Sports Massage
Sports Massage is a form of deep tissue massage aimed to help maintain the body in better condition generally by managing, manipulating and rehabilitating the soft tissues (ie. Muscles, tendons and ligaments). It involves two types of responses: a mechanical one as a result of the pressure and movement and a reflex one where the nerves respond to the stimulation of the massage. Despite the prefix ‘Sports’ this type of massage can be beneficial to everyone (some health conditions permitting) from professionals athletes to recreational exercisers to professionals ‘sitters’ (for example office workers/drivers).
Physical effects of sports massage:
Pumping – The stroking movements in massage suck fluid through blood and lymph vessels. By increasing the pressure in front of the stroke, a vacuum is created behind. This is especially important in tight or damaged muscle tissue as a tight muscle will squeeze blood out like a sponge, depriving the tissues of vital nutrients and energy to repair.
Increased tissue permeability – Deep massage causes the pores in tissue membranes to open, enabling fluids and nutrients to pass through. This helps remove waste products such as lactic acid and encourage the muscles to take up oxygen and nutrients which help them recover quicker.
Stretching – Massage can stretch tissues that could not be stretched in the usual methods. Bundles of muscle fibres are stretched lengthwise as well as sideways. Massage can also stretch the sheath or fascia that surrounds the muscle, so releasing any tension or pressure build up.
Breaks down scar tissue – Scar tissue from previous injuries or trauma can negatively affect the soft tissues leading to inflexible tissues prone to injury and pain.
Improve tissue elasticity – High levels of training can make tissues hard and inelastic. This is one reason why hard training may not result in improvements. Massage helps reverse this by stretching the tissues.
Opens micro-circulation – Massage increases blood flow to tissues similar to exercise, but also opens or dilates the blood vessels and by stretching them this enables nutrients to pass through more easily.
Physiological effects of massage:
Pain reduction – Tension and waste products in muscles can often cause pain. Massage helps reduce this in many ways including releasing the body’s endorphins.
Relaxation – Muscles relax through heat generated, circulation and stretching. Mechanoreceptors which sense touch, pressure, tissue length and warmth are stimulated causing a reflex relaxation.
Psychological effects of massage:
Depending on the speed and techniques used, massage can be invigorating, which is particularly important for those in pre or inter event competition and need to be alert and muscle tone increased (sprinters for example).
By administering slower techniques and combining them with the physiological and physical effects, relaxation is induced.
Increases awareness of the mind-body connection.
based at:
Kidlington and Gosford Sports Centre
Oxford Road
Kidlington
OX5 2NU
Prices:
£34 per half hour appointment
£50 per hour appointment