Introduction to Sports Massage

What is sports massage?

Sports massage is the technique of kneading and manipulating soft tissue in order to help prevent sports injuries, treat injuries already incurred and improve performance. 

As participation in sports becomes more popular at all ages, and performances improve from year to year, more is demanded of the athlete. This can mean that performances which were seen as outstanding twenty years ago are now commonplace.

Mentally and physically, psychologically and emotionally, athletes are pushing themselves to deliver more and more, and they are looking for innovative and effective ways to improve their performances.

Regular sports massage is part of the training programme of all top sports people and its increased availability in clinics and health centres is now making it accessible for everyone.

What happens during a sports massage treatment?

A sports massage therapist will usually take a medical history to ascertain relevant information about your health past and present, about your sport in particular and about any injuries you may have incurred. Each treatment will be unique to you, the patient, your sport, your state of fitness or injury and your athletic goals.

Throughout the sessions a number of adapted tests for strength, suppleness and pain-free range of movement will be undertaken.

Treatment should be mainly 'hands on' using a combination of massage and exercises to strengthen and release soft tissue (muscles, fascia and tendons) and to increase range of movement in joints. Only rarely will machinery or infra- red be required. 

Massage techniques used may include trigger point therapy, neuromuscular therapy, soft tissue release, acupressure and more. Remedial massage may be appropriate to treat injuries. You will feel energized and ready for action.

Pre - event massage

Sports massage is an effective way of preparing for events and caring for the athletes after the event. Effects can be psychological as well as physical. Pre-event massage is used to warm and loosen up the muscular system, and sharpen neuromuscular communication ready for action. It is also seen as a vital part of the routine psychological preparation.

Post - event massage

After the event, massage is a popular adjunct to the warming down exercise routine and can in some cases, where a warm down is not possible, replace this altogether. It has the effect of loosening and releasing muscles and increasing localised vascular and lymphatic activity to speed the removal of byproducts of athletic activity, e.g. hydrogen ions (sometimes known as 'lactic acid') and the waste products from increased cell metabolism.

Sports Massage after a challenging training session or after an event or a match can help to eliminate subsequent muscle soreness, particularly if administered 2 to 6 hours after the event. Psychologically it acts as a 'closure' to the event and gives the athlete valuable time to reflect. After a post - event sports massage you will feel physically and mentally relaxed.

Benefit from aromatherapy for beginners

Aromatherapy is an ancient and well-established therapy that has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years. Using scent to promote health and well-being is its primary claim to fame, and there is also some evidence of the therapeutic properties that essential oils can bring to the treatment of medical conditions. Getting started in aromatherapy takes some study, but it can be a rewarding hobby or business.

Aromatherapy materials include essential oils that are extracted from plants through steam or distillation, fragrant oils from flowers or plants, and carrier oils that dilute the essential oils so that they can be used on the skin. Other items that may be used are herbal distillates like chamomile and lemon balm, infusions from plants, and vaporizers made from raw herbs.

When purchasing supplies, beginners should shop with reputable dealers. Local health food stores are one place to shop, but they may not offer the highest quality oils. Reputable mail-order companies may offer better quality selections as well as more reasonable prices. Until experience is gained in judging quality, the new aroma therapist should avoid buying items at craft shows or street fairs. Once purchased, oils should be stored in dark glass inside of cool, dark cabinets, chests, or boxes as light can affect their scents. Rubber or plastic dropper tops or containers should never be used as they can ruin the oil.

Finding recipes that are appealing is the next step a beginner should consider. These are available at many sites on the internet or at places that sell essential oils and other supplies. Recipes can be as simple as adding a couple of drops of an essential oil to a carrier oil and placing the mixture into the appropriate dispersal or application device.

There are many ways to apply the aromas. Aromatherapy can be applied through aerial diffusion (in which the user employs an environmental fragrance or aerial disinfection), through direct inhalation (in which aromas are inhaled through the nose or mouth), and through topical applications (in which bath salts, oils, or skin lotions are used).

One of the first things that beginners should do when considering practicing aromatherapy is to study safety guidelines. Because essential oils are highly concentrated, they can be harmful if used incorrectly. Perhaps the most important safety precaution is to avoid applying undiluted essential oils directly to the skin as it can cause skin irritation or health issues. Every essential oil is not safe for use in aromatherapy. Some of these include horseradish, camphor, and bitter almond. Essential oils should be kept away from open flames as they are flammable. Such oils should also never be taken internally. These are just a few of the safety rules for beginning aroma therapists, and anyone interested in taking up this skill should explore all others.

Aromatherapy is a fun and beneficial occupation. With just a little practice, a beginner can become proficient at creating wonderful aromas for a myriad of uses.

For a great aromatherapy massage in Brighton visit Little Jasmine Therapies in the North Laines