Self-Reflection: Sports Massage
Introduction
Sports massage is an important aspect in enhancing the performance and recovery of sportspeople. There are various techniques of sports massage that can be applied to help sports people relax their body muscles and bolster their performance. This write-up is a self-reflection of the ways in which sports massage has affected me positively as far as my own massage techniques are concerned.
Impacts of Sports Massage
Since I enrolled in sports massage classes, I have learnt a lot about the techniques as well as the importance of performing rubdowns. This has enhanced my previous knowledge on the various situations where sports massage can be applied. For example, I have come to appreciate the fact that the rubdowns can be applied in almost all sports, including football, athletics, rugby, racket games, dancing, aerobics, strength and endurance training as well as swimming. Any one participating in any sport that entails stretching beyond one’s physical limits can benefit from sports massage. This is because the aforesaid activities are accompanied by natural, minor injuries and wear-and-tear. Sports massage is thus essential in ensuring proper conditioning for anyone engaging in these sports and exercise activities.
I have also learnt an array of sports massage applications that I did not know before undertaking the lessons. For example, when I started the sports massage classes, I only knew about the Swedish technique which targets specific muscle groups. In the process of learning sports massage, I have understood an array of other techniques, effectively enhancing my own knowledge. For example, I can now apply various massage techniques, including tender point massage, which targets tender points in the muscle and connective tissue; the lymphatic muscle massage, which enhances the body’s removal of effusion and edemas by stimulating certain lymphatic drainage pathways; cross-fiber massage which is generally applied on major muscle groups to cause a stretching and broadening effect; and compression massage which involves recurring compressions into the muscles to cause a softening effect on tissues. The implication is that I can now apply various sports massage techniques depending on the particular needs for a client. This is because the various techniques are useful in equally different situations to achieve varying effects.
My sports massage techniques have also been enhanced as I have learnt that the rubdowns may be applied before, during and after a game or an exercise. Pre-event massage helps increase performance and averts injuries. Intra/inter events, on the other hand, is done during breaks or when participants change from one event to another. This helps to keep the athletes conditioned for the sport or exercise. Lastly, post-event massage is intended to aid recovery following a sport or strenuous exercises.
More importantly, I have learnt that sports massage may be performed alongside medical care with a view to enhancing the health of the clients. This is so especially where one has sustained injuries or extreme stretches. This has improved my knowledge of sports massage, making me able to appropriately combine suitable massage techniques with the necessary medical care with the respect to the client’s condition. Moreover, I now know that sports massage can be applied on people suffering from muscle spasms, bruises and aches. This will enhance their healing process.
All in all, sports massage applications have greatly enhanced my own techniques, equipping me with more massage skills. I can now apply an array of massage techniques to enhance recovery and mental relaxation of my clients.
