Types of Sports Massage

September 13, 2024 admin

Sports massage has a history that spans the 20th century and has been developed with the aim of supporting athletes in their training, performance, and recovery.

In the early 20th century, sports massage was primarily associated with injury treatment and rehabilitation for athletes. Pioneers like Jack Meagher and Therese Bertherat contributed to the development of techniques that focused on improving athletic performance and preventing injuries.

The purpose of sports massage is to optimize the muscular function and range of motion of athletes. It involves techniques such as stroking, deep tissue massage, and stretching exercises, targeted at specific muscle groups and areas that are stressed during athletic activity.

Today, sports massage is an integral part of sports medicine and training programs at all levels. In addition to supporting recovery and preventing injuries, sports massage is used to relieve muscle tension, improve flexibility, and promote overall well-being in athletes.

There are three types of sports massage (some say more, and others say fewer):

Pre-competition: Here, a more stimulating massage is given, often faster and possibly more superficial to avoid deep soreness before the competition. This massage can be performed up to 24 hours before an event or just a few hours prior. The purpose is to awaken the nervous system and “warm up” the muscles. As for stretching exercises, most massage therapists opt for short stretches, again to “awaken” the nervous system rather than relax it.
Post-competition: Typically, a more relaxing and deep massage with calm massage techniques and long stretches is given to help both superficial and deep muscles relax. This can take place immediately after the competition when body temperature has returned to normal or in the hours following. This massage helps to recover the athlete’s muscles and mind.
Maintenance: Maintenance massage should be given when the athlete is not in the competition period and has a reduced training load or during the athlete’s off-season. Here, the massage targets problem areas and the muscles that are most heavily stressed in the specific sport. Massage is used here as a preventive measure.

Sports massage is closely related to therapeutic massage, also known as Swedish massage or Classic massage internationally.

In sports massage, the techniques of tapotement and vibration are used more frequently than in therapeutic massage. Additionally, joint rotations, oscillations, and MET (Muscle Energy Techniques) stretching techniques are used far more than in therapeutic massage.

Learn more about the Historical facts of Sports massage by reading this article

Sports Massage has since 2021 been a category at the World Championship in Massage and the International Massage Associations offer Masterclasses in Sports Massage.

Tekst by Jeppe Tengbjerg

Sports Massage in Thailand

Did you like the article? Or did you like taking part of the World Championship in Massage or one of our classes, then please feel free to give us a nice review on Google.

At the International Massage Association we are ongoing try to elevate the Massage Profession via our many Articles, Podcasts, Masterclasses and via the Educational Conference at the World Championship in Massage

Please follow the IMA Social Medias and read more articles and watch amazing videos: Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, TikTok, Telegram Channel, Whatsapp Channel, Threads, X, Linkedin

semenuk-t Tanya

14:45 25 Aug 24

Very interesting, informative. A colossal experience. Exchange of skills and techniques. Friendly atmosphere....❤️❤️❤️It is worth taking part in order to grow and become better.

Massage World Magazine International

18:39 24 May 24

I have attended the IMA World massage Champs since 2017, it’s a must in the June calendar each year. Go visit or compete!! Copenhagen is a great City break aswell.

Tereze Belkova

19:06 24 Apr 24

An excellent school where you can not only learn different massage techniques, but also improve your skills. A place that brings together massage professionals from all over the world by organising the World Massage Championships in Denmark.

Michael Pedersen

21:24 05 Mar 24

Huge praise for holding dm in massage 2024.Warm atmosphere, good energy and super well organised.A school that is passionate about giving students the best possible education.Can only warmly recommend the school.

Carsten Anderslund

20:12 05 Mar 24

Carl Newbury

11:28 29 Feb 24

I have been attending Jeppe's events in Copenhagen since 2017. The World Championship in Massage is the highlight of my year networking with massage therapists from all over the World. Well Done Jeppe

Victoria Bilousova

12:54 07 Feb 24

Thank you so much for an amazing World Massage Championship organized in a high level! A lot of new friends and inspiration I found there😇

Christina Blei-Amatdoelrasit

07:51 07 Feb 24

It was with great pleasure to teach at your school in Denmark, I experienced a good atmosfeer, an interesting class and you as host/teacher mr. Jeppe Tengbjerg.Also thank you for the colaboration to teach at my school in Lelystad the Netherlands last year, it is of great interest to learn from each other and I welcome you again, this year in september 2024.SoeReiMas Courses & CoachingLelystad the Netherlands

Chutima Hälg

00:47 07 Feb 24

I recently had the pleasure of attending a massage seminar jointly organized by IMA Academy and Chiida Academy, and I must say it was a truly enriching experience. The seminar, led by a professional instructor, was a perfect blend of theory and practice, offering valuable insights into the art of massage therapy. The theoretical aspects covered were comprehensive and informative, providing a solid foundation of knowledge for all participants. From anatomy and physiology to various massage techniques and their applications, every aspect was explained with clarity and depth. It was evident that the instructor was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about imparting their expertise to the students. What truly stood out about this seminar was the emphasis on hands-on practice. Participants were given ample opportunities to apply the theoretical concepts they had learned in a supportive and nurturing environment. The instructor's guidance and feedback were invaluable in honing our skills and techniques. Moreover, I was impressed by the caring attitude and thoughtfulness shown towards the students throughout the seminar. From providing necessary materials to addressing individual queries and concerns, the organizers ensured that everyone felt valued and supported. I would like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Jeppe Tengbjerg for his exceptional leadership in making this seminar a resounding success. His expertise, patience, and genuine dedication to the art of massage therapy were truly inspiring.In conclusion, the collaborative effort between IMA Academy and Chiida Academy in presenting this massage seminar was commendable. It was a rewarding experience that left me feeling empowered and equipped with valuable knowledge and skills. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of massage therapy or embark on a career in this field.

Corpore Vital

16:13 06 Feb 24

Professionalism and education at the highest level. The students are very attentive and involved in the way the information is conveyed and because there is a lot of practice, the course becomes even more exciting. Congratulations for the interactive way in which you transmit the information.

World Championship Massage 2025

Types of Sports Massage

Have you seen what our particpants have to say?

World Championship Massage 2025

Shortcuts

Registration