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Most of these injuries are soft tissue   (muscles & tendon) problems. 

A Sports Massage Therapist needs to know in detail all the muscles, where the muscle/tendons attach, how they work  and what problems may result from specific activities.  They can identify the cause of pain and not just it's location.  For example, low back pain is often a result of tight or injured muscles of the hip & thigh.  They know a variety of techniques and specific stretches to help.  

Types of Sports Massage -- Training & Rehabilitation are used most by athletes.

Training Massage Regular massages during  training helps an athlete avoid injury, stay flexible with full movement, recover quicker after workouts, and feel less fatigue. During more strenuous training, it may help to see your therapists once or twice a week.. Talk with your massage therapist  to establish a schedule for your needs. 

Pre-Event Massage  A short (10-15 minute) massage can enhance performance so the athlete stays relaxed and on his/her game plan.  Many formal athletic events, including running races, triathlons, and tennis arrange for therapists before and after events.   Talk to your  therapist about your needs.

Post-Event Massage Since atheletes push harder during an event, post-event massage speeds recovery.  During a marathon athletes run  farther during the event than during their training.  (See Camie Larson's case -above right),    A sports massage therapist can relax muscles, improve circulation, and restore  lexibility. The results:  a quicker recovery and return to training without the normal stiffness and soreness.  Post-event massage can look out for potential injuries, and more serious medical conditions (heat exhaustion or hypothermia) may be identified early and treated promptly.

Rehabilitation Muscle Strains, bruises from contact sports, and chronic soreness need special attention. Whether encountered during training or during an event, massage is a key component in assisting an athlete to return to their sport sooner. Massage therapists can work closely with doctors and athletic trainers to establish a schedule for therapy. Specific manual techniques reduce scar tissue and muscle spasm, and the enhanced circulation achieved from massage is crucial to healing.

Cathy Ulrich © 2007 Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals

   "It was my first marathon and I'd been fighting a 20 mile-an-hour headwind for most of the race. When I finished, my upper back and hamstrings were so tight I couldn't stretch them myself," says Colorado athlete Camie Larson. "My husband, Jamie, found me and led me to the massage line. When I got to the massage therapist, she quickly assessed my condition. She worked on my hamstrings, softening and gently stretching them until they were loose enough so I could stretch them myself the rest of the day. She also worked on my back and shoulders, which were tight from battling the headwind. I'm convinced I would have been in big trouble had I not gotten the massage." 

 Quotes from serious athetes

Dara Torres  "Torres books a massage three times a week. www.nytimes.com/2008/06/29/ magazine/29torres-t.html   "Torres obsessively follows a regimented recovery schedule of eating, drinking, stretching and massage. usatoday.com/sports/olympics/beijing/2008-07-24-older-athletes_N.htm  

Michael Phelps "I have been getting two massages a day and ice baths," Phelps said.http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080812/lf_afp/oly2008swimusaphelpsfuel  Lolo

Lolo Jones "A businessman needs a laptop. Athletes need massages and the right diet" www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080812/NEWS/808120374  

Kerri Walsh"Drink lots of water, use ice/heat treatments, and body work. I am a big believer in massage to help get circulation to injured areas." http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/athletes/qt/KerriWalshQA.htm  Misty

Misty May-Treanor "I get body work done (massage/stretching) by either the physiotherapists that travel with us or I find a facility." http://thedistrictweekly.com/print/features/mistys-moment/