Sports massage therapy and Benefits

March 11th, 2009

There are over 80 modalities of massage therapies. Amongst them the sports massage is unique since it addresses very specific concerns and determines to some extent the performance of an athlete. A sports massage is generally administered before, during, and after a sporting event. It utilizes special massaging strokes, ice compresses, and other mechanical tools. The pressure applied is determined based on the requirements of the athlete and the type of sport being played.

Benefits of Sports Massage:
Sport of any nature involves continuous and repetitive physical activity. This builds stress and tension in the soft tissues of the body. It leaves the athlete tired and unfit for performance. Many a time, the sportsman suffers minor injuries and lesions. Sports massage therapists can help relieve all these conditions by administering an effective sports massage.

Sports massage before an event:
Before an event the sports massage therapist uses techniques to improve range of motion, improve the athlete’s stress endurance capacity, and prevent injuries. It also helps the muscles deliver their peak performance.

During a sporting event:
During a sporting event, it is possible that the athlete may suffer from injuries such as sprains or lesions. If there are minor injuries, therapeutic sports massage may suffice to help bring about recovery along with the administration of minimal medication. During such times of duress, a sports massage therapist can use specific techniques to relieve pain, shorten recovery time, and help the athlete if possible return to his game. Sports massage soothes the strained area and improves blood circulation to that region. It helps in reducing swelling, if any, and reduces the associated inflammation.

Sports massage after an event:
A sports massage after a sporting event can help to stretch the muscles and prevent the formation of lactic acid which results in soreness. It helps to ensure that the muscles remain soft and pliable and that the athlete is in fine shape for his or her next sporting event.

Any sport utilizes body muscles. Some utilize particular muscle sets more than others. In any case, the muscles undergo stress and need time to recover. In addition to giving them the necessary resting period, a therapeutic sports massage administered after a sporting event, not only eases the muscle stress, it reduces chances of Delayed Onset Muscle Syndrome, helps muscles recover faster, and makes them more fit for the next sporting session.

Additionally, it also restores the balance of the endocrine system, improves lymphatic and venous circulation, and helps remove the metabolic by products which are accumulated during exercise. It also helps relieve scar tissue formation, muscle spasms, and improves the overall well being of the athlete.

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Trigger Point Therapy Techniques

March 11th, 2009

What is Trigger Point Therapy?

To answer this question one must have an understanding of trigger points. By definition, trigger points are defined as “hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle that are associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers”. Trigger point therapy is a technique that utilizes these trigger points to bring about relief to distant body parts. This theory was developed in the 1940’s by Dr. Janet Travell, the first ever female personal physician to American president, then John F. Kennedy. Although it is not accepted by the modern medical fraternity, the phenomenon of trigger points cannot be denied.

Trigger points can be found in the muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints, or scar tissue. They are like physical knots in the muscle. They may be associated with myofascial pain syndrome and hence this therapy is also sometimes known as Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy.

Trigger points are of many types and qualities. However the two most basic types are: active and latent. Active trigger points are the common cause of muscular pain and on application of pressure, refer pain to another body part or organ. Latent trigger points do not cause any local pain and are not readily detected unless pressure is applied on them. They also do not refer pain to another body part. They are usually associated with stiff joints and movement restrictions associated with old age.

Trigger points can be activated due to various reasons:
•    Over exertion of muscles
•    Any physical or psychological ailment
•    Physical trauma
•    Poor posture
•    Smoking

Treatment using Trigger Point Therapy:
Trigger points can be treated using various methods such as the application of pressure, mechanical vibration, injections, electro stimulation, ultrasounds, low level laser therapy, or by using a cooling spray. Manual pressure application and trigger point injections are the most common modes of treatments. Manual pressure application is the preferred treatment mode and when all else fails, injections provide immediate relief. Sarapin is an example of a trigger point injection.

A trigger point therapist can apply pressure on the trigger points either by hand, fingers, thumb, or feet. However it is an exhausting process and the usage of proper trigger point therapy tools can provide great relief to the practitioner. A successful trigger point therapy can result in an increased range of motion, improved circulation and flexibility, and reduced swelling.

Precautions:
Trigger point therapy requires the therapist to indentify the trigger points accurately. If the wrong trigger points are identified and pressure is applied to them, the surrounding tissue or organs can get damaged. Also the amount of pressure that must be applied is critical; less pressure may not provide the desired relief from pain, and too much pressure can leave the muscle or tissue scarred or damaged.

