Main description:

On the field, post-event, or in the clinic, Sports Massage is the essential resource for developing and perfecting your sports massage technique!

Sports Massage provides an in-depth discussion of applications of foundational massage techniques within a sports massage approach. Thorough instructions and over 130 full-color photos demonstrate the correct application of each massage stroke for muscle groups of the neck, shoulder, torso, pelvis, legs, and feet. You'll also learn how to use advanced working positions in prone, supine, side-lying, and sitting orientations to address each muscle group, helping you achieve a more comfortable and therapeutic session for your client.

This practical guide explains the foundations of sports massage as a profession, including performance-related benefits of sports massage, common environments for professional practice (practice, event, clinical), range of clientele (recreational or serious athletes, physically active people), and applications (pre-, inter-, and post-event, or as part of a training regimen or rehabilitation program).

Sports Massage emphasizes proper therapist mechanics, including working posture, proper table height, and effective client positioning to help improve the delivery of your technique and reduce strain to your arms, hands, and back. Highlighted in the text are tips on technique adjustments, and special "Client Talk" boxes offer suggestions for ways to communicate technical information to your clients. Throughout the text, self-test questions with answers allow you to check your understanding and reinforce your learning. In addition, a photo gallery index provides quick reference for checking techniques and their application.

Organized for quick reference, Sports Massage explains massage modifications for common injuries and conditions and provides technical information to support your decision-making process. Information regarding contraindications and pathologies will prepare you to adapt your technique to accommodate a wide range of soft tissue conditions. In addition, discussion of equipment, hygiene, and safety considerations will help you be prepared for each therapy session.

A discussion of client assessment and consultation will assist you in learning how to obtain the necessary information to address muscular issues during the therapy session. Sports Massage also discusses considerations in administering the technique to special populations, including individuals with spinal cord injuries, limb deficiencies and visual impairments, and cerebral palsy. In addition, you'll find information on conducting sports massage before, during, and after sporting events.

Part science and part art, effective sports massage relies on a therapist's thoughtful application of knowledge and experience. Sport Massage provides a solid knowledge base, helping you learn how to work with your body efficiently and apply each technique with sensitivity. With its emphasis on correct body mechanics and effective client positioning, Sports Massage will help you improve your technique, reduce strain as you work, and provide a better quality of touch.

Contents:

Part I: Getting Started With Sports Massage

Chapter 1: Introduction to Sports Massage

What Is Sports Massage?

Who Should Be Treated?

How Does Sports Massage Work?

Where Can Sports Massage Take Place?

When Should Sports Massage Take Place?

Benefits of Sports Massage

Closing Remarks

Quick Questions

Chapter 2: Contraindications for Sports Massage

Contraindications

Pathology

Closing Remarks

Quick Questions

Chapter 3: Preparing for Sports Massage

Venue

Equipment

Hygiene

Client Positioning

Safety

Closing Remarks

Quick Questions

Part II: Sports Massage Techniques

Chapter 4: Body Mechanics

Massage Couch Height

Working Posture

Principles of Application

Closing Remarks

Quick Questions

Chapter 5: Massage Techniques

Components of a Massage Stroke

Effleurage

Petrissage

Compression

Deep Strokes

Vibration

Tapotement

Friction

Closing Remarks

Quick Questions

Part III: Applying Sports Massage

Chapter 6: Sports Massage for Prone Positions

Neck

Shoulder

Torso

Pelvis

Leg

Foot

Sitting

Quick Questions

Chapter 7: Sports Massage for Supine Positions

Neck

Chest

Shoulder and Arm

Torso and Abdominal Muscles

Pelvis

Thigh

Leg

Foot

Quick Questions

Chapter 8: Sports Massage for Side-Lying Positions

Neck

Shoulder and Arm

Torso

Pelvis

Thigh

Quick Questions

Part IV: Sports Massage Programmes and Management

Chapter 9: Client Assessment

Subjective Assessment

Objective Assessment

Interpretive Stage

Closing Remarks

Quick Questions

Chapter 10: Event Massage

Pre-Event Massage

Inter-Event Massage

Post-Event Massage

Working With an Elite Sport Team

Organising an Event

Closing Remarks

Quick Questions

Chapter 11: Special Populations

Spinal Cord Injuries

Limb Deficiency

Cerebral Palsy

Visual Impairment

Communication

Closing Remarks

Quick Questions