Post-Event Sports Massage:

This is not intended to replace sports massage but is rather used to enable a rapid and safe cooling down from the exertion of sport. It may help to reduce or prevent swelling and help stretch and relax tense muscle fibres. Futhermore research has proved that post-event massage is three to four times more effective than a rest as a way of recovering from muscle fatigue. This is because it stimulates the lymph and blood circulation which helps to remove any lactic acid build-up, thereby reducing muscle fatigue and stiffness. In turn this helps prevent future injury by enabling the muscles to rest properly and heal faster. It can therefore help an athlete to recover from an event and resume their training schedule much faster.

Which techniques are used?

Techniques used during this massage include relaxing and cleansing strokes, helping the body to remove toxins. Superficial and deep effleurage help to push the waste and lactic acid build-up out of the muscles and into the blood and lymph circulation to be removed. Petrissage also helps remove waste as well as focussing on stiff or sore areas, reducing fatigue and soreness and making stiff muscles more supple. Light pressure is used to prevent further damage to areas overworked or traumatised by exertion and strokes are soothing and rhythmic both to maintain stimulation to the blood and lymphatic circulation as the athlete cools down as well as to prevent fluid collecting in vessels.

When to use post-event sports massage:

Treatment should take place as soon as possible after the event, preferably in the first two hours. Most sports, particularly contact sports, will cause some microtrauma to the body, even if only to the skin and superficial tissues. Post-event massage helps to start the healing process required to prevent these microtraumas from becoming problematic. It cleanses the body, ridding it of the waste built up in the muscles during the event and facilitates relaxation and efficient recovery.