What Is Sports Massage

Sports Massage Therapy is the application of basic and treatment oriented massage techniques for athletes with the purpose of enhancing the athlete’s preparation or recovery from the physical demands of training and competition.

The golden rule is “DO NO HARM”. Inappropriate techniques may have a negative effect on both the athlete’s physical and mental performance.

Generally the sports massage techniques are broader and less intrusive than clinical work.

Benefits of Sports Massage

Sports massage may have the following benefits and assist in:

• Consistency in training
• Reduction in strain and discomfort from training
• Reduction from muscle and tendon tightness
• Healing acute injuries and reduction in scar tissue formation to help prevent chronic conditions
• Heal chronic injuries and treat biomechanical imbalances

“Physiological” Effects of Sports Massage

Sports massage may assist in:

• Improved fluid circulation
• Muscular relaxation /stimulation
• Separation of muscle from connective tissue
• Formation of healthy scar tissue and connective tissue normalization
• Deactivation of myofascial trigger points

“Psychological” Effects of Sports Massage

• Encourage relaxation and readiness
• Reduce anxiety and competition stress
• Increase alertness and mental clarity
• Increase “feelings” of well being
• Boost confidence

“Performance” – Related Effects of Sports Massage

Sports massage may:

• Increase energy
• Increase range of motion at joints
• Develop faster recovery post training
• Decrease pain
• Improve positive outlook

3 Main Categories of Sports Massage

Sports massage utilizes specific broad techniques depending on the time of the massage.

There are about seven to eight stages of application for sports massage. The following are the three most common:

1) Pre-Event Performance Sports Massage:

This massage has primarily a stimulating effect. Generally this type of massage is performed without oil. It takes place within an hour before an event. It is done as part of the warm up process for the athlete.

2) Inter-Event Sports Massage

This type of massage occurs in between same day events. This type of sports massage occurs with and without oil. The objective here is to help with the cool down process post event and stimulate for the next competition or event.

3) Post Event Cool Down Sports Massage

The major focus of this treatment is drainage. It is a relaxing massage. It should be done without creating any pain.

The depth of the strokes is light to moderate. The strokes are rhythmical and broad. Generally this massage should not last longer than twenty minutes. The areas of the body to be treated will depend on the athlete’s needs.

Sports Massage Certification

In Canada in order to be recognized as sports massage therapist you must go through a certification process. This in general includes putting time in at sporting events collecting “field” hours as well as hours in a clinical setting.

Although many schools have sports massage outreaches as part of their curriculum it is important to take a recognized course through the Canadian Sports Massage Therapists Association with a certified sports massage therapist.

The opportunity to participate with professional sports teams, winter and summer Olympians, national sports teams and high level amateur sports teams increases significantly if you have your sports massage certification.

To get more specific information you can go to the CSMTA website.

Equine Sports Massage

Equine sports massage has recently gained some popularity in the world of sports massage.

Equine sports massage therapy can address issues in a horse such as:

• Inhibited motion
• Shortening of stride
• Stiffness
• Head tossing
• Bucking and kicking
• Tracking unevenly
• Refusing to pick up the correct lead
• Sore back
• Showing signs of resistance

Here are a couple of benefits for Equine Sports Massage:

• Strengthen the Equine-Human Bond
• Help prevent disease before it occurs