What are the benefits of massage?
Massage has many different benefits available to people:
- It can aid circulation within the body, which in turn increases the speed at which metabolic waste products are eliminated.
- It can improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to all cells within the body, maintaining their ability to function efficiently.
- It can improve colour and tone of skin due to increased blood flow.
- It aids relaxation of muscles, giving an overall feeling of well-being and reduced mental stress to the individual.
- Tension and stress within the body is reduced due to muscle relaxation.
Do I need to have an injury in order to benefit from Sports Massage?
No, you do not need to have an actual injury in order to benefit from having a sports massage. Sports massage can be used to relax muscles before or after a sporting event, in order to improve performance, and prevent muscle stiffness after the event. It can also be used to rid the body of aches and pains resulting from everyday occurrences, such as driving, typing or sitting at a desk for prolonged periods. Everyone can benefit from sports massage.
Is there anything that can prevent me from receiving Sports Massage?
There is a term called "contra-indication", which envelopes a number of conditions. If one or more of these conditions are present, then a massage treatment should not be carried out, or a specific area should be avoided until such time as the contra-indication is removed.
Contra-indications include:
- acute skin disease (such as eczema or psoriasis).
- Open cuts or wounds.
- Recent bruising or haemorrhage.
- Any airborne infectious disease or virus.
- Inflamed areas or hot pain joints.
- Recent sprains or strains.
- Bone fractures.
- Bursitis.
- Thrombosis.
- Varicose veins.
- Undiagnosed lumps or bumps.
- Unstable pregnancy.
Most of these contra-indications are such that the area affected can be avoided during massage, but if unsure, a doctor should be consulted prior to a massage consultation.
People with the following conditions should consult their doctor prior to a massage therapy session:
- Cancer
- Diabetes (Type 1 and 2)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Epilepsy
- Disorders of the nervous system
- HIV and Aids
- Haemophilia
- Pregnancy (especially if unstable)
