Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Orange CA Sports Massage

I'm not a professional athlete, nor do I have any sport-related injuries. Do I need a sports massage? You might be surprised, I've tried it, maybe you should too. Do you have a specific injury? A massage may be for you. The area of pain will be the focus, rather than the body in general. For men, it may be easier for them to go for a sports massage, as they may feel it a more masculine term than merely a massage. It can treat a frozen shoulder, pulled hamstring, tender knee. 




Having a sports massage allows the athlete to prepare for the next game. These days it is normal to have one as an athlete. The art of massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue. This is to enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being. It became popular in the US in the 1800's and grew in popularity until the 1930's and 40's. When modern medicine came to the forefront, the art of massage therapy became discounted as lesser than. Suddenly, it became popular again in the 1960's when nurses began to use it to relieve pain in patients. Unusually, in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta it was deemed a core medical service. This gave a new range of remedies to these athletes. This gave more credence to it.


Think this is something new? No, in fact it dates way back in many cultures. It has been documented by the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians. They all used massage therapists for a wide variety of illnesses, aches and pains. Hippocrates even wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems.




Massage therapists, the world over, are helping people, not only every-day people, but athletes too! A sports massage can be done before a game or after a game. It can be done during training to help the athlete perform better, train longer and have fewer injuries. They can also be done to repair injuries that may have occurred during an athletic event.


People are learning the benefits of massage, and there are more and more jobs available in this field. With any massage, special equipment is used when receiving a sports massage. These therapists are self-employed and will have his/her own equipment.




As an independent massage therapist, he/she will have her/his own equipment consisting of a table with a horseshoe shaped head support for ease of breathing while lying face-down. It has a padded surface which is easy to keep clean and remain hygienic. Mats and pillows are also used for additional support.


Next time you feel the ache or pain of either everyday life or any sports injury, consider massage. You don't have to be an athlete to go for a sports massage, and if you are, consider one before training next time. See what it can do for you.


Head to your local spa. See what they offer. You'll probably be surprised at the variety. Take the 30 - 60 minutes to have a sports massage. I did and I'm glad.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Sports Massage: Alleviate Hurts More Effectively

I am a mother. My injuries relate to carrying children, doing laundry, cooking, cleaning etc. I don't do any particular sport, however, I have gone for one a sports massage. Do you have a specific area of pain? If so, it may be for you. Men often are reluctant to go for a massage, however, it may be easier for them to go for a sports massage. It's not merely a day at the spa - now it's a masculine affair, even a necessity. Sports massage can treat a range of injuries, from a frozen shoulder, tender knee, or a pulled hamstring.

When receiving a massage, the superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue are manipulated to enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being. It can also go deeper with deep tissue massage. The art of massage became popular in the US in the 1800's. It had a surge of popularity until the 1930's and 40's. When modern medicine came to the forefront, the art of massage therapy became discounted as lesser than . Suddenly, it became popular again in the 1960's and 1970's when nurses began to use it to relieve pain in patients. It again gained credibility when, in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta it was deemed a core medical service. An athlete can prepare for his/her next game by receiving a sports massage. It is standard procedure for many athletes.



This is not a new medical breakthrough. Massage therapists have practiced this art throughout the world. Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and even Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Sports massage and others are done to enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being. Massage therapists, the world over, are helping people, not only every-day people, but athletes too! A sports massage can be done before a game or after a game. It can be done during training to help the athlete perform better, train longer and have fewer injuries. They can also be done to repair injuries that may have occurred during an athletic event.

With any massage, special equipment is used for sports massage. As these therapists are self-employed, he/she will have her/his own equipment consisting of a table with a horseshoe shaped head support for ease of breathing while lying face-down. It has a padded surface which is easy to keep clean and remain hygienic. Mats and pillows are also used for additional support. With the increased interest in massage therapy, this job field is growing. You may want to seek a specialist to find what suits you.

So, what is your sport? What is your injury? For me, it's my back! I can't bend over, stand up, move! And I'm not even an athlete, just a mother. However, I carry laundry upstairs, children back to their beds, school books back and forth. In the United States and the world over, you don't need to be a professional athlete to have a sports massage. You can just run over to your local spa and take some time out for yourself. Whether it be for 30, 45, 60 minutes, a massage of any type will refresh your mind, body and soul but a sports massage may be the one for you.