Sports therapy massage is used to help athletes stay healthy and perform at their optimal level. It can be used before a sport begins to help prevent injury, ease stress, and increase flexibility. It can be used after a sport to drain away the tension built up in the muscles and alleviate aches and pains. It can also be used during training to expand and extend muscles and to promote relaxation. Before attempting sports therapy massage, you should have studied human anatomy and been trained in basic massage techniques.

Sports Therapy Massage: Before

If you are working on an athlete before a sporting event, your goal is to help him or her prepare for performance both mentally and physically. Depending on the athlete’s mood, you will need to help him or her calm down or get psyched up and ready to perform.

If the athlete is in need of calm, use Swedish massage techniques—long, slow strokes—for relaxation. If you use aromatherapy in conjunction with your massage, consider bringing lavender or cedar-scented candles or incense into the massage room.

If the athlete is in need of quick energy, massage him or her with short, vigorous strokes. Mint or citrus scents will compliment the effects of your energizing sports therapy massage.

The closer you are to the time of performance, the shorter the massage should be. Deep tissue massage should be avoided as it might throw off the athlete’s timing and balance.

Sports Therapy Massage: After

After a sporting event, massage can help clear the athlete’s body of toxins and help it return to its normal state. Before beginning work on an athlete after an event, take a moment to assess him or her. Ask the athlete how he or she is feeling. Are any areas particularly sore? Defer to a doctor if the athlete shows signs or symptoms of injury, shock, or heat exhaustion.

Use light, gentle strokes during the sports therapy massage after a performance. Smooth, gliding strokes (effleurage) and gentle squeezing and kneading (petrissage) will help encourage drainage of waste products.

Sports Therapy Massage: Maintenance

It is a good idea for athletes to receive regular sports therapy massages during training to help them stay in the best possible condition. The goal of maintenance massage is to work on broadening and elongating the muscles, promoting relaxation, and continuing to flush out built up toxins. Unlike pre- and post- event massages, maintenance sports therapy massages consist primarily of deep tissue work.

The three basic sports therapy massages are used to help athletes reach their peak performances. With training and practice, you can help the athlete in your life to improve his or her game.

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