What is sports massage?
The more people you ask, “what is sports massage?” the more different answers you’ll receive. I like the definition provided by Michael McGillicuddy, LMT, NCTMB.
“Sports massage is the specific application of massage techniques, hydrotherapy protocols, range of motion/flexibility protocol and strength-training principles utilized to achieve a specific goal when treating an athlete. “
Michael explains that the “when, what and why of sports are Timing, Technique and Intent.
Timing refers to when the massage is given: pre-event or post-event; during recovery; during a maintenance period; or when an athlete suffers an injury that requires rehabilitation.
Technique refers to what application you utilize and can include several different techniques: effleurage; friction; petrissage; vibration; shaking; compression; broadening strokes; direct pressure; cross-fiber friction; range of motion; and stretching.
Intent refers to your reason(s) for treatment: as warm-up; to increase blood flow; stimulate neurological pathways; aid recovery from exertion; increase flexibility; improve strength; or improve posture.
Experience matters. When looking for a sport massage, medical massage or therapeutic massage therapist one should always ask questions. How long has he or she been practicing? Does the therapist specialize in sports massage? Has he or she taken higher level classes from pioneers in the massage industry like Benny Vaughn in Fort Worth or Aaron Mattes in the Sarasota, Fl area?
Taking classes from the masters in our field is important because no one person knows it all. Not therapies work on all individuals. Having as many tools in your chest will only enable you to have more successful outcomes.
10 years into my massage career, I am a far better therapist than I was back in 2008. Mastering the application of sports massage takes years of education and experience.
I hope this brief explanation of sports massage therapy will help you to make an informed choice when you are ready to schedule an appointment. Sports and Medical massage is all we do.
If you are asking what the difference between sports massage and medical massage is; well it goes back to the intent of the massage and quite frankly semantics. Some say it’s not medical massage if the client does not have a prescription. I say not so fast there. My treatment for sciatic pain won’t change because the client didn’t bring a prescription. Here at Houston Medical Massage you will get the massage that is appropriate for your situation.