The Benefits of Sports Massage

In the 1970s, an orthopedic surgeon named James Cyriax developed deep friction massages for athletes. These massages are still popular in modern sports medicine. The 1980s saw a rise in interest in therapeutic massage for college and professional athletes. The National Sports Massage Team was established by the AMTA in 1985. This organization provides professional certification in sports massage. Online courses are available now and range from $62 to $125.

Efficacy

Efficacy of sports massage is contingent on a variety of variables. Many sports require force transfer over many joints and vast ranges of motion. To be effective, sports massage must also be able to prevent or limit unwanted changes to other structures. There are a variety of sports that are dependent on a full range of motion, but this range of motion can only be achieved with the help of specific techniques for sports massage. Here are a few advantages of massage therapy for sports.

Sports massage's effectiveness is dependent on a myriad of aspects. These include the proper application of techniques, the positioning of target tissues, and an extensive clinical assessment. It is a mix or combination of techniques that helps athletes to perform at their best and minimize the negative effects of physical stress. This is because sports massage should be in accordance with solid clinical reasoning and a thorough analysis of the athlete's current condition.

Techniques

Sports massage is a method of manual therapy that can be utilized to treat acute and chronic injuries. It is also beneficial for individuals who are not athletes or who suffer from pain and limited ranges of motion due to repeated movements, poor posture , and sitting for a long time. Techniques for sports massage training include identifying the most recent research and literature, and five treatment methods based on evidence. A key objective of this study was to discover and evaluate the efficacy of various techniques for sports massage.

The author of this book concentrates on correct mechanics of the therapist, which helps to reduce strain and stress on hands and arms while doing massage. The book also discusses advanced techniques to ensure ease in massage. The author demonstrates how top athletes use massage techniques to achieve their athletic goals. Techniques for massage for sports are described and illustrated in detail in the book. If you want to begin working with massage therapy in your own clinic it is highly recommended that you purchase this book.

Safety

Safety regulations and health precautions must be observed when applying massage to athletes. Although massage therapy is safe however, there are dangers. Massage therapists need to have the right training and hygiene standards to reduce the risk of injury. Massage therapists must wash their hands prior to every treatment and adhere to strict maintenance guidelines. They should also wash linens and other materials in hot water before use and keep them in a clean and hygienic way.

A mobile SMT must carry a first aid kit and be qualified to offer first aid to clients. All electronic records must be password-protected and have a backup system. SMTs should be in compliance with the regulations for Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance Act) and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations. They must be aware of any allergies and avoid products that could cause harm to certain medical conditions.

Research

There is some research into the benefits of massage therapy for athletes. It appears to reduce fatigue and pain that is associated with the physical demands of sports. This improves the efficiency of athletes and allows them to train harder. However, research has been lacking. At the moment, there is only a small amount of research. To answer this question, researchers have studied two major types of sports massage: Swedish massage and sports massage with the use of acupressure.

Although the research isn't without controversy however, many believe it can be a viable alternative to surgery for athletes. Ann Blair Kennedy, Ph.D. conducted a mixed-methods investigation to study the effects of massage therapy for paracyclists. The study involved athletes receiving regular massage sessions from massage therapists. Researchers collected data through numerous surveys of the stress levels of athletes, muscle tightness, and performance both on and off the bike. Additional data was also gathered through exit surveys and follow-up emails.