Sports Massage - Techniques, Benefits, And Warnings

Sports massage techniques relieve musculo-skeletal stress and help bring back the muscles to a relaxed state. The various massage styles involve a complete conditioning program for sports persons, as they offer immense benefits to athletes. A sports massage includes not just the exercise, but also care for the injuries and corrosion that occurs due to strenuous performance.

The Three Main Types Of Techniques

The predominantly used sports massage techniques are effleurage, petrissage and friction, depending upon the requirement of the athlete. The pressure strokes are mainly directed towards the heart to increase lymphatic flow. Smaller strokes are given to stretch the muscle fibers.

1. Effleurage

Effleurage is the initiation of a sports massage and is carried out with increasing deep pressures using the whole palm. The strokes are directed towards the heart to improve lymphatic drainage and blood circulation. The return strokes are light and follow a different path. Effleurage is also used to finish a massage session, to remove waste and increase oxygen flow to the area. It is done with light strokes to completely relax the client.

Benefits include...

• Improved blood circulation
  
  


• Helps find out any tissue abnormalities
  
  


• Warming up tissues
  
  


• Muscle relaxation
  
  


• Stimulation of nerve endings
  
  

2. Petrissage

The strokes of petrissage include kneading and movements, such as lifting, skin rolling, wringing, knuckling, pressing, and freeing of the muscle tissue. This massage technique is mainly used on deep tissues to improve flow of fluids, break down any type of adhesions or nodules, stretch the muscle fibers, and finally relax the muscles.

The advantages include...

• Quick warm up of the major muscles
  
  


• Pain reduction
  
  


• Helps repair damaged tissue
  
  


• Improves muscle elasticity
  
  


• Preventative massage improves lymphatic drainage and blood circulation
  
  

3. Friction

Friction is mainly therapeutic in nature and is used for deeper movements so as to break down lesions and separate the muscle fibers. The process can be quite uncomfortable, if not painful. It helps reduce hypersensitivity and any type of muscle spasm on the tissue. Friction also helps stretch the tissue that cannot be stretched in normal course.

Benefits of A Sports Massage

This type of massage is normally used before, during, and after a performance. The purpose of such techniques is to prepare the sportsperson for peak performance, to eliminate fatigue and muscle stress, and also prevent injuries. It tones the body gradually for extreme overuse during a performance.

Other benefits include...

• Helps prevent injuries, caused by overuse and wear-and-tear.
  
  


• Helps get in good shape faster and maintains general body health.
  
  


• Ensures faster recovery from intense workouts.
  
  


• Improves muscle power and stamina.
  
  


• Helps release any kind of lactic acid build-up in the overworked muscles.
  
  


• Boosts performance.
  
  


• Helps lessen pain by increased release of the body's natural endorphins.
  
  

Warnings

Athletes suffering from any of the following conditions should definitely consult a physician before undertaking any kind of sports massage technique:

• Infectious skin disease such as herpes
  
  


• Heavy bruising
  
  


• Hemophilia
  
  


• Cancer
  
  


• Hernia
  
  


• Inflammation due to tissue damage
  
  


• Osteoporosis
  
  


• Tumors
  
  


• Varicose veins
  
  


• High blood pressure
  
  


• Traumas such as open wounds, muscle tears, sprained ligaments, burns
  
  

A massage along with any of the contraindications can prove to be more detrimental rather than beneficial. Nevertheless, sports massages, if done correctly, are perhaps the most effective therapy for easing muscle strain and restoring the musculo-skeletal balance.

The Importance of Physical Education

Physical education or health and physical education are the areas of knowledge that will ultimately drive our success engine. We are physical and spiritual beings. Our mind, body, and spirit are all connected and learning how they work together and how to care for them can save us from unnecessary pain and suffering. Knowing how to take care of our body, mind, and spirit will lead us down the path toward happiness, health, and wealth.

The most powerful tool of influence we have is to model good behaviors. We should be sure we are working on our health and fitness at the same time we preach to others about the value health, fitness, and participation in sports. Each of us will have our own issues, goals, and obstacles to living a healthy lifestyle, but we must strive for excellence in this area. When we live it, we will feel the difference. We will find it much easier to dream, act, achieve, and enjoy.

There are a few areas of health and physical education we will focus on at this time. First, I will discuss the area of fitness. Fitness has to do with stamina, strength, and flexibility. Our objective should be fit enough so that a day of physical activity does not lay us up for a week.

