Sports massage plays a vital role in the lives of those who participate in sport whether they are injured or not. Massage has physiological and psychological benefits. This type of therapy is used before, during and after an athletic event. Massage promotes peak performance and relieves fatigue and swelling of the muscles which promotes flexibility and prevents injuries. The sole purpose of sports massage is to alleviate major stress and tension which accumulates in the bodies soft tissues during any physical activity which in turn causes minor lesions and injuries due to overuse of the muscles. By apply massage one can break down the excess stress and tension quickly and effectively and prevent unnecessary injury. Sports massage maintains the overall body condition and prevents injuries as well as loss of mobility.

Massage will heal and restore mobility to damaged muscle tissue as well as extend the overall life of a sportsmen’s career and boost performance. The physical effects of massage draw fluids through the blood vessels as well as the lymphatic system which in turn alleviates tight and damaged muscles. Massage increases the permeability which enables vital nutrients and fluids to pass through the muscle tissue and at the same time removes excess lactic acid which in turn helps the muscles absorb oxygen and nutrients which aids in quick recovery. Massage is the only effective method used to stretch the muscle tissue. Muscle fiber bundles are stretched lengthwise and sideways and the fascia tha surrounds the muscles is also stretched which releases any pressure or tension build up. Injuries can affect the tendons, ligaments and muscles which will lead to inflexible muscle tissue resulting in pain.

Most athletes train constantly which inevitably causes the muscles tissue to harden and by massaging and stretching the tissue it will help reverse the hardening. Massage increases blood flow as well as opens and dilates the blood vessels and when stretched releases vital nutrients into the tissues. A build up of lactic acid and tension causes severe pain and sports massage helps reduce pain as endorphins are released into the body during therapy. Massage generates heat which relaxes the muscles and at the same time reduces anxiety levels. Every athlete should include sports massage in their training program pre event and post event to allow for greater performance and endurance and to lessen the chances of injury as well as reduce recovery time.