Sports massage focuses on the individual need of the athlete and is used before, during, and after athletic events.

The purpose of sports massage is to Sports Massage Brighton prepare the athlete for peak performance. It alleviates muscle stress and tension, relieves swelling, drains away fatigue, promotes flexibility and prevents injury.

Aiding recovery and enhancing performance, whether you are an athlete or an occasional sports person, sports massage helps you perform to the best of your ability.

How Sports Massage Differs From Other sports therapy Brighton Types of Massage

Continued overuse of the body which occurs from systematically increasing levels of training can cause minor injuries and lesions, causing imbalances in the soft tissues.

Massage has been used for many years as a healing therapy and benefits the body as a whole in a number of ways.

Sports massage works predominantly to alleviate the build up of stress and tension which occurs in the soft tissues of the body during physical activity. The approach may differ depending on the area of concern to be addressed.

Depending on the athlete’s need, the technique may involve a blend of Swedish massage and shiatsu. Three main strokes are used in sports massage. These include:

o Effleurage:

Gliding strokes with the palms, fingertips and thumbs usually carried out at the beginning and end of a sports massage session.

o Petrissage:

Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and fingers used on deeper tissues to induce relaxation, stretch muscle fibres and mobilize fluids.

o Friction:

Circular pressure with the palms, thumbs and fingers. Used primarily for exploratory purposes or for deeper more painful movements, this stroke breaks down lesions and recent scar tissue and separates muscle fibres. Friction should only be used for short periods as longer periods can cause irritation and inflammation.