Sports Massage can be categorized into either pre-activity or post-activity. Both techniques are considered sub-categories of therapeutic massage. Pre-activity sports massage can be used to invigorate the muscles and ‘kick-start’ blood flow to improve performance. It uses dynamic stretching to allow the connective tissue to work through a full range of motion, thereby also reducing possible injury. Post-activity sports massage can be used to assist with the flushing out of metabolites and toxins that accumulate in the muscles as a result of participating in a sport. Post-activity massage can speed up muscle tissue recovery time and reduce muscle soreness after sporting activity.
Tawa Physical Therapy is pleased to offer sports massage as part of our sports physiotherapy and massage therapy treatments at our South Edmonton location.
Sports Massage FAQ
With professional massage therapy you can experience many benefits including:
Reduce stress and anxiety, improve your feeling of general wellbeing
Accelerate healing from many common injuries
Reduce pain
Increase range of motion
Relax and loosen muscle tissues, resolve trigger points/knots
Release toxins from muscles
Get blood and oxygen circulating properly
Improve lymphatic flow and reduce swelling
Reduce the effects of arthritis
Your treatments are specifically tailored to meet your needs.
Usually, if you have a dental plan or if you are coming for treatments of injuries sustained in a car crash you’ll most likely also have coverage for massage therapy for most or all of the treatment cost. We are linked for direct billing with many extended health care providers...and the list is growing daily!
You do not need to be referred by a physician in order to make an appointment for therapeutic massage.
Some people require only a few sessions to treat a specific problem, while others become regular users of massage therapy as both proactive and preventative healthcare. Your massage therapist can discuss with you a specific treatment plan including frequency and duration of treatments.
Massage therapy treatments are effective and appropriate for people of all ages.
The therapist will ask you what you want to get out of the session. You will also be asked to describe any chronic problems that you are experiencing. This will determine the appropriate regions of your body that need attention. A typical full-body massage involves your back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, feet, and hands.
Most people report feel very relaxed, and often experience significant relief from aches, pains and stress after a massage session. However some people, especially those who require deep-tissue massage, experience mild muscle soreness which may last a day or two. It is important to give your therapist feedback during the massage with regards to the amount of pressure for the proper effect and to minimize potential soreness following the massage. Often even when muscle pain is present 1-2 days after the treatment, following this you may experience a more dramatic pain reduction and increase in your mobility level.
It is not uncommon for first-time clients to be apprehensive with the personal nature of massage therapy. Most clients lose this apprehension within the first few minutes of treatment. Realize that our Massage therapists are trained professionals who will do their utmost to make you feel comfortable and relaxed.
Remove only the articles of clothing that you are comfortable with removing. Traditional full-body massage treatments work best administered directly, without the barrier of clothing on the areas massaged. During a session you will be fully covered with a table sheet/blanket, only the area of your body that is being worked on is uncovered. Before and after the session, you will undress and dress in complete privacy.