To begin a fitness routine you need to visit your doctor and let him or her know what you want to do. They will give you the practical advice based on your over-all health. In doing this fitness routine you should build in stretching, anaerobic exercise, and aerobic exercise. You most definitely do NOT need to buy expensive gym equipment or memberships at clubs to get started. There are a number of good programs you can do right at home. Having someone who will do this with you and hold you accountable would be a great benefit. Any fitness program you actually do and do consistently will help you in all areas of your life. You will have more energy, will perform better on the job, will feel less stress, and will sleep better. You must take action to achieve those benefits. The motivation to follow through and the building of the routine is most people's down-fall. That is topic of a future article.

The second area is that of athleticism. Athleticism covers things like stamina, coordination, speed, and agility. It encompasses the skills that enable us to do many different physical tasks. It is also the skills that would allow us to participate in team and individual sports for our entire lives. Skiing, swimming, basketball, baseball, softball, cycling, tennis, bowling, and of course golf are several of many sports that can provide a fun and competitive outlet for people of all ages. For those who are not naturally athletic becoming fit and actually participating in athletic activities and exercises can and will improve that athleticism. You can find that competitive outlet and not feel embarrassed about your performance. Just go get in the game.

Nutrition is a broad topic. There are basic principles that you need to understand. First, your body needs basic building blocks for your cells. It must get vitamins and minerals in the correct amount to operate to its maximum abilities. We get those vitamins in minerals from the foods and drinks we consume. The next basic principle is that the fuel for our body is calories. If we consume more calories than our body uses it converts the extra calories to fat. When we consume fewer calories than our body needs we burn excess fat. In each case we can develop serious health conditions if either problem continues for an extended period of time. One other fundamental principle is we must keep our bodies hydrated. Dehydration is an often ignored and a serious problem in America today. Within those foundations there are numerous other nutrition related topics that can be discussed all of which can impact our overall health. There are a number of books that would be highly recommended reading.

The final category would be that of our well-being. It is this area that may well be the most important, yet the most misunderstood and the most difficult to share. Our well-being consists not only of our general health and fitness, but our spiritual well-being as well. It is that spiritual side that has be so over-looked in western medicine. We are spiritual beings anyway you look at it and denying that truth can lead to serious consequences.

Spirituality goes beyond who we are. It includes things like beliefs, values, emotions and intelligence. These aspects of a person's personality are not easily understood, but profoundly impact who they are and their well-being. There are psychological processes that can show people how to change your beliefs, values, and emotions. We can do things to improve our ability to think and reason. At the same time, genetics plays a role in those areas and will influence health and well-being as do injuries to the brain. Those factors are only part of the spiritual picture.
Spirituality has played a significant role in healing in most religions of the world. Eastern religions and native religions have kept more of those healing arts in tact over the centuries than have the western, Christian nations. Any discussion regarding spirituality and health would be incomplete if it did not include a discussion of faith and religious creeds. It also must be noted that while religious people tend to live longer and healthier than non-religious people being religious does not automatically mean you will be healthy; however, if you are truly a convert of a religious faith you will tend to be healthier than those who don't.

Does it matter what religious faith you are? First, we must point out that ALL religions are mutually exclusive. They have core beliefs that set them apart from other religious views and those core beliefs cannot all be true. Given that fact it is a reasonable conclusion that it does matter because each will have a different view on how an individual is to live their life and what happens to you upon death. It then would make sense to investigate the truth claims of the religions of the world. If you were to start your investigation with Christian truth claims you may find that you can dismiss all the other claims because a fundamental truth claim of Christianity is that Jesus Christ was the only way to reach God, the father. If those claims are true then all other claims to the contrary are false.

We truly don't fully understand the spiritual realm but we do know it does positively impact our physical and emotional health and well-being. So, seek the truth, build a relationship with God, and enjoy improved health and well-being.

Can't Sleep? Is Your Body Trying To Tell You Something?

It can be extremely frustrating when a person cannot get to sleep at night. Instead of brushing it off, it is important to recognize that this can be a problem with serious roots. Here is a look at different types of insomnia and ways that massage therapy can relieve the condition.

