Sports Massage Guidelines

Sports Massage Pre-event Guidelines

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.

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.

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.

• Use brisk invigorating variations of sport massage strokes to specific muscles, as per the sport.
• Create long lasting hyperaemia.
• Use gymnastics, stretching, PNF if athlete has used them before.
• Begin lightly and increase the pressure and speed, gradually.
• Energize or calm down, as needed.
• Do not comment on tightness at this point as it may have a negative and depressing effect on the athlete.
• If an athlete is unprepared, or injured, or tight to the point of causing an injury, bring this up with caution.
• 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.
• 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.
• In strength related sports, concentrate on the specific muscles used.
• Do not treat stress points/trigger points.
• 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.

Sports Massage Post-event Guidelines

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 cool down the body and return it to homeostasis.

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.

Ask the athlete these questions to access the condition of the person:

• How much water have you had since the event?
• How did you do in the event?
• Are you hurt or feeling tension anywhere?
• What do you want worked on?
• Do you feel hot/cold?
• Is there another event after this?

Treatment Suggestions

• Use light draining strokes moving toward the heart and concentrate on moving fluid out of there.
• Use jostling or vibration.
• Use general compression.
• Start lightly and apply more pressure, gradually.
• Use gymnastics to access the joint range of motion.
• Do not do active resistive exercises on tired muscles.
• Use gentle compressions and light circular friction to aid in circulation and reduce spasming.
• Use effleurage and petrissage for lymph drainage. You may not be able to use oil, or lotion so keep that in mind.

Things to Watch for During Post-event Treatments:

1. Hyperthermia

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.

Signs/Symptoms: Headache, nausea, hair erection on upper arms and chest, chills, unsteadiness, fatigue, cool and pale skin, sweating, dizziness, thirst.

Treatment: Refer to medical aid unit. Till then the athlete should be placed in a cool environment and allowed to "sip" water.

2. Heat Stroke

Failure of the thermo-regulatory systems. Situation calls for extreme emergency.

Signs/Symptoms: Incoherent speech, acute confusion, aggressiveness, rapid unconsciousness, absence of sweating (occasionally sweating), weakness, irrational behaviour.

Treatment: 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.

3. Thermal Stress Conditions

Hypothermia

The rate of heat production is exceeded by heat loss.

• Unable to maintain adequate core temperature.
• Can be worse on cool, wet windy days.

Signs/Symptoms

• Shivering, euphoria, appearance of intoxication.
• Shivering may stop as core temperature drops even more.
• Lethargy, muscle weakness followed by disorientation, hallucination, combative behaviour, unconsciousness.

Treatment

• Refer to Medical aid unit. In the meantime.
• Restore body warmth with protective covering and surface friction.
• Remove wet clothing and move to warm environment.

4. Cramps:

Complete muscle spasm without complete contraction of the fibres, accompanied by intense pain.

Causes: Fatigue, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance (calcium, potassium, magnesium), muscle strain, injury.

Treatment

• Bring origin and insertion of muscle closer together.
• Avoid further spasm.
• Direct pressure may also help.
• Ice massage should be given and fluids and electrolytes must be replaced.