Sports and Remedial Massage Therapy
More people who undertake tough training are realising the benefits of Sports and Remedial Massage as part of a complete training plan. It addresses the wear-and-tear and minor injuries that develop through strenuous and repetitive movements.
Cycling is a tough and strenuous sport, whether you race at any level or train regularly to maintain fitness. It produces a unique set of aches and pains after long hours in the saddle or an intensive training session.
The typical aches and pains can be experienced in muscles in the lower back, shoulders, neck, wrists, arms, hips, knees and Achilles. I’m sure you’ve all experienced aches or pains in one or more of these areas at some stage - I certainly have! Correct bike set-up can play a major role in preventing or relieving these symptoms.
It is always advisable to see a Doctor if you have an acute injury or your pain is not related to soft tissue. There are a number of contraindications to receiving massage.
Sports and remedial massage has many benefits and is becoming increasingly popular as people experience its effects. It is beneficial both physiologically and psychologically. The following points relay its benefits:-
It reduces the risk of injury by breaking down scar tissue which may be the result of micro-traumas or a previous injury. Scar tissue and adhesions can be present in muscles, tendons and ligaments, which can cause inflexibility in these areas and lead to pain or injury. Deep tissue massage can break down the scar tissue and adhesions which will improve blood flow and therefore speed up healing.
It improves muscle flexibility and range of motion, which will lead to improved power and performance. Sports massage can help to loosen muscle fibres by stretching them. There may be accumulated tension or tightness in the muscle sheath or fascia surrounding it. By releasing this tension, the muscle will be free to operate as it should. This will reduce the risk of injury.
It increases blood flow to the muscles by improving tissue permeability and by stretching the blood vessels. This will enable improved passage of nutrients, fluids and oxygen to the tissues and removal of the waste by-products of exercise, such as lactic acid. This will promote faster recovery of the muscles. In this way, it helps to shorten recovery time between the activity or workout. Pain eases quicker.
It releases the tightness and pain felt in muscles following strenuous activity. Tight muscles may not have a satisfactory blood supply due to the tension in the tissues. Sports massage will help the muscles to relax and also improve blood flow and tissue elasticity.
It can help to release endorphins into the body which will promote relaxation and the ’feel good factor’, reducing anxiety.
Pre-event massage can promote an invigorating feeling, in readiness for the sport.
It promotes healing of an already injured area by improving blood flow, as previously mentioned, and by breaking down scar tissue or haematomas.
It enables fine tuning of training. The therapist and athlete can work together and alter or tweak training to prevent injury.
I first became interested in sports massage approximately four years ago. I was on a skiing holiday in Canada and had been experiencing a niggling hip pain for a couple of months (which came from riding a wrong sized frame for a period of time!). I decided to try a massage at our hotel. It was my first massage! The therapist was an Australian, so very laid back and easy to talk to and she gave me some good advice, including the importance of stretching post exercise to help prevent muscle tightness and potential injury. My hip pain improved a great deal over the next few days. The importance of stretching after strenuous exercise was reiterated when I went to "Cyclefit" in London to be measured for my bike.
I found the whole concept of sports massage really interesting and started to look around to see what courses were available, looking for those that would give in-depth training with a well recognised qualification. I picked the LSSM (London School of Sports Massage) Diploma level course, held at Regents College, from July 2006 until April 2007, completing ten full weekends. It was a great course. I found it a challenge at times finding time to study, but it opened up a whole new area - a great sideline from my Nursing career.
So if anyone is interested in a massage, feel free to call me on 07797 728802 or e-mail me at mjcrow@localdial.com - After the Duo would be best!!
Safe riding,
Mary Crow.