A sports based massage focuses primarily on the concepts of circulation and stretching, both extremely important for athletes as they are consistently building and challenging their bodies.

Circulation is vital to proper nutrition of body tissue, and therefore is vital to any athlete who wants the most efficient (and least painful) results from their training. Intensive physical exercise means that the body's cell metabolism increases, and good circulation helps the body rid itself of the toxic byproducts that accumulate from that metabolism. Have you ever experienced those sharply painful, sore muscles the day after a heavy workout? That pain is caused by lactic acid, which builds up when muscles have been worked into an anaerobic state. If it isn't moved out of the muscle tissue it results in lots of stiffness and sensitivity later. Massage moves these substances out of the body, and helps stimulate new cell growth to repair damaged tissues. Preventing congestion in the muscle tissues as they are being broken down and rebuilt can also improve reflexes, as the neurological pathways between the nervous system and the muscle fiber are kept clear and ready for use.

In addition to circulatory massage, the technique known as MET (Muscle Energy Technique) emphasizes stretching to keep muscles lengthened, and to prevent straining from overuse. Constant contraction of muscles causes them to shorten naturally, and in order for an athlete to maintain flexibility and a full range of motion, stretching sessions are just as important as the rest of their training.

Sports massage is ideal for any athlete who participates in a consistent routine of physical activity, particularly if they are prone to use certain muscle groups more than others, or have a history of injuries. With regular massage treatments incorporated into a training program, an athlete can maximize the benefits of their workouts while minimizing the damage (and danger of damage) to their body in the process.

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