Recovery massage focuses on three key areas:
- Restoration of the whole body
- Prevention from injury through early identification and treatment of problem areas
- Preparation of the mind and body for competition or training
Understanding why, how and when to have a recovery massage is an important aspect of your preparation and performance in tennis.
WHY?
Recovery Massage:
- Increases blood and lymph circulation helping muscles to recover
- Decreases muscle soreness and shortens recovery time by removing waste products
- Helps muscle endurance and power output when playing multiple matches • Reduces muscle fatigue
- Restores/improves flexibility
- Helps calm the nervous system and relaxes the body
- Helps prevent injuries
HOW?
"Flushing" is not a massage method. It is the result of the combination of techniques
Recovery massage may include the following techniques:
Longitudinal strokes:
Method: Initially, the stroke is applied slowly and with light pressure. It is a long flowing, broad stroke to warm the soft tissues and help with relaxation. The stroke provides sensory feedback to the therapist about areas of soft tissue tightness or restrictions that may require treatment to reduce the risk of injury. The stroke is then applied gradually to deeper levels.
Results: 1. Helps to realign muscle fibres for stretch and allows them to contract and relax without restriction. 2. Reduces inflammation and supports muscle regeneration. 3. Blood flow and lymphatic drainage can be improved.
Kneading:
Method: A rhythmical lifting, rolling and squeezing technique of tissues.
Results: Encourages a reflexive relaxation of the muscles and connective tissue softening.
Compressions:
Method: This technique can be applied broadly across a muscle or group of muscles.
Results: Encourages blood circulation, connective tissue softening and muscle relaxation when applied at a superficial level. Longitudinal strokes should follow compression strokes to further encourage tissue alignment and blood flow.
Broad Cross Fibre Friction:
Method: Applied across a muscle or group of muscles, the aim is to separate the muscle and fascial (tissue) adhesions that may have restricted blood flow.
Results: Improves nutrient supply to the muscles which helps speed post exercise muscle repair.
Vibration or Shaking:
Method: Gentle shaking to assess the soft tissues mobility.
Results: Further relaxes the soft tissues and allows them to move more easily.
Light Stretching:
Method: Lengthening and elongating the muscle fibres in a controlled way, using a variety of methods.
Results: Relaxes the muscles and improves flexibility.
Ice Massage:
Method: Rubbing an ice bag or ‘ice in a cup’ over the skin.
Results: When the cold is removed, blood, which is full of nutrients, floods back into the area and re-oxygenates the tissues. Cools soft tissues, minimises inflammation and promotes healing.
Other techniques may be applied depending on what you and the massage therapist discover about the condition of your body in the recovery massage session.
WHEN?
When receiving a recovery massage remember the following:
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Schedule the massage 1-3 hours after your match or training (practice/fitness). Ideally, recovery massage is most effective 30-60 minutes post-match, or post training, but no longer than 24 hours later.
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A recovery massage can be completed within 15-30 minutes, depending on the area. If specific areas require treatment, this can be carried out immediately after the recovery massage or at a later time and preferably no later than the next day.
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Recovery massage is not deep tissue. Lighter long flowing strokes are used to align soft tissue fibres, promote blood flow and lymph drainage, quiet the nervous system and slow the breathing, relaxing the whole body.
4. Be actively involved in your massage sessions. Recovery massage is an ‘awareness’ time for you. Use this time to ‘tune in’ to your body and provide feedback to the massage therapist. Understand what your body is telling you. How have you coped physically, mentally and emotionally with the challenges of competition and life on the road? Developing self-awareness may help you to understand your specific and individual requirements and your state of readiness to perform.
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Turn off your phone! Have some proper ‘time out’ and be fully engaged with the therapy process. Psychological benefits, including greater calmness, can result in insight and focus when you allow yourself to pay attention to your body and the massage. This will help your tennis performance.
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Always use a qualified and experienced sports massage therapist. They have your goal in mind. Correct application will assist your recovery and prepare you for the next match. The WTA offers certified massage therapists at each event.
Massage therapy treatment works best in conjunction with adequate hydration, a tennis specific nutritional regime, regular stretching, psychological relaxation and mindfulness methods and a minimum of 7-9 hours’ sleep each night. Together these assist the restorative processes for the tennis player.
When properly rested, the body can perform optimally during training and competition.
To speak with a specialist, call us at +(351) 963 531 684. We’re happy to answer your MASSAGE QUESTIONS. Of course, questions are welcome during your session too;