Sports Massage Therapy

Sports massage is a fairly new treatment even though a lot of the massage strokes come from the more traditional style of Swedish massage. Swedish massage has been around since the 17th century and massage can be traced back in China to 3,000 BC. Sports massage covers all the strokes of Swedish massage e.g. Effleurage and Petrissage and additionally covers: Neuromuscular Technique (NMT), where deep pressure is applied to release pain-relieving endorphins. This is known to have an effect on the nervous system and circulation resulting in relaxed muscles. Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is known to improve muscle tone and flexibility by the client applying muscle contractions followed by stretching movements. Soft Tissue Release (STR) is a technique used by applying pressure from the therapist and movement of the client to release additions and improve flexibility. Connective Tissue Massage (CTM) is a technique used on the connective tissue surrounding muscle fibres by stretching skin over muscle fibres in order to break down additions and remove excess fluid between the muscle fibres and connective tissue.

Sports massage can benefit people from all walks of life and is well known for aiding sports performance by preparing someone for an event and helping to aid their recovery afterwards. On average people who receive Sports Massage tend to have one between every 2 to 4 weeks but people who just have them as a one off can still benefit. Some people who do not participate in sports still appreciate having a Sports Massage due to the variety of techniques and a preference to firm pressure being applied to their muscles.