SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY

DEF. 'The scientific manipulation of soft tissue for injury prevention and therapeutic purposes, involving the restoration to normal functional activity of the various structures of the body.'

Trained hands can explore the tissues, identify problem areas and treat them accordingly. Such sports massage manipulation will help to improve performance and endurance. It can also go a long way to preventing the kind of injuries which cause loss of joint mobility in potential trouble spots.

INJURY REHABILITATION

The purpose of rehabilitation is to treat injury and assist in restoring fitness as quickly as possible. It is also important for maintaining and improving general fitness throughout the period of healing.

For many years, rehabilitation was considered to be the exclusive domain of physiotherapists. In recent times however, views on this have changed. It is now accepted that a professional trained in exercise prescription, physiology, anatomy and knowledge of common sporting injuries is perfectly qualified to conduct many stages of a rehabilitation programme.

AIMS OF REHABILITATION
- Improve joint range of movement
- Improve flexibility
- Progressively improve strength
- Improve proprioception (balance, co-ordination and dexterity)
- Improve or maintain cardiovascular fitness
- Improve confidence