Sports Massage Ease Muscle Spasms More Effectively

    I am a mother. My injuries relate to carrying children, doing laundry, cooking, cleaning etc. I don't do any particular sport, however, I have gone for one a sports massage. Do you have a specific area of pain? If so, it may be for you. Men often are reluctant to go for a massage, however, it may be easier for them to go for a sports massage. Its not merely a day at the spa - now its a masculine affair, even a necessity. Sports massage can treat a range of injuries, from a frozen shoulder, tender knee, or a pulled hamstring.

    When receiving a massage, the superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue are manipulated to enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being. It can also go deeper with deep tissue massage. The art of massage became popular in the US in the 1800s. It had a surge of popularity until the 1930s and 40s. When modern medicine came to the forefront, the art of massage therapy became discounted as lesser than . Suddenly, it became popular again in the 1960s and 1970s when nurses began to use it to relieve pain in patients. It again gained credibility when, in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta it was deemed a core medical service. An athlete can prepare for his/her next game by receiving a sports massage. It is standard procedure for many athletes.

    This is not a new medical breakthrough. Massage therapists have practiced this art throughout the world. Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and even Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Sports massage and others are done to enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being.



    In many sports, a massage will be performed on an athlete either pre-game or post-game. The athlete will perform better during training, as well as training longer and have fewer injuries. Injuries sustained during the event can be repaired with a sports massage.

    People are learning the benefits of massage, and there are more and more jobs available in this field. With any massage, special equipment is used when receiving a sports massage. These therapists are self-employed and will have his/her own equipment.

    A typical commercial massage table has an easily cleaned, heavily padded surface, and a horseshoe-shaped support for the head that allows one to breathe easily while lying face down and can be stationary or portable. This is cleaned between massages, keeping everything very hygienic. An orthopedic pillow or bolster can be used to correct body positioning. Sometimes, mats are used.

    Next time you feel the ache or pain of either everyday life or any sports injury, consider massage. You don't have to be an athlete to go for a sports massage, and if you are, consider one before training next time. See what it can do for you.

    Head to your local spa. See what they offer. You'll probably be surprised at the variety. Take the 30 - 60 minutes to have a sports massage. I did and I'm glad.