And, when strains, sprains, bruises or other major injuries occur, a variety of treatment modalities may be necessary to speed healing and reduce discomfort. An effective maintenance program is based on the massage therapist's understanding of anatomy and kinesiology, combined with an expert knowledge of which muscles are used in a given sport and which are likely candidates for trouble. The overall objective of a maintenance program is to help the athlete reach optimal performance through injury free training. It also improves tissue pliability, readying the athlete for performance. Various sports massage techniques enhance the bodys own recovery process, improving the athletes return to high-level trianing and competition, and reducing the risk of injury.
Sports massage can speed healing and reduce discomfort during the rehabilitation process.
Soft tissue techniques employed by sports massage therapists are effective in the management of both acute and chronic injuries. In all cases, such massage techniques are empoyed in collaboration with other appropriate medical care. For example, encouraging circulation around a bruise, but not directly on it, through the use of compression, Cross-Fiber techniques or even long, deep strokes is only used after appropriate medical referral and diagnostics indicate that there are no clots formed in the area which may embolize. Massage on the Move Copyright 1998 All Rights Reserved.