Sports massage should play an important part in the life of any sportsman or woman whether they are injured or not. Massage has a number of benefits both physical, physiological and psychological.
Movement - The stroking movements in massage suck
fluid through blood vessels and lymph vessels. By increasing the pressure
in front of the stroke, a vacuum is created behind. This is especially
important in tight or damaged muscle tissue as a tight muscle will
squeeze blood out like a sponge, depriving the tissues of vital nutrients
and energy to repair.
Increased tissue permeability - Deep massage causes
the pores in tissue membranes to open, enabling fluids and nutrients
to pass through. This helps remove waste products such as lactic acid
and encourage the muscles to take up oxygen and nutrients which help
them recover quicker.
Stretching - Massage can stretch tissues that could
not be stretched in the usual methods. Bundles of muscle fibres are
stretched lengthwise as well as sideways. Massage can also stretch
the sheath or fascia that surrounds the muscle, so releasing any tension
or pressure build up.
Break down scar tissue - Scar tissue is the result
of previous injuries or trauma and can effect muscle, tendons and
ligaments. This can lead to inflexible tissues that are prone to injury
and pain.
Improve tissue elasticity - Hard training can make
tissues hard and inelastic. This is one reason why hard training may
not result in improvements. Massage helps reverse this by stretching
the tissues.
Opens micro-circulation - Massage does increase blood
flow to tissues, but so does exercise. What massage also does is open
or dilate the blood vessels and by stretching them this enables nutrients
to pass through more easily.
Pain reduction - Tension and waste products in muscles
can often cause pain. Massage helps reduce this in many ways including
releasing the bodies endorphins.
Relaxation - Muscles relax through heat generated,
circulation and stretching. Mechanoreceptors which sense touch, pressure,
tissue length and warmth are stimulated causing a reflex relaxation.
Anxiety reduction - through the effects mentioned above
relaxation is induced and so reduces anxiety levels.
Invigorating - if massage is done with brisk movements
such as what would be done before an event then this can produces an
invigorating feeling.
Post Event Therapy
After completing a tough run or triathlon, you will be left
with muscle soreness and some possibly, injuries. We can help flush
out lactic acid and free up any tightness you have. Book your recovery
treatment for the day after your event HERE!