Sports Massage can be used to assist athletes before and after competition events or even training sessions. Both pre and post event massage sessions last around 15 to 20 minutes, and involve general Swedish Massage techniques, compression, jostling (shaking) and passive stretching performed by the therapist. The massage strokes should be light, pain-free and warming, and performed at a moderate pace. As with all massage techniques, Sports Massage helps to promote circulation to allow the muscles to work more efficiently, as well as to lengthen tight muscles to improve flexibility.
Pre-Event Massage is an integral component of an athlete’s warm up for an event, but should never replace the individual’s own warm up and stretch sequence. This massage can be performed on the day of the actual event or even several days prior to it. The main aims of Pre-Event Massage are to relax tight muscle groups and to create a state of readiness in both the muscles and tissues, as well as to aid overall performance and to prevent injury. The emphasis of this session is placed on the main muscle groups that will be used during the event.
Post-Event Massage is a restorative session that is performed in order to promote a general state of relaxation, as well as to reduce muscle tension and soreness. This should be performed as soon as possible after a competition event, in order to help reduce the amount of recovery time needed by the athlete. Post-Event Massage aims to decrease fatigue, relieve increased muscle tone, and to promote the removal of waste products.
For more information on our Massage Therapists, click Daniel Radnai, or Ingrid Bianchi.
Or to make an appointment, call us on 02 9904-1333, or click here: Appointments.
*Most private health funds now recognise Massage Therapy, but it does depend on your level of cover and the level of qualifications of the individual therapist. To help, read this article: Which Massage Therapist for me?
