WHAT IS SPORTS MASSAGE AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT FOR THE ATHLETE? 

Sports massage is the science and art of applying specific massage techniques to maintain the health of the athlete and to enhance athletic performance. Orthopedic Massage is defined as a broad spectrum of techniques used to treat soft tissue dysfunction associated with the musculoskeletal system.  This comprehensive approach is an integration of trigger point therapy, deep transverse friction, myofascial and muscle energy techniques to treat pain and injuries.

• It is useful in helping the athlete recover from strenuous sports activity

• It can help to improve a debilitating condition

• It can facilitate healing after a disabling injury

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After a period of hard training there is an accumulation of waste material & possibly some micro-trauma with slight swelling in the muscles.  The tissues will also be nutritionally depleted and some may be in need of repair.  By stimulating the blood circulation through the area with massage, all these situations can be helped.  The waste is removed more quickly & completely because more fresh blood arrives from the arteries to supply the repair and nutritional needs.

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Massage can help to remedy over-use injuries which are the most common of all sports injuries.  These problems develop slowly over a period of weeks, months or years and the athlete is unaware until the problem reaches a critical level.  Early treatment of this tension in the tissues is the key to injury prevention.

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Flexibility:  massage techniques can be applied directly to break down scar tissue and adhesions and realign and stretch out very specific areas of damaged or tangled fibers.

The Kinesio Taping® Method is a rehabilitative taping technique that is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process. It provides support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion as well as providing extended soft tissue manipulation to prolong the benefits of manual therapy administered within the clinical setting. Latex-free and wearable for days at a time, Kinesio® Tex Tape is safe for populations ranging from pediatric to geriatric, and successfully treats a variety of orthopedic, neuromuscular, neurological and other medical conditions. The Kinesio® Taping Method is a therapeutic taping technique that not only offers support, but can aid in rehabilitating the affected condition as well. By targeting different receptors within the somatosensory system, Kinesio® Tex Tape alleviates pain and facilitates lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin. This lifting affect forms convolutions in the skin thus increasing interstitial space and allowing for a decrease in inflammation of the affected.

The Graston Technique uses specially designed stainless steel instruments with unique treatment edges & angles to deliver an effective means of manual therapy.  Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) can be integral part of any massage treatment plan to reduce pain and restore range of motion breaking up scar tissue and fascial restrictions.

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