BALANCE IN MOTION BODYWORK
Santa Barbara Massage & Pain Therapy
Athletic Event Massage
What is Athletic Event Massage?
Athletic Pre- and Post Event Massage is usually done in a competitive setting when athletes have to be in top shape. For athletes who put immense stress on their muscles, massage therapy is one way to help prevent injury. Not only does massage reduce stress on the muscles, but it can also help to improve athletic performance.
A pre-event massage can be performed anytime from two days until immediately before a sporting event. It is generally performed to avoid injuries and to prepare the athlete for peak performance. Right before the event is the most common time for this type of massage. Usually, these massages are shorter in length, about 10 or 15 minutes, and are performed on a massage table or mat. If the athlete is going to do a warm-up and have a massage, the massage should be performed first, as massage can be relaxing and could counteract the warm-up if performed later. Most massage therapists will forgo massage oil for pre-event massage, as these can be slippery and may make the athlete uncomfortable or interfere with performance.
Post-Event Massage, on the other hand, is perfomed to treat small injuries and avoid scarring and adhesions that may occur.
Massage Techniques Most Commonly Used
PDTR, NKT, stretching as well as Sports Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Massage, and TuiNa.
Benefits of Athletic Event Massage:
Improve Circulation
Massage can aid the body in recovering faster from a strenuous workout or sports competition. It can also prevent soreness from setting in. Massage therapy increases circulation and gets blood pumping throughout your body. Decreased blood flow puts more strain on your heart and can make you feel tired and sore. While muscles that are squeezed tight don't let much blood pass through, the manual pressure of a massage loosens up tightened muscles and gets more oxygen and nutrients to the body's cells. Releasing contracted muscles also allows for improved muscle flexibility, elasticity and joint mobility.
Speeds Healing
When an athlete experiences an injury, there can be lasting effects even when an injury appears to be healing. Scar tissue often forms within healthy muscle tissue, and this can prevent an athlete from returning to his previous level of performance. Regular exercise can leave behind small amounts of scar tissue, leaving a muscle susceptible to injury and pain. Sports massage works to make scar tissue more pliable for faster healing.
Reduce Stress
Massage therapy helps to reduce an athlete's stress by stimulating the release of endorphins; the "feel good" hormones in the body that make a person feel more relaxed. While anyone can benefit from less stress, massage therapy can be particularly helpful to athletes who are highly competitive and under high levels of stress. Massage activates the body's parasympathetic nervous system to relax muscle tension, and allows the heart rate and blood pressure to return to normal.
Boost the Immune System
Regular workouts and sports competitions can deplete the body of amino acids and other essential nutrients. Massage therapy minimizes the effects of this depletion. It can also help to boost the immune system, which in turn, aids the body in fighting off illness. Massage therapy keeps athletes energized and healthy for future workouts.
Alleviate Muscle Tenderness
Massage therapy offers benefits to athletes both before and after practice workouts and sports events. Similar to the gentle stroking and kneading techniques of Swedish massage, the massaging actions of sports massage works to stretch and loosen tight muscles. Massage alleviates muscle tenderness and helps muscles heal more quickly from workouts. Muscles tend to tighten and begin to lose flexibility when they are overworked. Consequently, tight muscles can be painful and are more prone to pulls and tears.
Increase Blood Supply
Having a pre-event massage increases the blood supply to the muscles. This is important for the muscles being able to perform in top shape during an event. I will accomplish this by using compression or brisk friction moves on the athlete, drawing blood flow to the desired areas for optimum performance.
Increase Joint Mobility
Having a massage before an athletic event can improve mobility of the joints. Looser, more flexible joints can be an important advantage, especially in activities where being limber is important. It should be noted, however, that this type of massage should be used with caution in sports where speed is the ultimate goal, as this can actually slow an athlete down a bit if the massage is performed immediately before the event.
Improve Mental Outlook
Massage feels good and is an enjoyable way to unwind before an event. Although an athlete would not want to become too relaxed, massage can help with pre-event jitters and improve mental outlook and enthusiasm for the event or performance.
Stretch Tissue
If desired, having a pre-event massage can take the place of a warm-up or act as a supplement to one as massage can accomplish many of the same goals as a warm up would. Pre-event massage is useful for stretching the tissues in preparation for an athletic event.