How to Become a Sports Masseuse
Purpose of Sports Massage
The main purpose of a sports massage is to increase performance and to prevent injuries. During physical activity, stress and tension build up in the body’s soft tissues. Injuries occur due to overexertion or overuse of the muscles, therefore massage is used to break down those muscles in a more effective and timely manner. As mentioned, sports massage can be used not only for the treatment of injured muscles, but as a prevention method as well. By engaging in proper stretching, preparation, and deep tissue massage, you can actually prepare the muscles and body for the upcoming event.
Benefits if Sports Massage
Sports massage has many benefits to an athlete. Some benefits include:
- Reduction of heart rate and blood pressure
- Increase in blood circulation and lymph flow
- Reduces pain and muscle tension
- Reduces muscle spasm
- Increases long range motion
- Promotes flexibility
- Reduce swelling
Types of Sports Massage
A variety of techniques are used during sports massage, all depending on the needs of an athlete. Each type of sport uses muscle groups in a distinctive way, therefore sport massage can be geared towards whatever the specific concern may be for the particular athlete and sport. Sport massage generally involves a blend of Swedish massage and Shiatsu.
The most common types of sports massage are:
Restorative sports massage – This is a massage given during training to enable the athlete to train harder and with less injury.
Pre-event sports massage – This massage takes place about 15-45 minutes before the sports event. It is a short, stimulating massage that is aimed toward the parts of the body that will be involved in the physical exertion.
Post-event sports massage- This massage helps to regulate the body’s tissues, and is given within an hour or two of the event.
Rehabilitative sports massage This massage is to help ease pain due to injury and to return the body back to a healthy state.
How do I become a Sports Massage Therapist?
Becoming a sports massage therapist can be challenging, yet very rewarding. Once you have decided that this career is right for you, you will need to find a school training program that offers sports massage therapy. In sports massage therapy, basic massage training must be followed by further professional training in sports massage. After that, you will then receive training in sports therapy care. The training will include the core subjects that are relevant to sports massage and sports therapy such as:
- Sports Psychology
- Sports Orthopedics
- Sports Trauma
- Anatomy
- Physical medicine
- Physical Rehabilitation
During this time you will receive knowledge and skills that go beyond basic massage. As a sports massage therapist, you are a critical part of restoring an athlete back to his everyday condition, therefore training is crucial.
How Much Does a Sports Masseuse Make - Sports Masseuse Salaries
Taking your massage certification to the next level will not only increase your pay, but it will provide more opportunity in the future as well. If you enjoy healing and sports, this may be the career path for you!