A more comprehensive assessment of a clients’ main concern is usually taken first and normally includes:

A Case history taking of muscle, tendon and joint injuries

Assessing their posture, trunk stability and functional movement

Sports Massage treatments are often developed for those involved in regular physical activity, which is not always necessary related to sport related activities as some individuals may work in very labour intense environments. The treatment aids in recovery from injury, to prevent injuries from occurring initially and to increase performance. Therefore, it has been commonly used amongst professional and amateur trainers, athletes and performers to help them through their tough training regimes. muscles need to be relaxed, soft, full of blood and nutrients, and fully stretched to produce maximum performance. If an athlete were to compete with cold, short muscles that haven’t been stretched and softened, would likely gain an injury, preventing them from competing or training for some time.

Some techniques applied in a Sports Massage treatment may involve similar techniques to those of other massages such as the use of effleurage, which involves long deep strokes over an area to warm the muscles and to remove unwanted toxins. The use of petrissage and friction techniques are also similar in other types of massage, where the muscles are mobilised and deeper pressure is applied to break down tension.

However with sports massage treatment specific techniques such as myofascial release and neuromuscular techniques are applied to effectively identify radiating pain and deep pain stored in the muscles from an area which then is worked on in a way to reduce it. Reflex points, or knots, will also be identified and worked on to be relieved.

Techniques applied reach deep areas of the muscles without creating pressure on the joints, therefore reducing pain in that particular area.

The treatment also does not neglect surrounding soft tissues such as the ligaments and tendons at joints and the fascia connecting the muscles, as a lot of tension is often stored in these areas.

Specific stretching techniques are also involved with a Sports Massage that are not involved in other massage treatments such as Muscle Energy techniques and Soft Tissue Release. These techniques are applied to lengthen short, tense muscles used in a variety of ways depending on the issue; such as to decrease pain, ease joint pressure and reduce injuries.

Treatment involves a combination of specific techniques which include:

Neuromuscular techniques, Soft Tissue Release technique, Muscle Energy Techniques (integrating Post Isometric Relaxation and Reciprocal Inhibition methods), Myofascial techniques, Positional Release technique, Post-acute rehabilitation, Remedial exercises, Injury prevention exercises and stretches, Posture, core stability and functional exercises, Sport and Active lifestyle advice.

BODY'S GOT SOUL

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