Sports massage – stages

Generally, there are four types of sports massage but Integrative sports massage offers more.

Pre-event sports massage. Generally this is a short, stimulating massage 15 – 45 minutes before the event. It is directed toward the parts of the body that will be involved in the exertion. It primes them for better performance.

With Integrative Bodywork there is also the Pre-Event Tuning. In this session, the therapist balances the cranium and mobilizes tightened joints in the body. With the testing the range of motion and strength testing, the client can see real difference during the session and during competition. Runners, rowers, cyclists and other athletes report less pain and improved times.

Post-event sports massage. This is given within an hour or two after the event, to normalize the body’s tissues and speed recovery.

Restorative sports massage. This type of bodywork is given during training to allow the athlete to train harder and with less injury. Integrative Bodywork takes this to the next level by balancing cranial, pelvic and other joint structures that govern the balance of muscles.

Rehabilitative sports massage. This is aimed at alleviating pain due to injury and returning the body to health. The Certified Sports Massage therapist understands how to coordinate massage techniques to optimize the balance between performance and rehabilitation.

With Integrative Craniosacral there are also Sustaining Governor Releases. These releases change the body so that more muscle fibers engage in each movement. Immediate changes in performance are noticed. Over months, as these extra fibers develop, better muscular development occurs and performance continues to improve. This is long lasting improvement that you will not find in other forms of bodywork.

Read more about how Integrative Bodywork improves strength.

Read more about how Integrative Bodywork improves flexibility.