Sports massage has been raved about many for years but why? And is it right for me?
Sports massage is also know as deep tissue massage/remedial massage. It is a type of treatment for soft tissues in pain, tension, to help rehabilitate injuries and part of injury prevention. When we talk about soft tissues we are talking about muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia.
The effects of massage depend on the techniques used they can be utilised to help reduce production of the stress hormones, dilation of the blood and lymphatic system, reduce neural stimulation of the muscles and encourage relaxation. A more vigorous massage will increase the hormones adrenaline and endorphins stimulating the physical and mental state, often this type is used pre sporting event.
Benefits include better recovery from physical activity as metabolic waste products are helped to be remove from the tissues, improve healing and repair and increase circulation. There can also be a reduction in tension improving range of movement and increasing efficiency of the tissues and improvement in postural/body awareness.
Physical effects of massage include – increases speed of recovery, the movements and pressure create a vacum which is important in reducing tight or damaged muscle. Certain massage techniques can move the muscles fibres and the sheath in multiple directions improving mobility of the tissues. It can improve scar tissue – it cannot break down adhesions (watch out for a blog repost coming up on this) Scar tissue is a result of trauma and injury and can lead to inflexible tissues. Massage can mobilise the layers to improve effieceny and tissue elasticity by increasing the blood flow enabling nutrients to pass through.
Physiological effects of massage include – pain reduction can be encouraged by stimulating the release of endorphins, and by reducing tension and helping the removal of waste products. Mechanorecptors in the tissues respond to touch and pressure and cause reflex relaxation.
Psychological effects include – anxiety reduction or an invigorating response will depend on the stokes used.
IT CAN BE VERY BENEFICIAL FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ISSUES FROM THEIR OCCUPATION/JOBS OR SPORTING/LEISURE ACTIVITIES.
Do you have muscle aches and pains? Why not try it for yourself and see
Should it be painful? It can be uncomfortable in some areas but please let the clinician know so they can adjust the pressure and technique
How often should I have one? Again this depends on your starting point. You may need one more frequently to start while getting your symptoms under control and then this can often be extended depending on your needs, clients often have one either after 4,6 or 8 weeks. This can be discussed with your therapist.
How long should I have? We recommend 45 mins sessions to allow enought time for consultation and treatment. The more body areas you need to cover the longer you will need. We offer 45min and 60min sessions at the clinic.
IN CONCLUSION MASSAGE IS EFFECTIVE AND HELPS VIA MANY DIFFERENT MECHANISMS .
Louise our massage therapist is qualified to level 6 and has many years of expereince and her thourough consultation addresses your needs and preferences.
