Athletes, no matter their caliber, will likely be injured at some point. Active people, from the workout enthusiast, to the woman who haunts the tennis court each weekend, to the man who plays a professional sport like football, often find themselves in need of massage therapy that is sports related. Overworked muscles and joints can cause pain, stiffness and swelling, and leave a person unable to complete daily tasks. Once the injury is sustained, an unknown amount of downtime will be required.
The only way to determine the extent and severity of a sports injury is to consult a professional, who can assess the damage and recommend the proper treatment course. This is where a massage therapist comes in. This form of massage is a specialty combining massage and bodywork with the field of kinesiology, which is the scientific study of human movement.
Kinesiology, in turn, was established in , by physical therapists Henry and Florence Kendall. It can help in preventing sports injuries as well as to help heal a chronic sports injury. Chronic injuries, which are caused by repetitive motions, such as tennis elbow, can benefit from massage therapy.
Call Us. A massage therapist concentrating on sports injuries uses massage therapy techniques to treat sports injuries. These injuries include muscles sprains, strains, and stress injuries, both traumatic sudden or repetitive. Treatment of these types of injuries is most beneficial if received as soon as possible after the injury takes place. This treatment usually involves application of ice to the affected area, while the muscle is stretched, then relaxing the muscle and removing the ice at specific intervals.
Compression is usually applied, using a bandage or wrap. Manipulation of muscles and joints may also be used, when appropriate. A professional sports injury massage therapist will know the proper course of action to take, depending on the type and severity of the injury. Elements of chiropractic care are also present in the execution of treatment. These techniques can be used to treat sprains, strains, and stress injuries. It is important that, before treatment begins, a physician is consulted.
