Sports massage is a treatment intended primarily for injuries to soft tissues. Sports massage in Singapore is a popular technique for applying various sorts of pressure to the body. It is widely done on athletes by qualified therapists. Other body parts, such as the elbows, forearms, knees, and feet, can be employed in addition to the hands. Similarly, a massage device may be used to deliver the required pressure properly. The purpose of massage is to promote relaxation and health.
Sports massage is one of the many massages intended to relieve musculoskeletal injuries and discomfort. It is also known as manual treatment since it involves applying pressure manually to the damaged muscles. Moreover, it consists of the manipulation and mobility of joints. In addition to therapy, this massage helps prevent injuries, improves muscular function, and enhances overall sports performance.
Sports massage can be categorised according to when it is administered. An hour before a game or activity, a pre-event sports massage is performed, followed by an inter-event massage for individuals who need to recover between games. A post-event massage is administered when the athlete has cooled down, whereas a restorative sports massage is administered on rest days.
Who Should Undergo and Anticipated Outcomes
Several sorts of athletes can benefit from receiving a sports massage. For instance, runners with sore knees might attempt to strengthen the tendons and muscles in the afflicted area with a sports massage. This form of massage can also assist the athlete in correcting any movements that may cause injury or restrict complete function.
Sports massage suits individuals who are not just actively engaged in sports. Athletes suffering from an injury can also benefit from this massage by increasing their likelihood of regaining fitness and peak performance. This is one of the many reasons massage is essential to any physical rehabilitation programme.
In addition to players, non-athletes can also benefit from sports massage. In certain instances, chronic pain can be relieved and treated with manual therapy procedures. The same logic applies to those with a limited range of motion.
It is crucial to note, however, that not all individuals with sports-related injuries and discomfort can benefit from this treatment. Among the contraindications for sports massage are open wounds, blood clots, torn muscles or tendons, burns, and broken bones. Typically, an experienced therapist can suggest whether or not a sports massage is beneficial.
After many sessions, most individuals who undergo sports massage have instant pain alleviation and greater mobility. Doing this massage after every sporting event or game significantly reduces muscular discomfort. Patients with sports injuries whose rehabilitation regimens include incorporating sports massage sessions may see a faster recovery. Patients also report several psychological advantages following a massage, including relaxation and revitalisation.
How is the Method Carried Out?
Many approaches are employed in sports massage treatment, including:
Effleurage is a massage technique that employs various gliding strokes across the skin’s surface. The rhythmic strokes are performed to promote circulation and stretch tight tissues.
Petrissage is a method involving kneading motions. The muscles are grabbed and compressed to lengthen their fibres and facilitate the interchange of tissue fluids. This also aids in muscular relaxation and movement. The therapist separates adhesions and realigns muscle fibres using the fingertips and thumbs to apply the friction method. Treatment is performed on isolated locations by applying significant pressure to break down scar tissue and restore its flexibility. Moreover, this method can boost blood flow and aid the healing process.
Tapotement is commonly used to prepare muscles for physical exercise using hacking and cupping movements. The therapist strikes the skin with both hands and emits distinctive noises. These motions are intended to promote blood flow away from the deep tissue and should be utilised sparingly based on the needs of each athlete.
