Sports Massage - Treatments differ to suit your training timetable.
Excluding rehabilitation treatments sports massages treatments can be classified into 4 types. Pre-event massage, Intra-event massage, Post-event massage and Maintenance Massage. Each type has a specific aim and utilise a different mixture of techniques.
Why Pre-Event (Warm Up) Massage?
Pre-Event massage:
• Stimulates the circulation, bringing an increased oxygen supply to the muscles (a condition known as hyperaemia) which prepares the muscle in readiness for excessive activity • Reduces tension and increases flexibility of the muscles so that there is greater endurance and optimum capacity for maximum performance. • Gives a feeling of general well-being and relaxation conducive to psychological preparation and focus for a competitive event.
The ideal timing for a Pre-Event Massage varies with individual response but
• a general rule-of-thumb is 2 –3 days before the event as this will generally bring you into optimum condition exactly when it counts. • (Tip: If you are new to massage it is best not to book your first massage ever just before an event as you do not know whether it will leave you too relaxed – or too sore – to perform well!)
Why Inter/Intra Event massage?
Inter/Intra event massage:
Stimulates the circulation, maintaining the increased oxygen supply to the muscles (a condition known as hyperaemia) which ensures the muscle remain ready for activity
Reduces tension and increases flexibility of the muscles so that there is greater endurance and optimum capacity for maximum performance.
Helps flush out toxins reducing the built up of lactic acid which may cause stiffness and cramping when activity recommences
The aim is to
Rejuvenate tired muscles
Remove toxins
Stretch and relax the muscle, reducing stiffness and/or tensions and increase mobility
Reduce recovery time
Why Post-Event (Warm Down / Cool Down) Massage?
As with the Pre-Event Massage, the Post-Event Massage is aimed at • stimulating circulation and • reducing tensions – however in this case the body is in a totally different state as the muscles are congested and fatigued.
Stimulating the circulation helps to ‘flush out’ toxins.
The aim is to • relax and rejuvenate tired muscles, and to • reduce recovery time.
The ideal time for a Post-Event massage is as soon after the event as can be arranged.
Why Maintenance Massage?
Regular Maintenance Massage can be likened to regular tuning of a car engine – or of a piano. This regular “Body Tuning” massage keeps the body in optimum condition for peak performance. Maintenance Massage
• Assists recovery between intense training sessions, • Is the most effective treatment for many types of injury • Helps recuperation after injury.
The aim of the Maintenance massage is:
• To help to prevent over-use injuries, and • To address specific injuries.
A skilled Massage Therapist is acutely aware of changes in a client’s body tissues – both from week to week, and also over the course of a massage treatment – and can adapt the massage treatment accordingly to meet the specific needs.
• The Maintenance Massage is relaxing but energising and restorative.
• The regular Maintenance Massage provides a good monitor of any developing imbalances or problems so that these can be addressed before they become serious, thus helping to prevent injuries.
• This Maintenance Massage is where the real “bread and butter” work is done – the deeper corrective work using a symptom-based approach to treat specific problems.
• The accumulation of aches and pains, which many active people take for granted (or treat with painkillers), can be removed by these regular treatments.
For further information or to book a treatment contact Jo on 07811 208403 or visit our website at www.bodyworktherapies.co.uk