Most people are aware that massage can be an enjoyable experience and  make you feel relaxed and happy.  That's because massage manipulates the muscles and puts them into a state of relaxation.  It also stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain which give us a sense of euphoria and can actually act as a natural painkiller.
 
Deep tissue massage uses a variety of techniques to alleviate tension in the muscles which can be caused by a range of factors where the muscles are being put through their paces.  For people involved in sporting or fitness activities, this can simply be the regular work-out of their muscles as they strive to achieve their goals.  For others it may be the strain placed on particular areas due to poor posture, stress (often in the shoulders) and repeated physical activities which involve the focused effort on one particular part of the body.

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When targeting areas of tension, deep tissue massage can be uncomfortable and can even create 'good pain'.  However, every massage is tailored to the client's needs and wishes so will only involve as much pressure as you would like.

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Effects of sports massage :

 

• ​Increased blood and lymph flow at the tissues being massaged - blood supplies oxygen and other nutrients to muscles so better flow means healthier muscles.  Lymph removes waste products from the body by filtering microbes, organic waste, toxins and other debris as well as fighting infection. 

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• Increased muscle and connective tissue compliance – more elasticity in tissues and decreased stiffness as a result of the increased heat and stretching/manipulation.

 

• Breakdown of scar tissue, adhesions (knots) and fibrous tissue – scar tissue is made of collagen fibres which are fibrous connective tissues that repair damaged fibres within the muscles.  Scar tissue has reduced elasticity. Massage stimulates healing so that this is replaced with healthy muscle tissue.

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• Realignment with underlying structures -  sports massage gets to the deeper muscles and helps to realign the layers of muscles so that they perform better.

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• Decreased swelling - which means faster recovery due to better lymph flow.

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• Increased tissue permeability – this means that the membranes of the tissues become more open to allowing nutrition and oxygen as well as waste products such as lactic acid to pass through them more easily.

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• Pain relief – massage relaxes muscle tissue which reduces painful contractions and spasms.  It can also reduce nerve compression which may be causing pain. Finally it releases endorphins which act as a natural pain killer.

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