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SPORT MASSAGE
Sport massage has become
increasingly in demand as it’s recognised as a skill
that aids recovery, enhance performance and
highlight problem areas. It is overuse or strain
that often creates problems in the muscle tissue,
and if these go undetected they will not only hinder
the athlete’s improvement and performance, but also
subject the athlete to developing chronic conditions
or serious injury.
The constant build up of tension
in the muscles from regular activity leads to stress
on joints, ligaments, tendons and of course the
muscles themselves. Different muscle groups will be
stressed depending on the sport and discipline.
These muscle imbalances continue
to develop and often go undiagnosed until they are
serious enough to cause the athlete discomfort or
hinder performance. Massage will be able to detect
variations in the soft tissues and by using the
correct techniques, help the sports person maintain
a much healthier physical state.
One of the greatest benefits of
sports massage is helping prevent injury; therefore
sport massage is most effective when used as a
regular part of the training schedule to improve and
maintain muscle tissue function.
Other benefits include:
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Reduces severity of DOMS
(delayed onset of muscle soreness within 24
hours) |
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Increases
recovery rate – uninterrupted training |
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Realigns muscle fibers to
their correct tension and length for optimal
muscle function |
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Maintains muscle
flexibility to help prevent muscle strain |
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Improves
range of movement in joints thus improving
performance |
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Reduce
spasms and cramping |
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Pre-event
massage helps prepare and warm up the
muscles for the event ahead |
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Post-event massage
assisted with ice and stretching will flush
out muscle tissue and will detect any strain
that has occurred that will need further
attention. |
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
Various conditions or their
symptoms can be assisted through massage directly or
indirectly:
· Recurring
conditions such as backaches and headaches can be
relieved and managed by reducing the muscle tension
causing the pain.
· Muscular symptoms
of conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral
palsy, Parkinson’s, etc can be eased through
massage. Therapeutic treatment will maintain range
of movement in the joints, decrease muscle spasm,
stretch muscle fibers and have a positive
psychological influence.
· Post surgical
massage can aid in reducing swelling, increase
circulation and promote healing. Limbs that have
been broken and in a cast for some time will benefit
through passive stretching and realignment of the
unused and stiff muscle tissue.
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Massage for
pregnant woman will ease back pain, headaches and
also help with the swelling that occurs in feet and
hands.
TREATMENT
Treatment
time depends on the condition and treatment plan,
but usually is a minimum of 30 minutes to 90
minutes.
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30 min allows time for
back and neck or legs only. |
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60 min to 90 min allows
for full body treatment or maintenance
including stretching. |
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