What Is a Sport Massage? Here Are the 4 Different Types

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Sports massage is a type of Swedish massage that stimulates the circulation of blood and lymph fluids circulation. It was originally developed to help athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, and function well during training. It is the technique of kneading and manipulating the soft tissues in the body using trigger point therapy to break down adhesion (knots in the muscles) and increase the range of motion to help athletes improve their performance and prevent and treat sports injuries.

Sports Massage Prices in London & the UK

Treatment	Duration	Price (£)
Sports Massage - London	30 minutes	£55
	60 minutes	£85
	90 minutes	£115
Sports Massage - UK (Medium Price)	30 minutes	£50
	60 minutes	£80
	90 minutes	£100

Prices updated on 10 July 2024.

Sport Massage Technique And Benefits

Sports massage involves the use of different techniques of massage, such as neuromuscular therapy, acupressure, soft tissue releases, and trigger point therapy.

These techniques are usually combined, but when it comes to treating sports injuries, the type of massage commonly considered is the so-called remedial massage. With this technique, athletes are expected to feel energised, balanced, and ready for new action.

Before the event or the application of the massage, it is typical that the sports massage therapist will take a medical history to determine your past and present health condition. This special check-up is considered for the notion that every sports massage treatment will be unique to every individual and the sport.

The study includes relevant information about your sport, past and present health condition, and the injuries you may have suffered.

Four Types of Sports Massages

Sports massage is a specialised form of massage therapy that focuses on enhancing athletic performance, preventing injuries, and promoting overall recovery and well-being for athletes. Within the realm of sports massage, there are four main types: pre-event, post-event, restorative, and rehabilitative sports massage.

Each type serves a specific purpose in optimising an athlete's performance and aiding in their recovery process. Let's explore each type in more detail:

1. 💎 Pre-Event Sports Massage - a pre-event sports massage is a short, stimulating massage administered 15 to 45 minutes before an athletic event or competition. This type of massage is designed to physically and mentally prepare the athlete for the exertion ahead. The therapist focuses on the specific muscles and areas of the body involved in the upcoming activity. The primary goals of pre-event sports massage are to enhance circulation, increase flexibility, improve range of motion, and activate the targeted muscles. It helps warm the muscles, increase blood flow, and stimulate the nervous system, promoting optimal readiness for peak performance.
2. 💎 Post-Event Sports Massage - following an athletic event, a post-event sports massage is given within an hour to help the body recover from the intense physical exertion. The primary objective of this type of massage is to assist in the normalisation of the body's tissues. Post-event sports massage focuses on reducing muscle soreness, alleviating muscle fatigue, and promoting the removal of metabolic waste products such as lactic acid. By applying gentle techniques, including effleurage and petrissage, the therapist helps relax the muscles, enhance circulation, and accelerate the body's natural healing process.
3. 💎 Restorative Sports Massage - RSM is typically performed during training to support the athlete's overall performance and recovery. It is aimed at maintaining the athlete's physical condition and preventing injuries. Restorative sports massage is often customised to address the specific needs and requirements of the athlete. The therapist uses deep tissue massage, stretching, and myofascial release techniques to alleviate muscle tension, promote flexibility, and enhance recovery between training sessions. Therapeutic sports massage helps athletes train harder, more efficiently, and with reduced risk of injury by addressing any imbalances, restrictions, or areas of tightness.
4. 💎 Rehabilitative Sports Massage - RSM type focuses on alleviating pain, promoting healing, and restoring the body to health following an injury. This type of massage is often integral to an athlete's rehabilitation program and works with other medical treatments. Rehabilitative sports massage involves targeted techniques to address specific injuries, such as strains, sprains, and overuse injuries. The therapist applies therapeutic modalities, including deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and stretching, to reduce pain, improve flexibility, increase circulation, and facilitate healing. Rehabilitative sports massage is typically performed once the initial acute phase of the injury has subsided, and it continues throughout the recovery process to aid in restoring the athlete's functionality and performance.

What Makes Sports Massage So Special?

Sports massage offers several benefits to the athletes as it helps to make the athlete feel good, but more to that, the massage can reduce blood pressure and heart rate. Numerous studies also revealed that sports massage helps to improve lymphatic and blood flow, enhances flexibility, and relieves pain and muscle tension.

All techniques involved during the massage session are even deemed ideal for promoting greater athletic performance and endurance, reducing recovery time, and, of course, lessening the chances of sports injury. All of these are possible with sports massage.

A sports massage is a good choice if you have a specific problem - a tender knee from running. It is also a good idea to see a movement therapist, who can help you identify and correct the movement pattern that might be causing your injury in the first place. The therapist generally focuses on the problem area - a frozen shoulder or pulled hamstring, rather than giving you a full body massage.

On Massages Me, you may find an experienced Male Massage Therapist in London specialising in Sports Massages suitable for your needs. Male therapists, female therapists, spas near you and mobile massage therapists are available to provide personalised treatments.

Please search the bar above by typing your postcode or town, then arrange a booking by call or WhatsApp.

Summary

Sports massage plays a crucial role in optimising athletic performance, preventing injuries, and aiding in the recovery of athletes. Whether it is the pre-event, post-event, therapeutic, or rehabilitative sports massage, each type serves a specific purpose in promoting peak performance, maintaining physical well-being, and addressing injuries.

You can learn more about it on Massage Blog - Sports Massage for Your Optimal Performance: Enhancing Athletic Performance and Recovery

By utilising various techniques, athletes can enhance their training, reduce the risk of injuries, and achieve their full potential in their chosen sports disciplines. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified sports massage therapist to determine the most suitable type of sports massage based on individual needs and goals.

Author – Martha Anderson - a creative writer, blogger, and expert in massage therapy, holistic wellness, nutrition, and personal training. She has a passion for helping individuals achieve optimal health and well-being. Martha holds advanced sports science and nutrition degrees and is committed to evidence-based practices. Her work emphasises understanding the intricate connections between physical health and mental wellness.

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