As an athlete, recovering from injuries quickly is essential to return to training and competing at the highest level. One effective method to speed up recovery is sports massage. Sports massage utilizes different techniques to help athletes recover from injuries and reduce the risk of further injuries.
Effleurage Technique
Effleurage is a long, gliding stroke commonly used to warm muscles and increase circulation. It is the most basic technique in sports massage and is often used at the beginning of a massage session. Effleurage is also used to soften muscles for deeper strokes later in the session. This technique is ideal for athletes recovering from muscle strains, as it can help to decrease swelling, increase blood flow and oxygen to the affected area.
Petrissage Technique
Petrissage is a kneading technique that reduces muscle tension and removes lactic acid from the muscles. This technique involves squeezing, rolling, and kneading the muscles and is often used during a massage. It is ideal for athletes recovering from overuse injuries, as it helps to improve muscle flexibility and range of motion.
Friction Technique
Friction is a deep tissue technique that involves applying pressure to the affected area to release tension and break up scar tissue. This technique is often used with effleurage and petrissage to help athletes recover from chronic injuries, such as tendonitis or plantar fasciitis.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy involves applying pressure to specific body areas to release tension and pain. Trigger points are areas of muscle that become contracted and are often responsible for referred pain. This technique is ideal for athletes recovering from acute injuries, such as sprains or strains, as it can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Myofascial Release Technique
Myofascial release is a technique that releases tension and tightness in the fascia, a thin layer of connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs. This technique involves applying pressure to the fascia to release tension and improve flexibility. Myofascial release is ideal for athletes recovering from injuries that involve tightness or adhesions in the fascia, such as IT band syndrome or shin splints.
Active Release Technique
Active release technique (ART) is a soft tissue therapy that manipulates the muscles to release tension and improve the range of motion. This technique is often used to treat injuries caused by overuse, such as tennis elbow or rotator cuff injuries. ART is performed by applying pressure to the affected area while moving the muscle through a range of motion, which helps to break up adhesions and improve muscle function.
Geri León, East Bay Area Massage Therapist
If you are an East Bay athlete looking for a sports massage, look no further than Geri León. Geri is a licensed massage therapist with experience helping those with sports injuries. Contact Geri today to schedule your sports massage session and take your athletic performance to the next level.