Transient Insomnia. This kind of sleeplessness will last for less than a week. It is the least devastating form, since it will go away on its own in a short amount of time. It is often caused by different situations that a person is experiencing for the moment. These situations can include common aches and pains, diseases, sleeping in a new environment, or jet lag.

Acute Insomnia. This kind of sleeplessness will last for a month or less. The cause of this type of insomnia can be both physical or psychological. Stress, medication, or withdrawal from alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine may be to blame.

Chronic Insomnia. This kind of insomnia lasts for an extended period of time longer than one month. Long time sleep deprivation can have devastating effects on the mind and body. A person may experience hallucinations or double vision. Chronic insomnia can be caused by depression, anxiety, or another psychological condition.

Benefits Of Massage Therapy On Insomnia

Relieves tension buildup. Massaging the muscles will get rid of the tightness that accumulates over time.

Decreases stress and anxiety. Massage has a way of relaxing the body. Massage can lower the heart rate, cortisol levels, and levels of insulin. It also raises endorphins in the body which makes a person feel better. The lower the levels of stress that a person experiences, the less likely they are to suffer from insomnia.

Relaxes Muscles. Rubbing the muscles will loosen the built up. When the body is more relaxed, it is more likely to sleep better.

Improves blood flow. Massage heightens the circulation in the body. It can lower blood pressure, heighten metabolic waste, and increase nutrition to tissues. Proper circulation assures that the correct amount of oxygen will be delivered to all body parts. This will help a person sleep better.

Reduces fatigue. Massage can relax the body and lower the amount of fatigue that a person is feeling. Being tired without the ability to get to sleep can be alleviated with a good massage.

Insomnia can seem endless as a person lies wide awake, even though they are tired. Instead of turning to medication that can bring negative side effects, it may be better to try massage therapy. Massage relieves tension and stress and also has other health benefits. After practicing massage therapy, a person may be able to escape the sleepless nights and finally get a good night's rest.

4 Benefits of Home Schooling Your Special Needs Child

My son has cerebral palsy. He has achieved everything the physicians assured me he would never accomplish. He is talking, adding, subtracting, telling time, reading, and he is not in a wheel chair. I am a school teacher myself. I decided after he was born to dedicate my life to helping him achieve his goals. I have been his teacher, physical therapist, speech therapist, and much more.

Homeschooling my son has been the best decision for him and me. I use the computer a lot. He has trouble writing so it's impossible to test him without the use of the computer. Teaching my son at home lets him stay at his level and advance on when he is ready. When I teach him at home, I know what he is learning and what subject matter he needs to repeat. I can provide one on one instruction which is crucial to his learning. I make learning fun for him. I use several educational sites via the internet. I also purchase mailbox magazines books, the same one the educators in the public school use. Online auctions have tons of homeschooling materials for a very reasonable price.

So the four benefits of homeschooling my special needs son is to monitor his daily progress, provide one on one instruction, concentrating on problem areas while advancing in other subject matter, and make learning a fun and rewarding experience. My son has learned so much from me and I know you as well can help your child achieve his or her maximum potential without worrying if they are getting the education they deserve.

Best Three Tips For Effective Prostate Massage Therapy

Regardless of your goal, to achieve it you need tips and hints, pointers and helpful advice to attain it. If you happen to know what to do and what to steer clear of, it is really less of a challenge to achieve your goals. This short article offers 3 essential approaches to assist you. When you use these pointers you are going to increase your odds to get improved outcomes.

While you may be hesitant to try or worried you don't know the right techniques or how to get started,, you'll find it's important that you do things properly. If you do not, the outcomes are often terrible. You could wind up doing serious damage to your prostate, or maybe even doing damage to your anal or rectal lining. Adhere to these 3 tips to obtain superior outcomes.

1. Do your research to find reliable information

You have to learn the correct and proper way to perform your prostate massage. since it helps prevent possible pain or potential health problems from this type of massage. Failing to do this might result in a trip to the hospital or a visit to your medical practitioner. Therefore take care to make this happen appropriately and not make the error of forgetting this indispensable step!

2. Decide if you will have a partner help you

Virtually as necessary as doing your research to find reliable information, whenever working with a partner with this type of massage it is important for the partner to learn the proper techniques as well. I'm letting you know, it's not something to overlook. It contributes greatly to developing a necessary trust factor, which is something every person involved in prostate massage therapy wishes.

