SPORts massage
What is Sports Massage?
Sports Massage Swansea is a deep tissue massage which is designed to release muscle tension and restore the balance to the musculo-skeletal system. Not only is this type of massage beneficial to aid muscle repair after injury, but received regularly it can release the tensions that might otherwise lead to muscle damage. A pre-exercise sports massage beneficially relaxes muscles in a similar way to a warm up routine and a post-event massage aids recovery and regeneration. I am able to detect variations in the soft tissues and by using various massage techniques I can assist a sports person maintain a much healthier physical state of well-being. Book a couple of treatments and you’ll see what I mean!
If you have incurred a muscle injury I will work with you to skillfully apply massage therapy to affected areas to provide relief and aid the body’s natural healing abilities. Does this treatment really work? Well, the testimonials from Olympic Medalist Stephanie Millward and Swansea City FC's Lee Trundle speak for themselves!
I received a fantastic Sports Massage and Gower Holistic Therapies is highly recommended!"
- Lee Trundle, Ambassador, Swansea City FC
Benefits and effects of Sports Massage
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Reduce the chance of injury through appropriate stretching and event preparation.
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Shorten recovery time between workouts.
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Maximise the supply of nutrients and oxygen through increased blood flow.
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Improve range of motion and muscle flexibility, improving power & performance.
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Enhance elimination of metabolic by-products of exercise.
Sports massage is designed for the sports individual, there are 3 different ways for the athlete to benefit from this particular massage
Maintenance Massage
This is based on having regular massages concentrating on particular muscle groups to help, maintain and improve the athlete’s range of motion and muscle flexibility. My knowledge and understanding of muscle anatomy is extremely beneficial when it comes to working on and manipulating different muscle groups used in the athlete’s given sport.
Pre-event Massage
These are tailored for distinct purposes. The pre-event massage is purely designed before the event to enhance circulation, reduce muscle tension and excess muscle. This also can be relaxing and stimulating as appropriate.
Post-Event Massage
This is geared towards reducing muscle spasms and metabolic build up that occurs through doing vigorous exercise. Different sports massage techniques can enhance the body’s own recovery process whilst improving the athlete’s ability to return to training and competitions and in turn reduce the risk of injury.
Rehabilitation
Even with having regular massages to prevent muscle cramps, tears, bruises and aching muscles having sports massage can help with healing and reduce discomfort during the rehabilitation process. By myself using soft tissue techniques this is highly effective in the management of both acute and chronic injuries making the speed up process of rehabilitation very effective.
Techniques used during sports massage
Cross Fibre Techniques
These can help with healing by improving formation of strong and flexible repair tissue, which is vital in maintaining full pain free range of motion during the rehabilitation process.
Soft Tissue Techniques
These techniques are also effective in the management of both acute and chronic injuries. Rehabilitation massage is effective in the management of both acute and chronic injuries. Incorporating Manual Lymphatic Drainage techniques to the ‘standard protocol’ will help oedemas fluid removal and control secondary hypoxic injury throughout the healing cycle. Cross fibre friction techniques applied during the sub-acute and re-modelling phases of healing improve the formation of strong and flexible repair tissue, which is vital for restoring full and pain free range of motion.
Trigger Point Techniques
Combining positioning and specific finger/thumb pressure to reduce the hypersensitivity in muscle spasms and referred pain patterns. Untreated trigger or tender points often lead to restricted and painful movements.
Muscle Energy Techniques
This involves restricted or resistive movements to stretch muscles.
Neuromuscular Techniques
A digit is held over a sore point, where pressure is gradually increased up to the limits of the client’s pain threshold. The pressure is maintained through feedback until the pain eases.