The Benefits of Massage in Sports MedicineDAYNA ELENIS AT, ATC, LMT

Massage

Massage is the scientific art of manual application of certain movements to the soft tissue of the body to

bring about relaxation, pain relief, promote circulation, homeostasis, and general well being.

Massage Strokes Effleurage

A stroking movement performed with whole hands or palmer surface (deep or superficial) Stroking

Similar to effleurage but a much lighter touch, performed slow and gentle Friction

Movement in which the tissues are moved in a cross fiber direction upon the underlying structures (deep or superficial)

Petrissage (kneading) All movements in which the tissues are grasped, raised from their attachments, and subjected to an intermittent

double pressure Vibration

A trembling movement. This is a high-intensity movement used to stimulate Tapotement (Hacking, Cupping, Beating, Percussion)

Series of blows administered in rapid succession with the hands striking alternately from the wrist

Types of Massage Useful for Sports Medicine

Myofascial Release CranioSacral Lymphatic Drainage Trigger Point Therapy Reflexology

**These types of massage are just few of many massages that are beneficial for Sports Medicine

Myofascial Release

A technique that provides sustained pressure into Myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion.

What is a Myofascial Restriction? Tight fascia Occurs following injury, stress, repetitive micro trauma, inflammation, scarring, and

poor posture Progressively tightens over time if left untreated Is the underlying cause of most chronic pain problems

Myofascial Release

What Conditions Does Myofascial Release Help?

Fibromyalgia Back Pain Coccyx Pain Sciatica TMJ Problems Whiplash Injuries

Migraines Neck Pain Sports Injuries Disc Problems Scoliosis Scar mobilization

CranioSacral

Gentle, non-invasive treatment that modifies and corrects restrictions in the craniosacral system

Craniosacral system includes the brain, spinal cord, meninges and cerebral spinal fluid

A physiological system that is responsible for the production, circulation and absorption of cerebral spinal fluid

Since the brain and spinal cord are responsible for the sensory and motor aspects of our being, removal of irritation to these tissues will cause whole body relief and improved function

CranioSacral Rhythm is the movement of bone and tissue in response to the rise and fall of CSF production

CranioSacral

CranioSacral Rhythm is the movement of bone and tissue in response to the rise and fall of CSF production

Flexion=Filling (towards the feet) Extension= Emptying (towards the ears)

How to evaluate the status of the CranioSacral system? Symmetry- synchronicity of flexion and extension (Is it equal?) Quality- smooth, strength (How does it move?) Amplitude- ROM (How full or big is the motion?) Rate-speed, cycles (How fast are the cycles?)

Craniosacral

What Conditions Does Craniosacral (CST)Address?

Migraines and Headaches Concussions Chronic neck and back pain Stress and tension related disorders Motor-coordination Impairments Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Fibromyalgia TMJ Syndrome Scoliosis Orthopedic Problems ADD/ADHA Chronic Fatigue

Lymphatic Drainage

Gentle, rhythmic bodywork technique used to encourage the flow of fluid out of the tissue and into the lymphatic system. Pressure is very light, just enough to not slide over the skin, but enough to

pull the skin Rhythm of drainage on average is every 6 seconds and the frequency is 5-7

strokes at each location

Stagnant or limited lymphatic flow can be a factor in many disease processes

Fluid movement= tissue health

Lymphatic Drainage

Effects of Lymph Drainage Increase Blood Circulation Reduction of Edemas Promotes increased tissue health

before surgery Decrease recuperation time after

surgery Stimulates immune system Deep relaxation

Indications Endless!

Reduce Swelling Pre/post surgical Insomnia Osteoarthritis Headaches Improve athletic performance Sprains/ Strains Tendonitis/ Tenosynovitis Headache

Trigger Point Release

Myofascial trigger points are small, hyper irritable nodules found in a taut band of muscle where there is decreased circulation and a buildup of metabolic waste products.

Trigger points can produce pain both locally and to specific referral areas

Can be caused by structural imbalances, overuse, injury or stress leading to many pain syndromes

Trigger Point Release

Active Trigger Points Area may be sensitive even before

palpation When pressure is applied it is painful

and will either refer or radiate pain Symptoms can include pain, tingling,

numbness, burning, itching, or other symptoms the client is familiar with

Patient will sometimes jump when point is palpated

Latent Trigger Point90-95% of trigger points

Common that the client is not aware that the area is painful until pressure is applied

Generally will not produce a recognizable pain

When pressure is applied to area it will either refer or radiate pain(Latent trigger points can become

active trigger points)

Trigger Point Release

Methods to deactivate trigger points Ischemic compression Ice therapy Lymphatic drainage Positional Release Muscle energy techniques Myofascial release techniques Muscle stripping

Reflexology

A holistic method of healing and prevention also known as Reflex Zone Therapy

Involves manipulation of the specific reflex areas and points Method of application includes direct pressure/compression, massage,

movement, range of motion and stretching of the feet and hands

“Reflexology is a science that deals with the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all of the glands, organs, and parts of the body. Reflexology is a unique method of using the thumb and fingers on these reflex areas.” Ingham method

Reflexology

Reflexology

Other Types of Orthopedic Massage

Cross fiber friction Compressive broadening

with active contraction with active extension

Muscle Stripping Static compression

with active contraction With active extension

Positional Release Fascial Release

What is Orthopedic Massage Based On?

Upper Crossed Syndrome Lower Crossed Syndrome

Basic Contraindications

For all massage: Any acute infection or disease Acute inflammation Advanced osteoporosis Severe varicose veins Phlebitis Aneurism Cancer (check with Doctor first)

Certain prescription drugs Various Skin conditions Broken Bones Contagious disease Major cardiac problems Acute anuresis Serious circulatory problems Hemorrhage

Demonstration

Myofascial Release/ Craniosacral Occipital Condyle Release with Cervical Stretch

Trigger Point Therapy/ Positional Release Upper Trapezius

Lymphatic Drainage Knee or Ankle

Reflexology Knee

Orthopedic (static compression with active contraction) Sacroiliac Dysfunction

References

Cisaruk, L. (2010). Foot reflexology. Gauthier, I. (2009). The science and practice of myomassology. (6th ed.). USA: Irene's Myomassology Institute.Kelly, R. (2012). Trigger point therapy.Kelly, R. (2012). Orthopedic Massage. Kelly, R. (2012). Lymphatic Drainage.Pillow-White, J. (2012). Introduction to craniosacral techniques. Stayer, T. (2010). Myofascial Release.