Although sports massage does not have a great affect treating injuries in isolation, it does have it's uses in sport, which can be benificial to sportspeople.
Massage is recorded as one of the earliest forms of physical therapy and it is known that it was used by very differant cultures over 3000 years ago. It is only in the much more recent past since travel and communications have enabled different cultures to meet that so many forms of massage have been developed.
In all types of massage the therapist has specific aims in mind, and in sport we focus on the individual needs of the sportsperson. With the ever growing number of people partaking in sport, combined with the increasing competitiveness and intensity of physical exercise, the demand for sports massage is also increasing and becoming more and more recognosed as a skill which may aid recovery and enhance performance.
Sports massage does have some aims in common with other forms of massage and it is especially important to have a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology, in particular the muscular and skeletal systems. Having worked with professional footballers for many years I have a good understanding of the pressures sport places on the human body.
Sportspeople who are looking to improve performance and increase their competitive edge do so by adopting a training schedule to enhance their skill, strenth, stamina, suppleness and speed. The degree to which they develop and utilise these qualities will depend on other factors such as the level of competition, the sport played, and possibly their position in a team. However, no matter what the sport, the aim is nearly always to systematically increase the level of training and thereby subject the body to gradual and controlled overuse. It is this overuse which may often create problems and imbalances the soft tissues. If these are ignored and allowed to become chronic, they will not only hinder the sportspersons rate of improvement, but in many cases their performance may well suffer and ultimately the sportsperson may develop more serious injuries. Certainly if they are unable to perform at their best, this will make them more at risk from other more traumatic forms of injury.
BENIFITS OF SPORTS MASSAGE.
Massage applied skillfully is the most effective therapy for releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to the musculo-skeletal system. Received regularly this may help sportspeople prevent injuries which might otherwise be caused by overuse. A constant build-up of tension in the muscles from regular activity may lead to stresses on joints, ligaments, tendons, as well as the muscles themselves.
These problems may develop and often go undiagnosed until they are serious enough to cause the sportsperson discomfort or impede performance. The skilled physiotherapist will be able to detect variations in the soft tissues and by using the correct techniques, help the sportsperson maintain a much healthier physical state. It may therefor be reasonably claimed that one of the greatest benifits of regular sports massage is in helping PREVENT INJURY.
Special offer, Buy 3 sessions of lower limb or back massage for £50 get 4th free. A SAVING OF £10.
PHONE GEORGE NOW FOR AN APPOINTMENT TO SUIT YOU. 01227 366648.
Until recently George Johnson was the first team physiotherapist for Gillingham Football Club (a professional Football Club in the English Football League) and the England Hardball Hockey Team. He is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy as well as The Association of Chartered Physiotherapist in Sports Medicine, The World Federation of Athletic Therapist and Trainers, World Federation of Sports Physiotherapist, Society of Sports Therapy, member of the Physiotherapy Pain Association, member of the Independent Professional Therapists International. Is a UK Athletics recommended practioner and is Registered with the Health Professions Council. He has strong ties with a number of local sports clubs and is a supporter of FANS ( Free Admission for National Sportspeople). Among his clients, past and present, are international athletes, footballers, boxers, professional squash players, golfers, tennis players and many more people, from all sports, of all ages and all walks of life. PHONE GEORGE NOW ON 01227 366648 OR 07742716379 For a quick appointment at a time to suit you, or simply send him an email.
