Explaining the Meaning and Principles of a Sports Massage
The question “What is sports massage?” is simple to answer. It is the application of massage techniques, hydrotherapy protocols, range of motion, and strength-training principles that are used to achieve a specific goal when it comes to treating an athlete. So, how does one decide what application and goal is appropriate for a specific treatment?
Three Key Principles of Sport Massage
There are 3 specific principles that are vital to understanding what type of massage is needed to perform on an athlete at any given time. These principles are the “when, what, and why” of sports massage, which is timing, technique, and intent.
Timing
This refers to when the massage is given. For example, are you working on an athlete before a competition or post-event during recovery? Is a specific massage therapy more suitable to help an athlete recover from an injury? Knowing when a massage is most appropriate will help an athlete get the most out of the massage.
Technique
This is more obvious, meaning what massage, or combination of massage, is best at any given time. There are numerous techniques that can be effective when working with athletes, such as friction, effleurage, vibration, petrissage, shaking, compression, broadening strokes, cross-fiber, and direct pressure, all of which will help to increase the range of motion.
Intent
When it comes to what is sports massage and what is it used for, you need to ask yourself if it will be used to help an athlete warm up. Does the athlete need to maximize the circulation of blood? Are they looking for help to recover from exertion? Do they need a massage that will help them increase or maintain their range of motion? When you understand these questions, only then can you develop a massage session that provides them with the most benefit.
You Have the Answer to What Is Sports Massage
Would you like information about the sports massages and products that Mountain Magic Massage uses and has to offer you? Please do not hesitate to dial this number (907) 202-9037 now and make an appointment with one of our therapists today. We are based in the Soldotna, AK area.