Sports massage therapy improves the condition of the athlete’s muscles, according to research. For many athletes, massage therapy has become as essential to their workouts as strength training, cardio routines, stretching and icing. Massage therapy is an important facet of a well-rounded exercise program and one that should not be limited only to professional athletes. Athletes of all sports and skill levels can reap the benefits provided by massage therapy.

Sports massage therapy adds an aspect of repair and recovery to an athlete’s training regiment. Through massage, an athlete’s range of motion and flexibility can be increased, which is something that can enhance their physical abilities. Massage helps the muscles and tissues recover after a grueling workout, allowing for the athlete to push themselves further the following day. Additionally, massages have shown to reduce muscle fatigue and soreness, a common complaint for many athletes. The scheduled and frequent implementation of massage therapy has also been shown to reduce injuries in athletes by the proper stretching of muscles.

There are several techniques used in sports massage therapy. Typical techniques used for sports massages are deep Swedish massage, compression massage, cross-fiber massage, trigger-point massage and lymphatic massage.

A planned sports massage program is beneficial to athletes of all levels. There are several different times one can employ massage therapy into their athletic routine. A few examples of these types of sports massages are:

• Scheduled Maintenance Massages
• Event Massages
• Rehabilitation Massages

Scheduled maintenance massages are completed at routine, scheduled appointments. The goal of this type of massage is to improve flexibility and motion, which can help the athlete achieve their peak performance level.

The next type of massage program is event massages, which incorporates pre-event and post-event massages. Both of these massages aim to promote circulation and lengthen tightened muscles. Pre-event massages are given to warm-up athletes’ muscles and to enhance mental clarity and calmness. A post-event massage, administered at the end of physical competition, can significantly reduce the length of recovery time an athlete experiences.

Finally, athletes that are recovering from an injury can benefit significantly from rehabilitation massages. Sports massages specifically focused on rehabilitation can aid in the healing process of muscle tears, cramps, bruising and aches.

Adding regularly scheduled sports massage therapy to an athlete’s workout routine can aid recovery and enhance performance, taking an athlete’s performance capabilities to the next level.

Massage therapy is a personal body treatment that is gaining popularity as a method of helping people feel naturally energized, healthy and stress-free. Several popular types of massage therapy are practiced worldwide including:

Acupressure

An acupressure massage utilizes firm pressure, slow motion kneading, hard fast rubbing, and gentle finger or hand taps applied along a person’s body. The massage targets areas of the body where energy is being blocked, thus effectively eliminating pain, illness and stress.

Balinese

Balinese massage therapy uses a combination of techniques including acupressure, gentle skin massaging and scented aromatherapy oils to help increase blood, energy and oxygen circulation within the body. The massage helps damaged areas heal quicker and promotes internal peace, wellness and deep relaxation.

Chair Massage

A chair massage uses acupressure techniques, which are focused on a person’s spine, back, shoulders, neck and arms to increase energy, alertness, and relieve stress and work-related injuries. This massage is also referred to as a seated or on-site massage.

Deep Muscle

Deep muscle massage therapy utilizes steady direct acupressure by pressing, rubbing or kneading various parts of a person’s body to relieve deep-seated pain. This massage relieves chronic tension deep within the core of the muscle and tissue, providing deep relaxation, improved personal wellness, posture and increased oxygen flow.

Facial Massage

A Facial utilizes light finger and hand pressure along a person’s face to relieve headaches, stress, sinus pressure and also promote smooth younger looking skin.

Geriatric

Geriatric massage therapy utilizes light skin rubbing and kneading in combination with joint movement to help improve a person’s blood circulation, relieve pain and increase pain-free range of motion. This type of massage is designed and primarily used for the elderly.

Jamu

Jamu utilizes acupressure techniques such as pressing, rubbing and kneading a person’s skin in combination with fresh flowers, scented oils and soft soothing music in a dimly lit secluded room. This massage provides complete relaxation and increases inner harmony and energy circulation.

Medical

A medical massage utilizes multiple techniques with the goal of resolving a person’s discomfort due to diseases and other afflictions. This massage technique is often necessary to improve painful medical conditions.

Oncology

Oncology massage therapy utilizes acupressure techniques along various parts of the body to aid in the recovery process for people who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Sports

A sports massage uses forceful pressure applied to a person’s muscles and deep tissue using elbows, fingers, fists, hands and knuckles. This massage enhances sports performance through injury prevention and recovery.