Sport Specific Massage is more than just a 'sports massage.' This is a session geared toward YOUR sport. As athletes of many different pursuits, we have put our experience together to formulate a few sport specific sessions that can be mixed and matched to address the muscle groups most used in your sport. For example, a runner who is in training would have little use for getting deep work in her arms. On the other hand, if she were a climber, that would be where she would want the most attention. We have put together some templates for common sports (i.e. runners, swimmers and climbers). Please let us know how we might put together a session specific to your needs.
The Branciforte Plaza
555 Soquel Ave. Ste 350
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
fax: 831.421-9229: 831.421-9222
It is important to note that no two therapy sessions are the same. A General Runner's Massage is different for each athlete based on their training intensity, period within the season, injuries both past and present, time until next event and the personality of the client.
We use these massage templates as a starting point from which to tailor a session that is optimal for you.
Some Examples of Sport Specific Massage:
Deep Tissue Runner's Massage:
Runners
can be some of the most intense athletes around, and the drive to get
out, open up the legs and let the body go can often lead to unnecessary
tightness. To begin, we start in the back, as the erectors that line both sides
of the spine are the backbone to a good stride. From there, the low back,
which helps to stabilize the pelvis and hip-flexors. Then into the glutes,
or the hub of the body, this is where the upper-body and lower-body meet in
a half-moon of flexors, rotators and extensors. The legs are then the
focus, the hamstring, glutes, calves and shins are all worked through
completely, from insertion to origin of these often tired and tight muscle
groups.
Deep Tissue Swimmer's Massage:
Muscle tightness among swimmers is often felt as fatigue. Movement throughout the whole body is necessary for a swimmer to go fast, but the shoulders are really where the stress is felt. We focus not only on the superficial deltoids and chest, but also deep into rotator cuff and underarm to increase the range of motion through the arm. Also, we work the whole back, especially the latissimus muscles, low-back, erectors and trapezius groups. Whereas the shoulders, chest and back are the focus for many swimmers, we also flush through the legs and forearms to make sure that the whole body is working fluidly. Due to the muscle groups involved, an hour and a half session might be worth while for a more complete massage.
Deep Tissue Climber's Massage:
Climbing is a sport that puts a lot of stress on small muscle groups. In order for those muscle groups to stay healthy and to perform late into the day, it's important to stay loose. Without doubt, the focus for climbers is in the arms. The forearms (elbows!), triceps, biceps and shoulders all take a beating with repetitive moves on small holds. The body is good at protecting itself from overuse, and it does that by tightening. Unfortunately, tight muscles don't work as well, and the body has a hard time realizing when to let go. With climbers, loose, strong, healthy arms are the key to endurance and maintaining performance. After the arms, comes the back. Similar to swimmers, the latissimus muscles, erectors, low-back and trapezius are all included. A light flushing through the legs, or increased focus on another particular area helps to round out the session.
Deep Tissue Massage for Other Sports:
The above templates offer examples of how one can tailor a massage session to the muscle groups most commonly used in specific sports. Sports that we have had experience with include: cycling, triathlons, tennis, soccer, ultimate, track and field, football, wrestling, disc golf, basketball, rugby, kayaking, surfing, martial arts, as well as running, swimming and climbing. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like more information.
