Sports massage was reported in the New York Times as one of the fast-growing specializations in the world of massage therapy. It is often learned after a person has received a general massage therapy certification. Its focus is to address the massage needs of athletes pre-event, post-event and in cases of sports-related injuries. It requires a different type of massage work and different treatment goals during each phase. Joana Brown, massage therapist for a professional hockey team, explains that sports massage is frequently employed before an event for the purpose of helping the athlete to warm up critical muscle groups; during the post-event recovery phase to facilitate the removal of use-induced toxins such as lactic acid; and to treat injuries, which commonly include those created by overuse and excessive strain.
Step 1
Learn how to provide a good basic massage before attempting to specialize in sports massage or any other specific modality. Contact massage schools in your area to obtain this basic knowledge. Verify that you have all necessary local and state massage licenses before providing sports massage. Purchase the equipment you will need, such as a massage table or chair and special positioning aids. Seek to balance the need for sturdy equipment that can handle an athlete's weight with your need for something light enough to be easily transported that will fit easily in your car. This is because in many cases, sports massage is offered at the site of various athletic events.
Step 2
Begin your specialization in sports massage by seeking additional formal training if available in your area massage schools. Apprentice yourself out to an already practicing sports massage therapist to get practical, hands-on experience. According to the Sports Massage Association, special interest online learning groups are available to enhance therapists' knowledge of various aspects of sports massage. Once you know what you are doing, volunteer your services with local sports teams or organizations to build your professional reputation and to gain additional experience. Consider attending some of the various massage training seminars that are offered throughout the country to further hone your skills.
Step 3
Build upon your basic knowledge of massage as a tool for relaxation and learn more about how to use massage to enhance athletic performance and treat exertion-related injuries. Continue to learn about how physical exertion and therapeutic massage affects each athlete you massage. Each patient will be different and close study of each specific case will further your knowledge of how to most effectively employ sports massage. Develop your abilities in the areas of pre-event, post-event and therapeutic sports massage so you will be able to offer a complete range of services.
Step 4
Contact a local physical therapist who treats sports-related injuries to learn more about the pathology of sports injury and how best to treat it. Consult with patients' physicians when possible to learn more about the specific impact your treatment had on their particular injuries. Stay abreast of new discoveries by regularly reading sports medicine journals. Remember that athletes often view their bodies as a vehicle to accomplish their goals. Learn how to help them function at the highest level possible, to maintain that intense level of performance, and to quickly and efficiently treat any problems that might arise.
Tips and Warnings
- When you begin to volunteer to gain experience, look for the lower-profile sports such as rowing, figure skating or weight lifting or teams in lower-level rather than professional divisions, such as Single- or Double-A baseball teams. Most professional-level teams already have sports massage therapists, but these others are more likely to welcome your volunteer assistance. Dress professionally, in keeping with the style of the coaches, trainers or medics. Give the appearance of someone knowledgeable who the athlete can trust.
- Watch for signs of physiological distress in patients and get certified in CPR and other appropriate life-saving measures relevant to the sports upon which you focus. Be especially vigilant for signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, hypothermia, overexertion and fatigue and know who to contact for additional help if warranted.
Things You'll Need
- Massage table
- Positioning cushions
- Proper draping
- Massage oils as needed
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