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Elements Therapeutic Massage

March 11th, 2009

There are a number of elements that can be incorporated into any therapeutic body massage to greatly enhance its benefits. When massage techniques are customized to suit the varying needs of clients, the benefits of therapeutic massage are greatly enhanced. Let us take a look at some of the popular therapeutic massage techniques that form the primary elements of massage.

Swedish Massage:
Swedish massage is the cornerstone of all western massage techniques. This massage uses techniques such as effleurage to soothe the muscles and relieve stress.

Deep Tissue Massage:
Derived from Swedish massage, deep tissue massage builds on these basics to take massage to a deeper level. In deep tissue massage, the therapeutic massage therapist concentrates on releasing stress and adhesion from deep within the fascia by using deep, intense movements. This helps to alleviate chronic pain and also flushes out toxins from the body. Deep tissue massage is frequently used in the rehabilitation of sports related injuries.

Trigger Point Therapy:
Have you ever had a pounding headache that was relieved when someone massaged your shoulder? This is essentially what trigger point therapy is all about. In this example, the trigger point, or the point where all the stress was collected, was in your shoulder, but it manifested itself in the form of an ache in your head. Trigger point therapy allows practitioners to identify the locations of these trigger points and then relieve the knots and tensions from the area through therapeutic massage bodywork.

Hot Stone Massage:
Hot stone massage adds a further dimension to therapeutic massage therapy by the use of heated stones that are placed on the body. Other variations of hot stone massage, such as La Stone therapy use both hot and cold stones to aid the massage process. The hot stones not only help to relieve muscular soreness by providing heat to the affected area, they also make the muscles more pliable for the therapeutic massage bodywork to follow. The alternate application of hot and cold stones also helps to flush out toxins and raises the body’s natural immunity.

Prenatal Massage:
Pre natal massage is probably one of the most important forms of massage therapy, as it not only directly impacts the health of a pregnant mother, but also of her unborn child. This therapeutic massage therapy is beneficial for both mother and child and also eases the aches, pains, and discomfort associated with pregnancy.

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Traditional Thai Massage and Alternative Healing

March 11th, 2009

Traditional Thai massage or Thai Yoga Massage is an ancient massage technique formulated by Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, the personal physician of Lord Buddha, 2,500 years ago. In that sense it originated on Indian land. However after the death of Buddha, many Buddhist monks who migrated to Thailand carried with them this healing art which flourished within the ambience of the Thai temples with basics rooted in the wisdom of Ayurvedic principles and overt influences of Chinese medicine. Gradually it came to be called Thai Massage Therapy. Today it is a popular alternative healing methodology.

The uniqueness of this Thai body massage is that it is a blend of shiatsu, yoga, and meditation. The masseuse twists and stretches the body in various yoga-like postures. In jest it is often referred to as “yoga for the lazy”. The intensity and the frequency of the postures is dependant on the body composition of the person. In Ayurveda the body is composed of one or a mix of three dosha (elements), namely vata, kapha, and pitta. The stretches are often performed to harmonize the balance of these doshas in the body of the person. The masseuse also applies pressure on various points along the ten energy lines, or sip-chen, using his hands, fingers, elbows, forearms, or even feet. This brings about a re-distribution of energy, which soothes and relaxes the mind and body. A typical Thai massage session can last anywhere between 60 minutes to 2 hours. At the end one is left energized and invigorated.

A Thai oil massage is often practiced in southern Thailand. The yoga and shiatsu techniques are supplemented with a traditional oil massage. This is not a popular practice but nonetheless effective. Sometimes warm herbal compresses are also used to treat specific ailments. This is typical of the southern style of Thai massage.

The advantage of Authentic Thai Massage is that it can be done anywhere as it does not require the person to naked and does not require any equipment or special arrangements; just a mat and adequate floor space to perform the various poses. Loose comfortable clothing is advised.

Benefits of Thai Massage
•    Balances the endocrine system
•    Reduces stress
•    Improves overall flexibility
•    Improves blood and lymphatic circulation
•    Alleviates back and muscle soreness
•    Fights fatigue and depression
•    Opens energy channels and eases the flow of life force or prana
•    Improves joint flexibility and range of motion
•    Enhances the body rhythms
•    Brings about emotional and physical well being.

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