Emma Higgs Personal Training

Some of you might think it’s simply a painful version of massage that’s only for athletes or sportspeople.  Or maybe that every massage is the same and you can go anywhere to get the same service.  This is not the case.

Let’s start with who sports massage can benefit.  It can be a fantastic therapy for athletes and sportspeople, high levels of training causes stress and a build-up of tension in the body, massage can be highly effective for treating this tension.  However, that isn’t to say that sport massage is exclusively for the fitness elite.  Every one of us will feel muscle tightness and stress of some kind, whether this is caused by a visit to the gym or from sitting at a desk all day.  Postural tension is extremely common, particularly in those spending extended periods sitting, either at work or in the car.  Massage can be hugely beneficial in treating postural tension and stress.  And don’t forget about the psychological benefits.  Many of my clients have busy work and home lives; a massage session is an hour of their day that is all about them.

So, will you have to endure agony to get results? The simple answer is no.  Sports massage combines several different techniques that specifically work on different aspects of tightness.  These include techniques to increase blood flow, to increase lymphatic flow, to stretch and loosen muscle tightness.  Some of these techniques can be a little uncomfortable, particularly if applied to an area that is already irritated.  The important thing to remember is not to suffer in silence.  If the therapist is applying too much pressure and causing pain, let them know!  Remember the massage is about you! The therapist should tailor the pressure, intensity and techniques used throughout the massage to suit you and you reason for being there.

Now to the idea that every massage is the same.  There is an ever-growing list of massage treatments out there, particularly in a spa setting, often claiming to benefit you in many ways.  Spa massages can be very beneficial and great for relaxation; sports massage is often a more clinical process than your typical spa massage.  Therapists should have a more in-depth knowledge about the way the body works and can therefore tailor the massage specifically to the muscular or soft tissue dysfunction.  Most therapists will begin with medical and exercise history, discussion about the history of the problem and potential triggers for the problem in hand.  A postural and movement analysis will follow, attempting to identify the areas in questions.  The massage may include a combination of massage, stretching, fascial release and even some exercises to try at home.

So, in summary, don’t be fooled by these massage myths.  Everyone can benefit from sports massage, it’s all about finding a therapist you trust.  In researching this article I’ve been amazed to discover just how many people are terrified of sports massage.  Let’s get rid of these myths and start spreading the real secret, that a sports massage can make your day!