We know that Sports Massage has loads of great benefits, but when is best to have them to get the most out of it?
Leading up to an event
A sports massage can really help as part of a taper leading into an event, ensuring that the adverse effects of all of your hard training, such as DOMS, have been banished. I like to work on my clients with Myofascial Release, Soft Tissue Release (STR) and Muscle Energy Techniques (METs); whilst avoiding Frictions and Trigger Points which can leave localised areas of acute soreness. Some of the side effects can be: feeling heavy, lethargic and maybe a little sore, so ideally you'll want to get this booked in at least 3 days before hand. If a client has a big event on Sunday, a massage on Tuesday or Wednesday would be ideal so they hit the start line in the best possible shape.
During a training cycle
Heavy training can lead to hypertonicity (tightness) in the muscles and general fatigue. Sports Massage can help to reduce muscle tone via a parasympathetic nervous system response by using deeper, slower strokes. Myofascial Release, STR, Trigger Points and METs can all help following a proper client assessment. Perfect timing would be the night before a rest day or block; on failing that the lead into an easy period of training. The client can then reinforce the work done in the clinic room by focusing on getting in some good sleep, nutrition and maybe prescribed stretches; these could be to target tight muscles or to work on developing flexibility as appropriate. Having a massage and then performing a hard training session will likely negate many of the benefits; and may even increase the risk of injury. Some studies have shown reduced muscle power and coordination in muscles and limbs that have just been massaged or statically stretched.
Pre-Event
A pre-event Sports Massage can be an excellent tool in preparation for a race or event. Ideally performed 90 - 30 minutes beforehand, the therapist should concentrate on using lighter, faster strokes to create a sympathetic nervous system response. A technique called tapotement is also commonly used which involves lightly & quickly beating target muscles (think Turkish massage). The therapist needs to also be aware of the role they may play in an athlete's mental preparation, and should use appropriate language and subjects for discussion. It's not uncommon to hear of therapists going through visualisation techniques with their athletes, especially if they are perhaps the last person they speak to before the start.
Post-Event
Everybody loves a post-event Sports Masssage, and we've done a lot of it this year at the Academy! Not only does it help to relax tired and aching muscles but also offers some mental respite, and perhaps someone else to brag to (We don't mind!). It's best to get on the table as soon as possible while you've still got elevated circulation and are warm. The therapist should be using slower, deeper application of our basic techniques, Effleurage and Petrissage, and maybe a little bit of Myofascial Release and stretching too. This isn't the time to deal with injuries (If you've picked something up in the event you should be in the medical tent) or anything nasty like Frictions or Trigger Points, the therapists is unable to assess properly and this should be left in the days after.
Recovery
If you've competed hard you might develop tightness and/or Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in the 48 hours after the event. 24 - 48 hours post event is the perfect time to see your therapist where we'll have our full arsenal of techniques at our disposal to help you recover. If you've picked up an injury it will be better to wait a bit longer. Consider getting it checked out by a medical professional and come to us once any pain/swelling has started to subside, so we can assess you properly and work out the best course of action, usually after 3 - 7 days.
Are you interested in becoming Sports Massage Qualified? Check out the great training available over at the Sports Massage Academy
