Whether you are a massage therapist looking to expand your clientele or an athlete who wants to optimize your performance, you will benefit from learning the fundamentals of sports massage. In this introductory course, you will take an in-depth look at where injuries occur, how athlete tissues are affected and how they heal, as well as learn guidelines to conduct intake interviews with athletes.
What is Sports Massage?
A sports massage is a type of deep tissue massage used to enhance athletic performance and aid in injury prevention. It targets muscle groups that are stressed or fatigued from repetitive movements in a sport, and may involve stretching and trigger point work to improve flexibility.
Athletes at all levels, from professional competitors to weekend warriors, benefit from regular, targeted athletic massage. The goal is to help muscles recover faster, which leads to a better performance.
Runners, in particular, can greatly benefit from a well-tailored athletic massage. Running puts a lot of stress on the legs, which can cause micro-tears and the buildup of metabolic waste. The right pre-race massage can reduce tightness and increase blood flow, resulting in a less painful race with better time potential.
Learn to deliver effective massage treatments in a dynamic setting. Study the latest in sports, exercise and rehabilitation massage theory and techniques including assessment and treatment planning, hydro/cryo therapy integration, intake documentation and more.
How is Sports Massage Different from Other Types of Massage?
While a regular massage can offer many benefits, sports massages are specifically designed to enhance performance and aid recovery by targeting muscle groups utilized in athletic activities. In addition, they focus on preventing and treating injury.
Athletes often get sports massages before or after events to help prepare or recover, but it’s also a great option for anyone who wants to increase flexibility and range of motion, ease tight muscles, and support better posture. Additionally, those with chronic aches and pains or those dealing with issues related to repetitive motions, such as carpal tunnel, may find relief from this type of massage.
Unlike deep tissue massage, which can be history of sports massage uncomfortable for some people, the pressure of a sports massage is usually adjusted to work within each individual’s comfort level. Additionally, sports massage therapists may incorporate stretching techniques to improve the flexibility of clients. They may also break down scar tissue to prevent the recurrence of injuries or conditions.
What are the Benefits of Sports Massage?
Getting regular sports massages can help prevent injuries, improve flexibility and aid in recovery. However, athletes should make sure their massage therapist is familiar with the types of injuries and conditions that can be treated with massage and should also understand contraindications – conditions that should not be touched for massage therapy purposes, as it may increase injury risk or prolong healing.
For example, running places significant stress on the legs and back, which can cause micro-tears in muscles. Sports massage can promote faster recovery by reducing muscle soreness and inflammation, increasing blood flow and facilitating the removal of metabolic waste products.
It can also boost endurance by improving circulation and flexibility, helping athletes to reach their peak performance during training and competitions. It’s important for athletes to see a qualified, licensed massage therapist for sports massage to ensure proper technique and avoid any injury risks. For more information on how to find a certified massage therapist, visit NCBTMB’s Find A Practitioner database.
How Can I Become a Sports Massage Therapist?
In order to become a sports massage therapist, it is necessary to complete a certification program. These programs can be found in a vocational setting, like a massage therapy school, or in an academic setting, such as a community college or university. Many of these programs will include classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and supervised clinical experience.
Once you have completed your training, it is important to join a professional association. Not only does this help to establish your credibility, but it also provides you with a network of other professionals who can serve as mentors or provide valuable resources for your career.
It is also a good idea to become familiar with the different types of athletes and sports that you may work with as a professional sports massage therapist. This will ensure that you are able to effectively communicate with your clients and understand their specific needs. This will be especially important if you are working with an athletic team at the college or professional level.
