What is sports massage?

 

Sports massage therapy is a cousin to deep tissue massage however it focuses more on the muscles most used in specific sports. Sports massage therapy also involves stretching and a technique called ART short for active release technique. Sometimes this technique is also called pin and stretch. The muscle that is being worked on is a massage and held by the therapist while the patient is put through either passive or active movement at the same time. Movement well being massaged helps elongate the muscle to reduce the chance of injuries as well quickly reduce spasms.

 

Golf for instance tends to strain the back and hip muscles. Basketball is tough on the legs and knees. Hockey and football tend to have whiplash-like neck injuries and back pain.  Paddle tennis has many knee issues due to the quick starting and stopping during the game.  Runners tend to get injuries of the lower back hip knee ankles and foot. Tennis on the other hand can cause shoulder and wrist problems.

 

Because playing sports can cause overuse a sports massage is an excellent remedy for tightness, quick recovery, lack of flexibility and pain relief.