3. Decide whether you are looking for either health or pleasure benefits to this natural stimulation massage.

Lastly, when you are considering this male only stimulation massage you ought to make certain and decide whether you will try it by yourself or find a practitioner to perform the massage for you. This can help with becoming more confident in the experience, which is a critical component of prostate massage therapy. If you don't, you might decide against trying and I do believe we are able to agree that this won't be the best thing!

As I mentioned in the beginning, in the case of attempting this all natural stimulation, you want to be sure you don't make blunders that will turn out doing serious damage to your prostate, or maybe tearing your anal lining or rectum. What you need is to make sure you educate yourself on the risks and rewards of this beneficial type of stimulation, and you'll make that happen by listening to the tips above.

Styles of Massage Therapy to Relax and Rejuvenate You

Massage therapy has many benefits. Many conditions, both physical and mental, can be slowed down or stopped completely with a good massage. The technique helps reduce tension and pain in your body. It helps with circulation of oxygen and nutrients to your tissues.

Massage helps to clear lactic acid from your muscles. Lactic acid is the chemical your body produces naturally which can house itself in your muscles and when you exercise it is this chemical being pushed out that causes you to be sore afterward. It is also believed to reduce cortisol levels which accumulate in your mid-section and make it difficult to maintain a slim belly. You should eat light or not at all before any style of massage therapy as it can create different reactions in your body.

There are many styles of massage therapy. Swedish massage is a gentle type of massage. It uses long strokes intermingled with kneading. The smooth stroking patterns focus on superficial layers of muscle tissue for the desired result.

Hot stone massage gained notoriety in the United States when a therapist began using it in Arizona. It uses hot stones, often river rocks that are smoothed by the continuous flow of water across them. They are heated to a comfortable temperature and placed at specific points on your skin. This calms the nervous system, rebalances the body and mind and gives an overall comforting effect.

Shiatsu is another popular and well known style. The word itself means "finger pressure" and is used to improve the flow of your qi (chee). The Japanese culture has used this technique for millennia.

Thai massage was developed over 2500 years ago by Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha who was Buddha's physician in India. This style uses not only the hands but also feet, legs and knees to move your body into different positions. Some refer to it as "Yoga massage" because it places you into many positions used in Yoga. It helps improve circulation and muscle tension but also leaves you more energized. This is different from most massages that leave you relaxed and sometimes sleepy.

There is another style of massage therapy that has become popular. It is pregnancy massage. There are lots of stresses that go along with pregnancy and a good and proper massage can help alleviate many of them. Back pain is one that is most prominent for pregnant women. A certified pregnancy therapist will know how to reduce this discomfort. It is also claimed that this type of massage can assist in reducing the depression that often accompanies pregnancy.

It is recommended by those who frequent massage therapists that everyone get a massage as often as possible. It will help all manner of conditions you may be susceptible to as well as reduce stress and tension.

A Bodywork Approach to Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a condition characterized by frequent and unpredictable seizures. For bodyworkers, massaging someone suffering from epilepsy can be challenging, but can also be very therapeutic in helping them manage their condition. It is important for massage therapists to learn about epilepsy so that they are well prepared when presented with this type of client. Knowing the symptoms of an oncoming seizure and the side effects of any prescribed medications is vitally important, as they may be indicative of possible massage contraindications.

While doctors have not yet uncovered a cause for epilepsy, it is common knowledge in the medical community that most seizures are brought on by stress. Knowing this, massage therapy seems a viable treatment method, due to its relaxing nature. Massage helps increase blood flow and release tension throughout the body, contributing to a more relaxed state.

Two massage modalities in particular have proven very effective in treating clients with epilepsy, namely Cranial-Sacral Therapy and Aromatherapy. Cranial-sacral therapy will help get the fluid around the brain moving more freely and release any restrictions in the skull that may trigger a seizure. Through the use of various essential oils known for their relaxing qualities, such as Jasmine, aromatherapy can also be used as a preventative measure against seizures. Studies have shown that epileptic patients associate certain scents with the relaxing nature of massage, and basically train themselves into a state of relaxation.

With a large percentage of those with epilepsy being unresponsive to traditional Western medicine, many people are turning to alternative therapies for help with managing this condition. Wouldn't you like to help more clients suffering from epilepsy?

Learn more about how these two modalities, cranial-sacral therapy and aromatherapy, can help prevent the onset of seizures in an epileptic client.