Most Popular Techniques in Sports Massage Sports massage has a whole range of technique which when used effectively, can be very relaxing. Very commonly used sports massage techniques are effleurage, petrissage, and friction.
Effleurage: Effleurage is a very popular method of stress relieving massage. The therapist uses stroking motion in which the hands slides over the skin of the client. The stroking motion is varied with different levels of speed and pressure. It could either be light, firm or deep stroking. The different range of pressure and speed serve different purpose and used at different interval during the massage session. Effleurage is commonly used in the beginning and the end of the session.
Sports massage techniques: Therapists carrying out effleurage in rhythmical manner start with a light touch at the start of the session and slowly build up the pressure to a deeper level. The deeper pressure is required to stretch the tissues and improve blood circulation. In a good massage session, the massage therapist move his relaxed hands along the natural contours of the client’s body. The technique is done in a relaxed manner so as to identify any tissue damage. Effleurage is very effective in putting the clients at ease. It is a great way to introduce touch to the client. It is beneficial in warming up the superficial tissues and relaxing the muscle. It allows the therapist to sense if there is any tissue damage. It is effectively activates the peripheral nerves. It facilitates blood and lymp flow. It also aids in the removal of waste products. It is a great way to end the massage and relax the client.
Petrissage: Other deep tissue techniques include petrissage. It makes the most effective use of the kneading movement. In the petrissage technique soft tissue is first compressed and released. During petrissage direct pressure is applied or the soft tissue is picked up and squeezed. Petrissage applies a deeper pressure than effleurage on soft tissues. It includes a number of different techniques such as picking up, kneading, squeezing, wringing, shaking and rolling.
Petrissage is effective in increasing the mobility between tissue interfaces. It stretches muscle fibres and helps to relax the muscles. It also aids in the removal of waste products through increasing lymphatic return.
Frictions: In this technique considerable pressure is applied by the pads of the thumbs and fingers on different areas of the body. The movements are forceful and applied
back and forth. The force is applied adjacent to the direction of fibres. The deep pressure is meant to disrupt the tissues in order to realign new fibres. Alternatively, deep stroking can be used instead, which uses less pressure and the tissues are not disrupted. Frictions are extremely effective in separating the adhesions between fibres, breaking down scar tissues, and restoring muscle elasticity. It increases blood flow and stimulates vasodilation. It helps to realign new scar tissue and stimulate the healing process.
Consult a sports massage therapist: Get sports massage from qualified and experienced sports massage therapists who have acquired a certificate in sports massage therapy level 4 ITEC. Only such therapist will have specialized knowledge in preevent, postevent, corrective, restorative and maintenance massage. They gain the skill and knowledge to use a range of basic and advanced techniques. The qualification is recognised by Complementary Therapists Association,Sports Massage Association, and others.
Affable Therapy Training Limited 64A George Street, Croydon CR0 1PD Phone: 0208 338 1212/ 07917147302 Website: www.affabletherapy.com Email: info@affabletherapy.com Follow us on: Facebook
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