Sports Massage.

Sports Massage predominantly uses myofascial release techniques to stretch the fascia, a hollow fibrous network of connective tissue made of elastin and collagen that surrounds the organs, bones, muscles, and tendons within the body.

Poor posture and physical trauma can cause the fascia to become hard and lose elasticity, resulting in a decrease in flexibility. Manipulating and stretching during a sports massage will relax the fascia and tissue it surrounds to regain the flexibility and motion.

• Muscle Stripping - is a deep tissue massage technique where the massage therapist targets a specific band of muscle fibers and applies pressure directly from the origin to the insertion of the muscle.

  By doing this, the muscle is elongated, and fresh blood circulation is brought to the area to help with removing waste products.  This technique accelerates recovery and increases flexibility. Muscle stripping is one of many medical massage techniques.

  Modalities Include

• Muscle Testing – This technique often uses an active contraction of the muscle against a resistive source and is mainly used to stretch, strengthen, and relax tight postural muscles.

• Soft Tissue release – Designed to stretch localized areas of tendons, fascia and muscles that are tight. The tissue and direction of its fibers will be identified, then an either active, passive or weight bearing technique will be applied.

• Facial manipulation- Normal fascia is easily flexible and helps your body move properly. However, fascia also can get injured or torn. This can happen by sports related injury, improper body positioning or misuse/overuse. Going in and realigning the fascia can help with range of motion, muscle tone, function as well strength and flexibility.

  Your body will undergo flushing of metabolic waste during a sports massage, and while it’s likely you will feel a bit sore for a few days, you may also feel cold, thirsty and or faint as your body works to metabolize the waste products removed from the soft tissue.

  Drinking plenty of water and taking a warm bath will aid in the body’s process of recovery.

  Those suffering from any viral infection are advised not to receive a sports massage whilst ill. A sports massage will stimulate the circulation and lymphatic system and can cause the virus to spread in the body.

  It usually takes 24-48 hours to feel the full effect of a sports massage after which you should feel comfortable, rejuvenated, and refreshed. This allows the muscles to work, move and look better either for an upcoming event or used as recovery from a strenuous event or activity.