The Benefits of Massage in Sports Medicine

1. The Benefits of Massage in Sports Medicine Dayna Elenis AT, ATC, LMT

2. Massage Massage is the scientific art of manual application of certain movements to the soft tissue of the body to bring about relaxation, pain relief, promote circulation, homeostasis, and general well being.

3. Massage Strokes • Effleurage • A stroking movement performed with whole hands or palmer surface (deep or superficial) • Stroking • Similar to effleurage but a much lighter touch, performed slow and gentle • Friction • Movement in which the tissues are moved in a cross fiber direction upon the underlying structures (deep or superficial) • Petrissage (kneading) • All movements in which the tissues are grasped, raised from their attachments, and subjected to an intermittent double pressure • Vibration • A trembling movement. This is a high-intensity movement used to stimulate • Tapotement (Hacking, Cupping, Beating, Percussion) • Series of blows administered in rapid succession with the hands striking alternately from the wrist

4. Types of Massage Useful for Sports Medicine • Myofascial Release • CranioSacral • Lymphatic Drainage • Trigger Point Therapy • Reflexology **These types of massage are just few of many massages that are beneficial for Sports Medicine

5. Myofascial Release • A technique that provides sustained pressure into Myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. • What is a Myofascial Restriction? • Tight fascia • Occurs following injury, stress, repetitive micro trauma, inflammation, scarring, and poor posture • Progressively tightens over time if left untreated • Is the underlying cause of most chronic pain problems

6. Myofascial Release What Conditions Does Myofascial Release Help? Migraines Neck Pain Sports Injuries Disc Problems Scoliosis Scar mobilization • Fibromyalgia • Back Pain • Coccyx Pain • Sciatica • TMJ Problems • Whiplash Injuries

7. CranioSacral • Gentle, non-invasive treatment that modifies and corrects restrictions in the craniosacral system • Craniosacral system includes the brain, spinal cord, meninges and cerebral spinal fluid • A physiological system that is responsible for the production, circulation and absorption of cerebral spinal fluid • Since the brain and spinal cord are responsible for the sensory and motor aspects of our being, removal of irritation to these tissues will cause whole body relief and improved function • CranioSacral Rhythm is the movement of bone and tissue in response to the rise and fall of CSF production

8. CranioSacral • CranioSacral Rhythm is the movement of bone and tissue in response to the rise and fall of CSF production • Flexion=Filling (towards the feet) • Extension= Emptying (towards the ears) • How to evaluate the status of the CranioSacral system? • Symmetry- synchronicity of flexion and extension (Is it equal?) • Quality- smooth, strength (How does it move?) • Amplitude- ROM (How full or big is the motion?) • Rate-speed, cycles (How fast are the cycles?)

9. Craniosacral What Conditions Does Craniosacral (CST)Address? Fibromyalgia TMJ Syndrome Scoliosis Orthopedic Problems ADD/ADHA Chronic Fatigue • Migraines and Headaches • Concussions • Chronic neck and back pain • Stress and tension related disorders • Motor-coordination Impairments • Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

10. Lymphatic Drainage • Gentle, rhythmic bodywork technique used to encourage the flow of fluid out of the tissue and into the lymphatic system. • Pressure is very light, just enough to not slide over the skin, but enough to pull the skin • Rhythm of drainage on average is every 6 seconds and the frequency is 5-7 strokes at each location • Stagnant or limited lymphatic flow can be a factor in many disease processes • Fluid movement= tissue health

11. Lymphatic Drainage Effects of Lymph Drainage Indications Endless! Reduce Swelling Pre/post surgical Insomnia Osteoarthritis Headaches Improve athletic performance Sprains/ Strains Tendonitis/ Tenosynovitis Headache • Increase Blood Circulation • Reduction of Edemas • Promotes increased tissue health before surgery • Decrease recuperation time after surgery • Stimulates immune system • Deep relaxation

12. Trigger Point Release • Myofascial trigger points are small, hyper irritable nodules found in a taut band of muscle where there is decreased circulation and a buildup of metabolic waste products. • Trigger points can produce pain both locally and to specific referral areas • Can be caused by structural imbalances, overuse, injury or stress leading to many pain syndromes

13. Trigger Point Release Active Trigger Points Latent Trigger Point 90-95% of trigger points Common that the client is not aware that the area is painful until pressure is applied Generally will not produce a recognizable pain When pressure is applied to area it will either refer or radiate pain (Latent trigger points can become active trigger points) • Area may be sensitive even before palpation • When pressure is applied it is painful and will either refer or radiate pain • Symptoms can include pain, tingling, numbness, burning, itching, or other symptoms the client is familiar with • Patient will sometimes jump when point is palpated

14. Trigger Point Release • Methods to deactivate trigger points • Ischemic compression • Ice therapy • Lymphatic drainage • Positional Release • Muscle energy techniques • Myofascial release techniques • Muscle stripping

15. Reflexology • A holistic method of healing and prevention also known as Reflex Zone Therapy • Involves manipulation of the specific reflex areas and points • Method of application includes direct pressure/compression, massage, movement, range of motion and stretching of the feet and hands • “Reflexology is a science that deals with the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all of the glands, organs, and parts of the body. Reflexology is a unique method of using the thumb and fingers on these reflex areas.” Ingham method

16. Reflexology

17. Reflexology

18. Other Types of Orthopedic Massage • Cross fiber friction • Compressive broadening • with active contraction • with active extension • Muscle Stripping • Static compression • with active contraction • With active extension • Positional Release • Fascial Release

19. What is Orthopedic Massage Based On? Upper Crossed Syndrome Lower Crossed Syndrome

20. Basic Contraindications • For all massage: • Any acute infection or disease • Acute inflammation • Advanced osteoporosis • Severe varicose veins • Phlebitis • Aneurism • Cancer (check with Doctor first) • Certain prescription drugs • Various Skin conditions • Broken Bones • Contagious disease • Major cardiac problems • Acute anuresis • Serious circulatory problems • Hemorrhage

21. Demonstration • Myofascial Release/ Craniosacral • Occipital Condyle Release with Cervical Stretch • Trigger Point Therapy/ Positional Release • Upper Trapezius • Lymphatic Drainage • Knee or Ankle • Reflexology • Knee • Orthopedic (static compression with active contraction) • Sacroiliac Dysfunction

22. References Cisaruk, L. (2010). Foot reflexology. Gauthier, I. (2009). The science and practice of myomassology. (6th ed.). USA: Irene's Myomassology Institute. Kelly, R. (2012). Trigger point therapy. Kelly, R. (2012). Orthopedic Massage. Kelly, R. (2012). Lymphatic Drainage. Pillow-White, J. (2012). Introduction to craniosacral techniques. Stayer, T. (2010). Myofascial Release.