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Spring Time Sports Massage

Many people feel that the winter season slows us down from participating in our regular outdoor activities.  Now that spring is just around the corner it is important to prepare ourselves and our bodies for regular physical activity once again.  Sports Massage Therapy can help meet the demanding health care needs of athletes.  This treatment is based on pre and post event massages; and helps athletes to prepare physically and mentally for exercise.  It is a preventative approach to athletic training by ensuring soft tissues are free of trigger points, adhesions (knots), and muscle or tendon injury.  Sports Massage also helps to achieve maximal neuromuscular functioning.

Pre Event Massage: Preformed within a couple days prior to competition/activity.  It focuses on loosening muscle tissue and opening up of the specific joints used during the event.  It stimulates the muscles, increases flexibility, blood flow, and oxygen to all areas, and calms nervous tension.  It prepares the athlete for peak performance while also reducing chances of injury.

Post Event Massage: Preformed within a couple days after competition/activity.  It focuses on removing the bodies’ lactic acid build up and metabolic waste, which can lead to  muscular discomfort if left untreated. It rejuvenates/relieves soreness, decreases inflammation, and helps in the recovery from intense training and competition.

For Athletes:
• Sports Massage (pre event) is not a replacement for a proper warm-up
• Intake of two litres of water per day
• Make sure athlete is well hydrated and has proper nutrition
• Eat carb rich meal 3-4 hours before event

By: Kasmir Appleby, RMT