One of the hardest things for an athlete to deal with is injury. Most athletes use their sport as an outlet by which they 'reset' the world. The importance of this outlet is really most apparent when it is suddenly taken away and rehabilitation becomes the path back to sanity. More and more, medical professionals are turning to bodywork as a compliment to traditional ortheopedic and physical therapy for a more complete rehabilitation.
Below you will find information as to how deep tissue massage and bodywork can help athletes with injury rehabilitation as well as prevention. For a more clinical approach, please refer to the medical section of this site. If you have any questions, or would like more information, feel free to contact us by phone or email
The Branciforte Plaza
555 Soquel Ave. Ste 350
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
fax: 831.421-9229: 831.421-9222
When added to medical treatment and physical therapy, deep tissue work produces faster and more complete recovery. Mild strains, not involving torn muscle fibers, can usually be eliminated with a few sessions of deep tissue massage. More serious strains do involve torn muscle fibers. Scar tissue develops as the muscle heals, which often causes pain when the muscle contracts. After healing, scar tissue can be broken down by deep longitudinal strokes accompanied by joint movement and followed by specific stretching. Chronic tendonitis is associated with scar tissue and adhesions in tendons and may be resolved with deep cross-fiber friction massage.
With a combination of Deep Tissue Sports Massage, Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy, Basic Joint Mobilizations and Assisted Stretching, we have been successful in treating:
Pulled Hamstrings
Plantar Fasciitis
Achillies Tendonitis
Illiotibial Band Syndrome
Sprained Ankles
Rotator Cuff Injury
Elbow Tendonitis
Low-Back Pain
Shin-Splints
Neck Pain
Hip Injury / Tightness
Pulled Groin
Patellar Tendonitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Nerve Line Restriction
Deep Tissue Massage and Injury Prevention:
As training endurance and intensity are increased, the body responds by tightening to prevent overuse of muscle groups. This can lead to chronic tightness and can cause muscle and connective tissue injury and inflammation. Tightness can be a setup for muscle strain and other soft tissue injury. If tight and shortened muscle tissue is over stretched during activity, strain can occur even if the activity was no different from the previous day. An experienced therapist can feel tightness and focus massage and stretching in those areas, helping to prevent the onset of injury. Some athletes who are in the midst of an intense season may have 'maintanance' sessions as often as once a week to help prevent injury onset, whereas more moderate athletes come in as they begin to feel too tight.
