Sports massage is a form of therapy intended to enhance an individual's performance at the physical and psychological levels.
Therapists massage techniques to relax the body, increase muscle flexibility, increase joint mobility, help alleviate post-exercise soreness or fatigue. This type of massage may also be useful as a method to relieve pain and discomfort associated with overuse injuries, such as tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Sports massage is often part of an overall training regimen that may include warm-up exercises, stretching routines, core strength training, aerobic activity, or even breath control exercises where the body's oxygen intake is consciously regulated to meet the increased demands for energy present during intense physical activity. There are four major specific techniques used in sports massage therapy: classic Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release technique (MFR), neuromuscular therapy. Massage therapists can supplement these techniques with additional sports massage services like Thai massage. These remedial massage techniques can be applied using hands-on approaches, which are implemented by sports massage therapists. Highly qualified remedial massage therapists undergo specialized training in this particular area and generally do not use any oils or lotions. Sports massage uses a variety of techniques designed to stretch tight muscles and increase range of motion:
The massage therapist applies pressure to the muscles with hands, thumbs, or elbows, pulls on limbs, and uses his or her body weight to apply deep compression. Pressure can vary from light to vigorous.
Sports massage is also known as Active Release Techniques, works by physically breaking down soft tissue adhesions that develop within the muscle about the attachments of muscle fibres to the bone, fascia/connective tissue into scar tissue then stimulates blood flow while increasing range of motion through a specific directional gliding movement over the course of 15 minutes sessions usually once per week for 3 weeks depending on age and condition of the client receiving therapy.
Neuromuscular techniques are used to facilitate the flow of energy and information within the body and improve the function of injured areas. In this case, a massage therapist applies pressure to specific points that they believe correspond to other body parts that have been affected by injury, surgery, or repetitive activity. Neuromuscular therapy is effective in treating problems such as muscle pain, muscle spasm, joint instability, and nerve damage.
Myofascial massage therapy involves an active and passive movement principle with a gradual increase in deeper pressures over a period of time according to individual comfort levels with this type of remedial massage.
This involves applying direct pressure or tension to tender areas in the muscles, which are usually associated with a specific pain pattern known as trigger points. Trigger point massage effectively reduces pain and physical restrictions after surgery, sports injuries, and other types of trauma, including whiplash injury.
One of the most common questions that people ask when thinking about sports massage is whether or not it's worth it. That depends on what you are looking for in a massage, but if your primary goal is tension and stress relief, you may be better off with another type of massage. However, sports massages are more likely to help with injuries caused by overuse or strenuous activity. As long as your expectations are realistic before getting a sports massage, there's no reason you can't enjoy the benefits that this type of treatment offers. Whether they're pre-game or post-game treatments, sports massages can definitely benefit athletes who know how to effectively use their time after an injury occurs to help speed up their recovery. The best way to get the most out of your sports massage sessions is to book an appointment ahead of time with a therapist that specialises in this type of technique. If this isn't possible, you can also ask some questions about their experience and techniques before beginning the massage treatment.
While sports massages are more likely to be painful when an injury is involved, most people find that this type of treatment isn't too uncomfortable because the therapist takes their time with applying pressure in order to avoid placing their client in any unnecessary discomfort. However, you should still expect some pain after the massage when your body begins to heal at a cellular level which happens gradually over time after receiving regular treatments. For that reason, it may take several sessions before you start seeing noticeable improvements in your overall health or level of comfort.
There really isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to this question because it can vary according to your location and the type of sports massage you are looking for. However, expect to pay your sports massage therapist anywhere from $80—$100 for a one hour massage for these types of treatments. While that may not seem like much when compared to the average cost of surgery or expensive prescription drugs, some people may still feel that it's too expensive or just not worth the money. However, if your primary goal is to avoid injury, then this might be an investment worth considering before you suffer an injury that will cause you more pain and discomfort in the long run.
The sports massage cost can vary significantly depending on the experience level of your massage therapist, where they are located, and the length of the session. However, most clients save money and find it more affordable to receive regular treatments when they book ahead of time. Others use the client form to sign up for a number of sessions with one particular massage therapist. It is common for clients to get several free estimates from different sports massage therapists before deciding who to work with. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of having one massage therapist who knows your history, cares for your well being, and understands how to best help you recover without having to pay an arm and a leg for each visit. Check with your local clinic if they consider health fund rebates. Factoring in health fund rebates may reduce the final massage services pricing.
Relaxation massages also focus on reducing muscle tension by using soft tissue manipulation to coax your body into relaxing so you can enjoy the massage for what it is.
On the other hand, sports massages tend to focus more on increasing blood flow so that injured tissues can heal faster and reduce pain in sensitive areas like your lower back or shoulders.
Because these techniques tend to be fairly different when compared side by side, most remedial massage therapists will specialise in one particular type of massage, making their rates higher than others in this industry.
However, there are some benefits associated with receiving sports massages after an injury occurs, like increased flexibility or improved circulation. For that reason, these types of therapies tend to be fairly popular among athletes who know how important it is to stay active if they want to maintain full function throughout their bodies
Preparing for a sports massage treatment is similar to preparing for any other type of spa treatment like receiving a manicure or pedicure.
You'll want to avoid eating too much before your scheduled session because you'll feel more uncomfortable when you are full during the treatment. Therefore, it's best to eat an hour or two before showing up at the office so that your stomach isn't growling throughout the entire session.
Additionally, wear loose-fitting clothing so that any areas on your body that are sensitive can be massaged without causing you discomfort or pain.
You may also want to avoid certain conversations that will distract your sports massage therapist from helping you achieve a more relaxing state during the session, such as talking about your kids back home or how much money you make at work.
Your massage therapist is there to help relax and soothe every part of your body, so if they know that you are resistant to their technique or constantly checking the clock during the treatment, then they may be less likely to offer discounted rates in future visits. For more information on sports massage, take a look at the Australian Government's Healthdirect website.