The history of massage

In 1812, Swedish fencing master and gymnast Pehr Henrik Ling combined the strokes of what we know as Swedish massage with remedial exercises, calling his technique kinesiotherapy. Sports massage was used by athletes in Europe throughout the 20th century, but was relatively unknown in the U.S. In the 1970s, James Cyriax, M.D., known as the father of orthopedic medicine, developed a series of deep friction techniques for massage therapy that continues to be used in sports medicine today

Sports Massage has been around for thousands of years. The Greeks and Romans were very clear on the benefits of massage on the athletes of their day. in Ancient Greece athletes used massage prior to and after competing while Romans recognised the benefits for injured gladiators. Coming into the 1950’s and 60’s the Russians and East Germans developed sports massage techniques which are now normal ways of massage.

The effects and benefits of massage

Sports massage can help maintain the body in generally better condition, prevent injuries and loss of mobility, cure and restore mobility to injured muscle tissue, boost performance and extend the overall life of your sporting career.

Pumping - The stroking movements in massage suck fluid through blood vessels and lymph vessels. By increasing the pressure in front of the stroke, a vacuum is created behind.

Increased Tissue permeability - Deep massage causes the pores in tissue membranes to open, enabling fluids and nutrients to pass through.

Stretching - Massage can stretch tissues that could not be stretched in the usual methods. Bundles of muscle fibres are stretched lengthwise as well as sideways.

Break down scar tissue - Scar tissue is the result of previous injuries or trauma and can effect muscle, tendons and ligaments.

Pain reduction - Tension and waste products in muscles can often cause pain. Massage helps reduce this in many ways including releasing the bodies endorphins.

Sports massage Education