Sports massage can be helpful for many common sports related injuries such as shin splints, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, hamstring strains, and groin strains. All of these afore mentioned injuries are soft tissue related. If you have an injury that is orthopedic, or involving the bone, consult a physician for the proper treatment prior to getting a sports massage.
The techniques involved with Sports massage can be the same as a traditional massage. The main objective is to mobilize the tissue which can be achieved using any modality of massage. There may be more pressure than traditional Swedish massage to target the affected areas. There may also be more techniques involving repeated deep pressure to the tissues to break down the adhesions or soften scar tissue from a previous injury. There are techniques that are designed to reduce the injury back to a state that the body can heal naturally.

All sports massage falls into one or more of 4 categories. The first is the pre-event massage. Pre-event massage is typically a shorter massage that takes place 15-45 minutes before the event. This massage targets the specific areas of the body that will be involved in the exertion of the event. The second type of sports massage is the post-event massage. This is usually given within an hour or two of finishing the event. The objective of the post-event massage is to normalize the tissues that have been involved, thus lessening the likelihood of tightness and soreness. Restorative Sports massage is the third type or sports massage. This type of massage is given during the training to allow the athlete to train harder with a lesser chance of injury. The fourth type of Sports massage is Rehabilitative sports massage. The objective of this type of massage is to alleviate pain due to injury and return the body to a healthy state.

It is important to speak with your massage therapist in detail when seeking them out for a sports massage. They should know the mechanics of the sport you are involved in as well as get a detailed history form you to ensure safety.

During the pre-massage consultation, the therapist will ask questions regarding problem areas of the body. The masseuse will then do light massage in certain areas to find which pressure points are stiff or tender. These are the points that will then be concentrated on during the Shiatsu massage itself. Shiatsu will involve deep breathing, rotating and stretching your joints, as well as manipulating pressure points. The pressure is much more localized than other forms of massage. Shiatsu massages can be great for the skin. The acupressure helps to stimulate circulation in the capillaries of the tissue. It also can stimulate the secretion of sebaceous glands which helps keep skin moist and smooth. Rheumatoid Arthritis is greatly benefitted by Shiatsu massage. Applying pressure to the hands and feet are the most effective areas for arthritis relief. Migraine headaches are caused by rapid widening and narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain or head causing pain. Shiatsu massage can help by relaxing the body and increasing the blood flow and circulation throughout the entire body. Shiatsu also has the ability to induce labor in women who are past their due date. It is not however recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy due to the acupressure\’s ability to stimulate uterine contractions. Shiatsu massage can also assist in digestive ailments by increasing circulation. It can also aid in the elimination of waste products. The technique of Shiatsu is essentially manipulating your body back into a natural and healthy state utilizing energy pathways.

Using the acupressure can break up the stagnant energy meridians allowing fresh energy to circulate through the body and carry away the toxins. Shiatsu Massage involves viewing the entire body as a whole. The pre-massage consultation is a key part in determining what areas need to be worked on in order to unlock the flow of energy that lives within the body.

A masseuse trained in prenatal massage can manipulate the affected muscles to increase comfort, and the release of endorphins associated with massage can ease some of the emotional effects of the pregnancy. Swedish massage is the recommended prenatal massage method during pregnancy because it addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy.

There are various other symptoms of pregnancy that can also be alleviated by massage. Edema is the swelling of the joints during pregnancy. This edema is usually caused by reduced circulation due the increased pressure from the expanding uterus on the major blood vessels. Massage can stimulate the soft tissues to help reduce the collection of fluid in the joints as well as induce more circulation in the area to assist in removal of waste products through the lymph system. The late stages of pregnancy can induce sciatic pain due to the uterus resting on the pelvic floor and lower back. This pressure tends to lead to discomfort in the upper and lower legs causing swelling which puts pressure on the nerves. Massage can help reduce this nerve pressure by releasing tension in surrounding muscles.
With any type of therapy or treatment during pregnancy, always consult your physician to make sure that your pregnancy is progressing properly. Massage is generally not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy. Due to the increased risk of miscarriage and the pressure points on the feet and ankles that can stimulate uterine contractions, it is recommended to wait until the second trimester to begin receiving massage. Body positioning is a big factor in prenatal massage. Most massage therapist consider side-lying massage to be the best option. There are tables that have holes in the center to allow the pregnant woman to lay prone on the table. These types of tables can still apply pressure to the pregnant belly and also can stretch the uterine ligaments due to the hanging of the stomach through the table. Contact the massage therapist to see what position they utilize during the prenatal massage so that you can make a decision based on your preferences. The benefits of massage can greatly benefit the pregnant woman. As always, consult your physician before adding massage as a therapeutic addition to your prenatal care.

The therapeutic benefits of a hot stone massage have been around for centuries. Ancient cultures and Native Americans used this technique to improve overall mental, spiritual, and physical wellness. Native Americans used hot stones to detoxify and to find harmony and balance. In some European cultures, hot stones or bricks were wrapped in cloth and placed over a person\’s injury for relief. In China, hot stone therapy was used as early as 1500 BC as a method for relieving muscle aches and tension.

