Massage therapy is in demand as more than just a way to relax. For athletes, sports massage helps with recovering from injuries, relieving soreness, and getting the most out of training. Here’s a brief breakdown on sports massage for readers who may be considering a career in massage therapy.
Applications and Benefits of Sports Massage
Massage therapy is the hands-on practice of manipulating soft tissues, such as skin, muscles, and connective tissue, through focused pressure and gentle strokes.
Sports massage is a specialty within the field of massage therapy. Popular among athletes, it’s also beneficial to anyone who wants to stay active, particularly those who are getting older or susceptible to injury. Its primary purpose is to support better movement and performance while making recovery easier and injuries less likely. It focuses on the muscles used in your chosen sport or activity to help alleviate soreness, soothe tight muscles, and prevent strain from repetitive movements. It can help to improve range of motion, performance, and increase flexibility. When incorporated regularly, sports massage can help to reduce fatigue and improve your sleep. This is an important part of recovery that lets you continue a high-intensity training schedule. In addition to the physical benefits, sports massage can also help with relaxation, which improves mental readiness for competition.
Techniques Utilized in Sports Massage
The techniques used in sports massage can include:
- Deep tissue massage to target specific muscle groups.
- Trigger point therapy to release muscle knots that cause pain and tension.
- Joint mobilization to improve the range of motion.
- Stretching and extending muscles to increase flexibility.
- Lymphatic drainage to improve circulation and help reduce swelling.
Training and actual practice of sports massage often include many different techniques, as each patient’s needs will vary. The techniques all target soft tissues and muscles that can become sore or injured through overuse.
Required Massage Therapy Training
If you want to begin a career in massage therapy, you must have good communication skills, empathy, and the physical stamina to perform the essential functions of the job. The most important requirement is to complete a certified career program that provides the training you need in essential areas like anatomy, safety, sanitation, and massage techniques. By enrolling in the Massage Therapy program at Healthcare Career College (HCC), you can learn the skills you need to start a career as a professional massage therapist in under one year. This profession continues to be in high demand, with projected job growth for a stable and meaningful career and opportunities to specialize in areas like sports massage. Contact us today to get more info!