Monday, July 6, 2015

BASIC TECHNIQUES IN SPORTS MASSAGE

Athletes often use specific muscle area repetitively and aggressively. These muscle groups tend to contract and are tensed causing pains or discomfort. Sports massage is done to relax a certain muscle group and ease the pain and discomfort. Sports massage therapy does not only target muscle groups. It can also do great to release tensions between muscles and tendons. Tensions and muscle contractions may lead to muscle imbalances. Highly developed and undiagnosed muscle imbalances may impede performance. Aside from providing comfort, sports massage therapy can also improve flexibility, motion, and muscle control. Properly applied sports massage therapy may maintain the balance of the musculo-skeletal system.

Effleurage is a sports massage technique which uses stroking movement of the palm and fingers. The key of this technique is proper pressure and target points. Effleurage introduces the pressure and feel of the whole sports massage experience. By doing this, the client will be able to determine his wanted pressure. This is usually done as a warm up to succeeding sports massage procedures. It initially releases muscles and increases blood flow. It stimulates the nerves which would greatly help in the whole process of sports massage therapy. Effleurage is done with rhythm and from the lightest pressure building up. It is important that the effleurage is done slowly and cautiously to avoid shock and further muscle pain.

Petrissage, also called kneading, induces further relaxation. It targets the deeper tissues. It stretches muscle fibres and tendons and allows easy flow of fluid in the body. Kneading is a sports massage technique that may not work on narrow areas of the body. This is a powerful massaging technique that may cause further damage if done wrong.

Friction is used for exploring areas, identifying deeply damaged muscles and highly tensed tendons. Usually, the thumb is used to trace the surface of the skin for irregularities or abnormalities. Through this technique, smaller and seemingly unidentifiable problems in the muscle groups are targeted.  
Sports massage therapy is highly recommended for people who are active in sports and physical activities. Regular sports massage may save you from physical injuries. It is always best to ask for help and guidance from experts and therapists to avoid accidents.

Massage Envy Clearwater
2516-B N. McMullen Booth Rd. MM# 20639 Clearwater, FL 33761
(727) 799-3689
http://www.businesslocallistings.com

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