SPORTS MASSAGE

What is Sports Massage?
Massage is recorded as one of the earliest forms of physical therapy and it is known that it was used by very different cultures over 3000 years ago. It is only in the much more recent past since travel and communications have enabled different civilisations to meet that so many forms of massage have been developed.

Aims of Massage
In all types of massage, the therapist has specific aims in mind, and in sport we focus on the individual needs of the athlete. With the ever growing number of people taking part in sport, combined with the increasing competitiveness and intensity of physical exercise, the demand for sports massage is also increasing and becoming more and more recognised as a skill which may aid recovery and enhance performance.

Sports massage does have some aims in common with other forms of massage and it is especially important to have a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology, in particular the muscular and skeletal systems. By understanding these systems and the effects of exercise, we may also appreciate how massage may benefit the sports person and becomes an integral part of the athlete's training program.

Athletes who are looking to improve performance and increase their competitive edge do so by adopting a training schedule to enhance their skill, strength, stamina, suppleness and speed. The degree to which they develop and utilise these qualities will depend on other factors such as the level of competition, the sport played, and possibly their position in a team. However, no matter which sport, the aim is nearly always to increase the level of training and thereby subject the body to gradual and controlled overuse.

It is this overuse that may often create problems and imbalances in the soft tissues. If these are ignored and allowed to become chronic, they will not only hinder the athlete's rate of improvement, but also in many cases their performance may well suffer and ultimately the athlete may be susceptible to developing more conditions that are serious. Certainly if they are unable to perform at their best, they may be more at risk from other more traumatic forms of injury. For example, a player involved in a contact sport who is "carrying" an injury may not have their usual level of agility. The result might be that they might suffer an extrinsic injury because of not being fully prepared for the contact suffered from an unexpected tackle.

Benefits of sports massage
Massage, applied skillfully, is the most effective therapy for releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to the musculo-skeletal system. Received regularly this may help athletes prevent injuries, which might otherwise be caused by overuse. A constant build up of tension in the muscles from regular activity may lead to stresses on joints, ligaments, tendons, as well as the muscles themselves.

These muscle imbalances may develop and often go undiagnosed until they are serious enough to cause the athlete discomfort or impede performance. The skilled massage therapist will be able to detect variations in the soft tissues and by using the correct techniques, help the sports person maintain a much healthier physical state.

It may therefore be reasonably claimed that one of the greatest benefits of sports massage is in helping prevent injury.

What should I expect?
Your consultation will last for about an hour. Your practitioner will discuss any sports injuries with you before the massage commences.

The massage methods used will include Deep Tissue Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Stretching routines incorporating Muscle Energy Techniques, and the Articulation of Joints.

These can be used in a variety of different ways, whether to improve posture, identify and eliminate the cause of back pain and restore optimum health to injured tissues.

Judith specialises in massage for muscular soreness and fatigue. She can provide treatment for pre or post sports events injuries and specialises in sports injury rehabilitation.

After the treatment, the patient will feel that their muscles are looser and more relaxed and any sports injuries will feel improved and less tense. It is advisable to drink plenty of water for the rest of the day to encourage complete drainage from the muscles and help breakdown any lactic acid remaining in the muscles.

It is recommended to have frequent sports massages if you are participate in a fitness activity on a regular basis.

Therapist

Judith Ewing BA (Hons), RSA, BSY (Sp.M)

Judith Ewing is a qualified Personal Fitness Trainer and Sports Massage Therapist. She has an honours degree in Business and Finance followed by the Royal Society of Arts Exercise to Music qualification and the British School of Yoga Sports Massage Therapist qualification. She also holds the Physical Education Authority Exercise and Health Studies qualification. She is a member of the Fitness Professionals Organisation and has an enviable reputation in the fitness industry for the past 15 years.

Judith has worked with a wide range of clients from those new to exercise up to those at the top of their game. Judith has also written many articles for the local press over the years on health and fitness, and has also held a fitness phone in on local radio to help people with their fitness queries! She has also produced several fitness videos ranging from body conditioning to Mind Body programmes.