Sports Massage
Prepare for optimal performance. Recover after a big event. Function well during training. There are no techniques specific to Sports Massage. Instead, techniques are chosen based on the athletes competition & training schedule.
“Sports Massage” is whatever will support the athlete, in striving for their goals. Techniques for pre-event are very different from post-event. Both are different from intra-event massage or services performed in the off-season. Sports Massage not only optimizes improves performance & reduces the risk of injury, it accelerates recovery, making it an essential component of any athlete's training regimen.
Recommended for clients who want to prevent injury & optimize performance. Modalities used will be adapted to the athletes competition & training schedule.
Not Recommended for clients with serious medical conditions. Massage Therapy is not a replacement for advanced medical care.
FAQs
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Contrary to population belief, “Sports Massage” does not imply a specific modality or technique. In fact, any massage modality can be used for “sports massage, just at different times during an athletes training regimen.
“Sports” services imply only that an individuals training & competition schedule will be considered during the intake process. Selecting modalities that align with the athletes schedule allows continue compete & recover, without interruption.
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It is a common misbelief that sports-centered services are more “therapeutic” than other modalities. In fact, any massage modality can be used when working with athletes, just at different times during training & recovery.
Implying that a sports-oriented service is “better” or “more therapeutic” is just false advertising. There are no specific techniques that are “sports-only,” just techniques that are used at a correct time during training.
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Pre-event Massage - w/in 30 min of an event, lasting no longer than 15 min. Techniques are fast & superficial, focusing specifically on muscle groups & motions to be performed during the event. No deep muscle work or stretching.
Intra-event - relevant for sports like track & field or swim competitions, when there may be hours between a single competitors meets. Very similar to pre-event, with short durations & superficial techniques, focused on the muscles to be used in the event. Athletes may receive multiple rounds, between events.
Post-Event - ranging from 0 - 48 hr after an event, with a focus on rest & recovery, often managing overworked & cramping muscles. Techniques range from superficial, gliding strokes to broad & compressive, below tolerable pain & sensitivity.
Maintenance & Recovery - Often outside of 1 week of competition & incorporate any modality, however deep. Athletes will want to have time to rest & practice after “deep work,” so their proprioceptive movement has time to recalibrate.
If a track & field jumper trains to hit a specific mark, after a specific number of steps, & they receive massage to relax their muscles, their gait may change. If each step is 1/4in different, over 17 strides, their mark could be way off!