Injuries caused by sports

If you are a fan of watching sporting events on television or online, you may have notices the commentators referring to a member of the team’s support staff, the massage therapist.  At RMT Ottawa we realize that proper massage therapy is an effective method to recover from sports injuries, to improve performance, and to reduce the chance of re-injury.

For the weekend athlete as well, regular therapeutic massage treatments, either at a facility or in-home procedures can help blood flow to enhance cell oxygenation and nutrition.  Through the use of applied strokes and manipulation, the recovery rate has been shown to improve from over-exertion or minor injuries.

• Circulation – The act of muscle massage increases the flow of blood into the cells which allows the muscle to absorb more nutrients and oxygen.  The result is that the body is better able to renew its energy and rebuild any losses. 
• Flexibility – An improved range of motion means the physical activity will be handled with more natural power.  Better performance should result in better efficiency. 
• Recovery Time Shortened – Aches and pains are of shorter duration.  The muscle massage increases circulation which will facilitate the disposition of waste products manufactured during the strenuous workout period.  With fewer toxins in the system, normal recovery period is shortened.
• Prevention – Massage will stretch and manipulate muscles and connective tissue.  This elasticity will strengthen the tendons and ligaments.  It is also thought that massage will stimulate nitrogen, phosphorous and sulphur into the system to help with any tissue repair necessary.

Registered massage therapists are trained in the administration of different types of therapies.  Each has its own benefits.

• Trigger Point – This identifies a specific place that is the cause of pain which may occur in other parts of the body.  Trigger point massage applies pressure to identified areas and then releases the pressure.  The patient lets the therapist know when the therapist has found a key area.  The massage therapist applies the pressure together with the client’s controlled breathing to ease the pain or discomfort.
• Swedish – This is probably the best known type of massage.  The idea is to relax the customer’s whole body.  The therapist uses long strokes during the process.  While it is primarily for relaxation, it will also help oxygenate the blood, which will decrease any build up of toxins.  Circulation and flexibility are improved.
• Deep Tissue – This is similar to Swedish massage but the goal is to stimulate the deeper layers of muscles, tendons, and fascia.
• Sports – This was developed specific for athletes.  Certain sports can overuse or stress certain parts of the body.  Sports massage focuses on those specific areas to allow the athlete to participate for more years than expected.

If some of this sounds like it could benefit your daily activities, sports endeavors, or plans for the future, just contact us for an appointment.  We will be happy to arrange for a counselling session where we discuss your current medical and physical condition and set goals for your future wellbeing and exercise.