Sports Massage

Massage is an excellent therapy for people who suffer from muscular aches, pains and stiffness. By manually mobilising the muscular tissue, it is worked in a manner the body can’t do actively. Massage promotes healing by stimulating blood and lymphatic circulation, flooding the area with blood and transporting waste materials that have accumulated. For this reason massage is often used for injury treatment to encourage bleeding to the injured site, allowing good blood flow to encourage a good healing response. Massage can also be used to break down scar tissue thus increasing flexibility and reducing stiffness

Physiological effects of massage

• The lymphatic system is comprised of a network of conduits called lymphatic vessels that carry a clear fluid called lymph unidirectionally toward the heart . This system runs parallel to the circulatory system however, unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system relies on movement to actively move fluid through the system. The strokes used in massage flush toxins and waste matter from muscles into this system so that they can be flushed away.
• By manually increasing the temperature of the area being treated, capillaries and blood vessels dilate/ become larger, allowing more blood to enter the body site. So as massage flushes out all the detrimental toxins and waste products produced from exercise or cummulative injury, a large influx of fresh oxygenated blood is created back into the site to revitalise the tired and drained tissue.
• If you have suffered from previous injury, your body will have created scar tissue at the injury site. Regular massage will help break down this tissue and help prevent it binding to muscle or other tissue resulting in reduced movement or function of that muscle. Massage will not make scar tissue disappear, but it will make it more flexible, allowing you to train with less irritation.

Psychological effects of massage

• Massage promotes the release of endorphins which act as natural pain killers.
• Massage also affects the nervous system by having an effect on mechanoreceptors (pressure receptors). These receptors are responsible for the muscle to sense pressure; allowing the muscle to know when it is contracted and or lengthened. Stimulation of mechanoreceptors through massage encourages muscle relaxation.
• As the tension through you body is relaxed, you will find that any anxiety or stress you are carrying will be reduced and you will experience a greater sense of well being.

Can i have a massage if I dont have any pain?

To benefit from a sports massage you do not need to be a sports performer. Jack Fishwick at Bodymotion Chiropractic Clinic works with a great range of clients as the benefits described above can help relieve many day to day problems that everyone experiences. He is a level 4 SMA (Sports Massage Association) accredited practitioner which ensure that you will receive an individually tailored, high quality massage.

Being a keen sportsman himself, Jack understands the importance of regular massages for Sportsman and women. Regualar massages help keep their bodies in top condition allowing them to train more effectively and recover faster between events, competitions and training sessions.

Supplement your marathon training with sports massage.

With the marathon season approaching it is crucial that you look after your body to prevent injury. Due to the repetitive nature of running, overuse injuries are very commonly seen at our city based practice. With the mileage that you will cover in preparation, massage will reduce the chance of injury, and keep you training at a level where you are able to keep progressing.

• Massage reduces the tension help in muscular tissue, reducing the chance of overuse injuries with prolonged training.
• Massage removes any tight restrictions obtained from hard sessions, allowing you to train harder for longer and not train in painful tight conditions.
• Massage increases the speed of muscular recovery, meaning you train sooner after a hard session and still feel fresh.
• Regular contact with a practitioner allows your body to be monitored, identifying any compensations or areas that are overworked due to your individual running style. These compensations can then be addressed and treated so that they don’t become detrimental. A Sports Rehabilitation appointment may also be beneficial.

What Should I Expect From my First Massage Treatment?

At your first treatment the practitioner will take you through a full physical assessment to identify any musculoskeletal issues that need to be addressed. You will be asked about previous medical history and any areas you would like the practitioner to focus on. You will also be asked to inform the practitioner of any allergies, skin conditions or current musculoskeletal injuries you may be carrying.

We request that you come dressed accordingly for the areas you wish to be treated. It is totally up to the patient as to what you wear, but we request that it be suitable to assess the relevant areas.

After your session you will be advised by the practitioner on what you can do to encourage the positive effects of the massage and what you should expect with regards to adverse effects. They will also answer any questions you may have.

.If you feel that you could benefit from a rehabilitation assessment with Jack then please call 0207 374 2272.

Alternatively if you have any questions regarding this assessment and treatment please contact jfishwick@body-motion.co.uk