Athletes have been using massage to improve their performance for centuries. Today, sports massage is an integral part of many training regimens. It’s not just for professional athletes anymore – anyone who wants to improve their athletic performance or treat an injury can benefit from sports massage.
There are many different types of sports massage, and the therapist can change the technique to suit your needs.
If you’re interested in trying sports massage, be sure to discuss your goals with your therapist to ensure you get the most out of each session. Here are some examples that might occur during your session.
What is deep tissue massage?
A deep tissue massage is a type of massage that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It is used to release tension in the muscles, tendons, and fascia. This type of massage is usually performed with the hands, elbows, or forearms.
Deep tissue massages are beneficial for a variety of health conditions. They can help to relieve chronic pain, improve circulation, and reduce stress and anxiety. If you are considering getting a deep tissue massage, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider first to make sure that it is right for you.
What is Myofascial release
Myofascial release is a type of manual therapy that aims to release tension in the myofascial tissues. This type of therapy is often used to treat pain and dysfunction in the body and is a much softer approach if a deep tissue massage sounds a bit too scary for the first time.
What is myofascial tissue? If you were to investigate the human body, you would see fascia which surrounds each muscle, connecting them together all over the body. The fascia should glide and move along, however when the fascia becomes bundled and tight together this where pain might occur causing the tender points you might feel.
Myofascial release is performed by therapists using their hands to apply gentle, sustained pressure to the myofascial tissues.
What is Muscle energy technique (METS)?
Muscle energy techniques (METS) are a type of manual therapy that uses the patient's muscles to help improve movement and function. The therapist works with the patient to apply gentle pressure on specific points of the body. This pressure helps to release tension in the muscles and improve the range of motion.
METS are a safe and effective treatment option for many conditions, such as neck pain, back pain, and headaches. The therapist will tailor the treatment to the specific needs of the patient. This type of therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other therapies, such as physical therapy.
What is Trigger point therapy?
A trigger point is defined as a hyperirritable spot in skeletal muscle that is associated with a hypersensitive response to limb pain. It has been proposed that these points are formed as a result of muscle injury or overuse. When pressure is applied to a trigger point, it can help to release the tension and relieve the pain.
Trigger point therapy can be used to treat a variety of different conditions, including headaches, back pain, and neck pain. If you are suffering from pain, it may be worth considering trigger point treatment as a potential option.
What is Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)?
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, or PNF, is a type of physical therapy that uses stretch and resistance exercises to improve range of motion and strength. It is often used to treat injuries or conditions that cause pain or limit mobility.
PNF therapy can be done with the help of a qualified therapist. The therapist will first assess the patient's range of motion and strength. They will then create a customized exercise program that includes stretches and resistance exercises.
What is cupping?
Cupping is an ancient Chinese practice in which a cup is placed on the skin to create a suction. This suction pulls the skin and underlying tissue upwards and is said to promote healing. Cupping is often used to relieve pain, but it can also be used for other purposes such as detoxification and improving circulation.
There are two main types of cupping: dry cupping and wet cupping. Dry cupping is the more common type and involves suction only. Wet cupping involves making small incisions in the skin before applying the suction, which should be used very carefully by trained professionals.
Cupping is generally safe, but there are some risks to be aware of. These include burns, bruising, and skin infections. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying cupping, especially if you have a medical condition.
The combination of these techniques will be used by a therapist to suit your goals and needs the best. For treatment or initial consultation call or email MSKdoctors.