Sports massage and its Benefits
by connor whittall in Uncategorised
Sports massage is a form of massage involving the manipulation of soft tissue to benefit a person engaged in regular physical activity. The breakdown of soft tissue results in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). DOMS, is the pain and stiffness felt in muscles several hours to days after unaccustomed or strenuous exercise. The results of DOMs usually results in bundles of soft tissue becoming entangled, causing tight bundles of muscle, ligament or tendons. DOMS is usually felt between 24 to 72 hours after exercise and often leaves a toxic waste known as lactic acid. Its thought to be caused by eccentric (lengthening) exercise, which causes small-scale damage (microtrauma) to the muscle fibers. Following DOMS, the average gym goer would use a foam roller due its supposed effects on reliving tension within the soft tissue.
However, sports massage often used as a treatment for DOMS is regarded as an essential tool for the world of physical therapy. The therapist often delivers a wide range of techniques to encourage the correction of movement, fix unlaying issues within the musculature and aid in the prevention in injury. The majority of techniques each broken down into individual sections have positive effects on the physiological response of the individual. However here are some techniques which can aid in the reduction of DOMS
• Effleurage
1. Introduce touch to the client
2. Stimulate the peripheral nerves
3. Increase lymph and blood flow, and thus aid the removal of waste products
4. Relaxes the muscles and surrounding musculature
• Petrissage
1. Increase mobility between tissue interfaces
2. Increase venous and lymphatic return
3. Aid the removal of waste products
• Frictions
1. Separate adhesions between fibres
2. Break down scar tissues- breaking up stiff/dead tissue within the soft tissue
3. Restore elasticity- aiding in elongation of the connective tissue
4. Stimulate vasodilation (opening of capillaries) and increase blood flow
5. Stimulate the healing process- depending on phase of healing
6. Realign new scar tissue- realigning the collagen bundles
If you enjoyed this post or potentially have DOMS, we now have a massage therapist onsite.
Any questions, email away. Enjoy 😊