Sports Massage Pre-event Guidelines<\/b><\/p>\n
Sports Massage is basically applying the principles of bodywork and massage to athletes. What makes it different is that athletes have very special needs. Knowing the person and the sport is what will make the treatment of greater value.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
This is a short, specific treatment given immediately before (30 minutes to 24 hours before) an event. The goal of treatment is to increase the circulation, flexibility and mental clarity of the athlete to improve performance. It does not replace the athletes’ warm up but complements it. It is important to know the athlete’s sport, or activity and what muscles are used the most. It is also necessary to assess the athlete’s condition and needs prior to treatment. Factors such as temperature, nervousness, fatigue, and hyperactivity are considered before giving a treatment. If the person is cold, a warming up session needs to be performed. If they are already warmed up, then focus on flexibility. If they are nervous, some soothing strokes may be called for.<\/p>\n
The amount and depth of treatment is the most important key to effective treatment. Deep tissue work is contraindicated as it may cause too much of an increase in flexibility and it may interfere with the athlete’s timing and strength. Keep the goal in mind at all times.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Use brisk invigorating variations of sport massage strokes to specific muscles, as per the sport.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Create long lasting hyperaemia.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Use gymnastics, stretching. PNF if athlete has used them before.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Begin lightly and increase the pressure and speed, gradually.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Energize or calm down, as needed.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Do not comment on tightness at this point as it may have a negative and depressing effect on the athlete.<\/p>\n
\u2022 If an athlete is unprepared, or injured, or tight to the point of causing an injury, bring this up with caution.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Consider the time remaining before and event. If it is 30 minutes, give a really short (5-10 minute) treatment. If it is the day before, a little longer treatment is okay.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Be aware of how much pre-event massage the athlete has had during the earlier events. This will determine how his body will react to the treatment. In endurance sports, concentrate on overall energy and flexibility.<\/p>\n
\u2022 In strength related sports, concentrate on the specific muscles used.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Do not treat stress points\/trigger points.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Use the pre-event sports massage, only 24 hours before competition and. only if the athlete is used to having such a treatment before an event.<\/p>\n
Sports Massage Post-event Guidelines<\/b><\/p>\n
Post Event treatments are done immediately after an event, usually within 1-2 hours. The goal of the session is to flush the tissue of the lactic acid and other by-products of metabolism. The intent is to coo! down the body and return it to homeostasis.<\/p>\n
Muscle tension, cramping, and inflammation are also addressed. Remember, anyone competing in an event usually gives it their all. in terms of effort and are left extremely fatigued. Massage can reduce the recovery time of such an effort.<\/p>\n
Ask the athlete these questions to access the condition of the person:<\/b><\/p>\n
\u2022 How much water have you had since the event?
\n\u2022 How did you do in the event?
\n\u2022 Are you hurt or feeling tension anywhere?
\n\u2022 What do you want worked on?
\n\u2022 Do you feel hot\/cold?
\n\u2022 Is there another event after this?<\/p>\n
Treatment Suggestions<\/b><\/p>\n
\u2022 Use light draining strokes moving toward the heart and concentrate on moving fluid out of there.
\n\u2022 Use jostling or vibration.
\n\u2022 Use general compression.
\n\u2022 Start lightly and apply more pressure, gradually.
\n\u2022 Use gymnastics to access the joint range of motion.
\n\u2022 Do not do active resistive exercises on tired muscles.
\n\u2022 Use gentle compressions and light circular friction to aid in circulation and reduce spasming.
\n\u2022 Use effleurage and petrissage for lymph drainage. You may not be able to use oil, or lotion so keep that in mind.<\/p>\n
Things to Watch for During Post-event Treatments:<\/b><\/p>\n
1.<\/b> Hyperthermia :<\/b><\/p>\n
Definition :<\/b> Hyperthermia occurs when the rate of heat production exceeds that of heat loss for a sufficient period of time, resulting from inadequate fluid replacement or from failure of the thermo-regulatory systems of the body heat exhaustion.<\/p>\n
Signs\/Symptoms :<\/b> Headache, nausea, hair erection on upper arms and chest, chills, unsteadiness, fatigue, cool and pale skin, sweating, dizziness, thirst.<\/p>\n
Treatment :<\/b> Refer to medical aid unit. Till then the athlete should be placed in a cool environment and allowed to “sip” water.<\/p>\n
2.<\/b> Heat Stroke :<\/b> Failure of the thermo-regulatory systems. Situation calls for extreme emergency.<\/p>\n
Signs\/Symptoms :<\/b> Incoherent speech, acute confusion, aggressiveness, rapid unconsciousness, absence of sweating (occasionally sweating), weakness, irrational behaviour.<\/p>\n
Treatment :<\/b> Refer to Medical Unit. Till then decrease the body temperature immediately with cold compresses to the head and neck, alcohol rubs, place in cool environment.<\/p>\n
3.<\/b> Thermal Stress Conditions :<\/b><\/p>\n
Hypothermia<\/b><\/p>\n
The rate of heat production is exceeded by heat loss.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Unable to maintain adequate core temperature.
\n\u2022 Can be worse on cool, wet windy days. Signs\/Symptoms
\n\u2022 Shivering, euphoria, appearance of intoxication.
\n\u2022 Shivering may stop as core temperature drops even more.
\n\u2022 Lethargy, muscle weakness followed by disorientation, hallucination, combative behaviour, unconsciousness.<\/p>\n
Treatment:<\/b> Refer to Medical aid unit. In the meantime;<\/p>\n
\u2022 Restore body warmth with protective covering and surface friction.
\n\u2022 Remove wet clothing and move to warm environment.<\/p>\n
4. Cramps :<\/b><\/p>\n
Definition :<\/b> complete muscle spasm without complete contraction of the fibres, accompanied by intense pain.<\/p>\n
Causes :<\/b> Fatigue, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance (calcium, potassium, magnesium), muscle strain, injury.<\/p>\n
Treatment<\/b><\/p>\n
\u2022 Bring origin and insertion of muscle closer together.
\n\u2022 Avoid further spasm.
\n\u2022 Direct pressure may also help.
\n\u2022 Ice massage should be given and fluids and electrolytes must be replaced.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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