Sports massage integrates several different styles of massage therapy and aims to enhance athletic performance. The massage therapist varies techniques according to the demands of the athlete's body at different stages of training and competition. During a sports competition, a pre-event massage and post-event massage are useful for an athlete. Additionally, sports massage can help an athlete recover more quickly from a sports injury. More studies are necessary to conclude the effectiveness of sports massage for improving athletic performance.
Pre-event
Before the competition, you receive a fast-paced massage. The massage therapist focuses on the primary muscles used in the athletic performance while you visualize the upcoming event. According to Massage Therapy.com, the stimulating sports massage warms up your muscles by establishing blood flow to bring oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. For example, if you compete in a 400-meter track race, the therapist uses vibrating and shaking techniques to invigorate your quadriceps, hamstring, calf and foot muscles.
Post-event
You receive a relaxing massage after the competition. The massage therapist uses Swedish massage techniques, including effleurage and petrissage, to soothe your muscles. "The intent here is to calm the nervous system and begin the process of flushing toxins and waste products out of the body," indicates MassageTherapy.com. The post-event massage can reduce recovery time after a competition, enabling you to resume training more quickly than with rest alone, the massage website says.
Between Events
During training, between events, you take restorative sports massages. The massage therapist uses techniques such as trigger point therapy to release muscle tension and correct muscle imbalances. According to MassageTherapy.com, stretching tight muscles, increasing joint flexibility, pumping nutrients and oxygen into tissues and organs and relaxing overused muscles can enhance athletic performance. Additionally, sports massage may prevent injuries while you train by helping to keep your body in proper condition.
Injury Recovery
Massage may also benefit healing from a sports injury. Harvard Medical School includes sprains, strains, dislocations and fractures as sports injuries and recommends "heat or massage to warm up your injured tissues before you begin your rehab process." The massage therapist uses techniques ranging from deep tissue to lymphatic drainage for assisting injury recovery. Consult your health care provider before receiving sports massage therapy near an injured area of your body.
Medical Considerations
According to the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, medical evidence for massage is limited and "scientists are not yet certain what changes occur in a body during a massage, whether they influence health, and, if so, how." It also says: "Massage should not be done in an area of the body with blood clots, fractures, open or healing wounds, skin infections, weakened bones or where there has been a recent surgery." Discuss sports massage with your physician.
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