The stones are typically basalt, which is a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well. The stones will be sanitized and heated in 120-150 degree water prior to the massage. The hardness of the stones allows the masseuse to address specific areas of the body with more detailed work and deeper pressure. Typically, the stones will be laid upon both sides of the spine, or along the chakra centers. Chakra centers are energy centers that represent the flow of energy throughout our bodies. The chakra is not a physical center, but rather more like the aura of the body. The stones are held in the palm of the masseuse\’s hand and massaged into the muscles with oil, delivering concentrated areas of heat to the desired areas. The stones are used to deliver effective tissue and muscle massage at a level that is comfortable to the client.

Hot Stone massage can alleviate stress, release toxins, relieve pain, improve circulation, and calm the psyche. The warmth of the stones is found to be comforting and relaxing to most clients. People who tend to run cold and have cold hands and feet typically respond well to hot stone massages.

As with any type of massage, the client can request light, medium, or deep pressure. The heat from the stones will relax the muscles, increasing the blood flow to the area being worked on further accelerating the healing process. The increase in circulation and the relaxation of the muscles, can lead to mental relaxation. The stones may be left in specific points upon the body or even between your toes to promote energy flow in the body.

Deep tissue massage uses similar movements and techniques to Swedish massage, however, the pressure used is much more intense and focused. The deep pressure can physically break down these areas of rigid tissue restoring the blood flow, thus relieving pain and increasing range of motion. The techniques of deep tissue massage involve slow, strong movements that reach deep within the muscles. The pressure can be uncomfortable; therefore, deep tissue massage is not for everyone. The masseuse often uses their finger as well as elbows to reach deep into the tissues. The massage itself can be quite painful, especially when adhesions are worked on directly. There can be lingering soreness after a deep tissue massage similar to the feeling of completing a challenging workout.
Deep tissue can be especially beneficial for those suffering from the following conditions; chronic pain, limited mobility and range of motion, injury recovery, carpal tunnel syndrome, postural problems, osteoarthritis pain, fibromyalgia, and muscle tension and spasms. Like all massage, deep tissue massage will give the most long term benefits if performed on an ongoing, maintenance basis. It is important to make sure that your massage therapist has an extensive knowledge of the human muscular anatomy that they can effectively target your problem areas.

Before the massage, the masseuse should sit down with you to discuss any areas of concern that you have in relation to your body. They will also go over any injuries that you have had in the past to pinpoint other possible areas of concern. Deep tissue massage can be extremely beneficial to many who have chronic pain. Having a masseuse work out the adhesions in your muscles, tendons, and ligaments can alleviate years of pain if done by the right therapist and on an ongoing basis to keep these knots from re-forming.

The word aromatherapy is derived from two words aroma which means smell and therapy which stands for healing. There are two different mechanisms involved in the effects of aromatherapy on a person\’s mood or health. The first is the effect of the aroma on the brain, more specifically the limbic system through the olfactory system. The nostrils are attached to the part of the brain that is the limbic system. The limbic system controls emotions and influences the nervous system and hormones. Upon inhalation of the essential oil molecules, messages are sent to the limbic system that can affect the heart rate, stress level, blood pressure, respiratory rate, memory, digestion, and the immune system.Essential oils are highly concentrated and should not be used directly. The oils are selected by the massage therapist based on the client\’s individual needs and are blended with a carrier oil – such as jojoba or grape seed oil before being applied to the skin. It is also believed that the essential oils can be absorbed directly through the skin producing a variety of results depending on the plant used. A calming effect can be produced by using chamomile, lavender, and geranium. An uplifting effect can be produced by using ylang ylang, clary, sage, rose, and neroli. For an energizing effect, rosemary is a good essential oil to use in the massage. Rosemary is also good for cleansing. During cold and flu season, decongestant effects may be desired and can be produced by using eucalyptus, pine, and tea tree oils. Access to these essential oils is becoming more available; therefore, your masseuse may suggest a blend of oils to use at home in between your massages.

Aromatherapy should not be confused with fragrances or perfume oils. Fragrances are often made from chemicals, and lack the therapeutic properties of essential oils. All aromatherapy massages should involve a consultation prior to the massage so that the masseuse can ask a series of health related questions which will give them a good idea of the whole body; the mind, body, and spirit. Based on the information collected, the appropriate essential oils will be selected for use during the Aromatherapy massage.

One centre very much worthwhile considering is the Relaxation Centre in the classy area of Clifton, Bristol, almost hidden away on 9 All Saints Road (BS8 2JG). The beauty of this venue is that it is well run, offers a number of relaxation workshops and classes, an excellent spa and sauna area and a number of treatments including:

• Hot Stone massage
• Aromatherapy
• Indian Head Massage
• Colour-Light Therapy

The list of workshops they hold is also normally quite interesting and upcoming ones include ‘Hands Free Massage’, ‘Massage & Pregnancy ‘ and Tai Chi & Chi Kung’. You can visit the centre’s site online via http://www.relaxationcentre.co.uk