Techniques on Sports Massage Therapy
Sports massages can benefit the athlete because the massage increases the blood flow to the muscles, stretches the muscles, and can alleviate injury pain. Most professional athletes use sports massage on a regular basis so incorporating massage into an athletes routine is helpful. The techniques of sports massage vary slightly from regular massage.
Lower Body
- Massaging the knees is important
to athletes. Use circular friction motions around the patella
tendon. Apply light circular friction around the sides of the knee.
This will decrease swelling around the knee joint. - Massage the ankles using light
stroking motions from the ankle joint up to the knee and then return
back down to the ankle. Increase the pressure around the ankle for
about two minute intervals. - Place your hand over the leg and
apply pressure to the ankle along the full length muscle. Gradually
increase the pressure to that muscle. - Place the patients foot on top of
your hand and stroke the top of the foot in light motions using the
fingers and thumb. Apply light pressure on the toes and continue up
to the ankle. - Place your thumbs at the bottom of
the toes and wrap your hands around to apply pressure on the ball of
the foot. Apply light pressure to the muscles moving up toward the
toes. - Apply cross friction to the heel
of the foot working up to the ball of the foot and then apply firm
pressure down the sole of the foot to the heel. Repeat the technique
10 to 15 times.
Upper Body
- The upper back and shoulders are
crucial to athletes so massaging this area will benefit the patient. - Lightly stroke using the entire
hand from the lower back area up to the shoulders. Create the smooth
movements and then circle out toward the shoulders. - Relax for a few minutes then
increase the pressure maintaining the same motions. - Extend the patients neck off the
massage table and apply circular friction to the upper shoulders. - Repeat the motions for several
minutes slightly increasing the pressure.