cramping while assisting the lymphatic system to remove waste material.Therapists may apply ice to interrupt spasms or for sprains and cramps. Stretching with resistance is often used to end this type of massage.

Sports massage encompasses four distinct categories.

Three of these - pre-event, inter-competition, and post-event massage occur at the site of the competition.

The fourth, massage therapy, is generally performed in an office or at a training facility.

Massage therapy techniques focus on sprains, strains, adhesions, spasms, and scar tissue. Any of these injuries can greatly diminish a muscle's ability to perform or move through an optimal range of motion. Besides maintaining or possibly increasing athletic performance, massage therapy extends athletes' careers by helping their bodies repair damaged joints, ligaments, and muscles.

- Return to "Self-Care Articles" -

We are dedicated to providing the highest quality hands-on health experience to meet your individual needs.

Member of The American Massage Therapy Association

Serving Chicagoland and the western suburbs including: Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Elmwood Park, LaGrange, Hinsdale, Elmhurst, Berwyn, Brookfield, Riverside and Oakbrook.

Schedule some happiness: make an appointment today
708-386-7415
We will return calls within 24 hours

We accept personal checks

return to top

This site designed and maintained by: