1. EFFECTS & BENEFITS of SPORTS MASSAGE PAULA RAFFERTY

2. TASK 1 You need to able to describe the benefits and effects of sport and exercise massage in order to achieve P1 An explanation is required in order to achieve M1

3. AIM Restore normal function and help maintain ROM. Used to reduce the risk of injury Used as a pre-inter-post event. Helps to promote recovery Because of such, it has now become part of an athletes training programme. Benefits can be divided into 2, physical and mechanical being one, the other physiological effects.

4. Physical & Mechanical Effects The effects on the structure and function on the body. It is essential that the therapist has a sound knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Massage produces effects on the following systems of the body: Skeletal Muscular Blood and lymph circulation The skin The nervous system

5. Group Task 1 Using the given flip chart paper and pens complete the following tasks: Jot down key points of each body system that will be discussed under its relevant heading. On completion of each system, you will have 5 minutes to ask further questions to help extend your notes. After I have completed the lecture, you will be given one system to complete a poster on that you will present to the rest of the group. After completing all presentations you can take a picture of each poster to help you complete your assessment.

6. Bone Tissue and Joints Covered in a layer of connective tissue PERIOSTEUM. Blood vessels from this penetrate the bone. Deep massage movements will stimulate the flow of blood to the periosteum, and therefore, increase the supply to the bone. Massage around the joints increases the circulation which nourishes the structures surrounding the joint. Massage helps to prevent and breakdown adhesions. Mobility of joints is maintained and increased. Joint stiffness is improved. Stimulate the production of synovial fluid and increases ROM

7. Muscles Massage increases the blood supply which brings nourishment and oxygen to the tissues and removes waste products. Speeds up recovery because of such Increased circulation will also facilitate tissue repair and recovery. Tissue is also warmed due to an increased blood flow and friction of the hands moving over the area. Tension is reduced and relaxation achieved through friction also help break down scar tissue if pressure localised. Elasticity improved by stretching fibres, and spreading the bundles (tight fascia reduced). Fibrous adhesions are broken down. Stimulate reflex contraction of muscle fibres which may increase muscle tone.

8. The Skin Improves the condition of the skin as metabolism is increased which stimulates cell renewal. Aids removal of dead skin cells leaves the skin looking fresher. Sebaceous glands are stimulated along with sweat glands to produce and release more sebum. This lubricates the skin, keeping it soft and supple. Sweat gland activity is also stimulated and this aids cleansing and elimination of waste. Skin colour improved as the dilation of capillaries results in erthymia. DESQUAMATION – CELL REGENERATION

9. Blood & Lymph Movements follow the venous return which is towards the heart. This pumping action helps the circulatory system with regards to supply of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and removal of waste products. Lymph nodes are found in groups throughout the body and situated close to the venous system. Lymphatic fluid is moved by muscular contraction so a greater chance of them becoming sluggish and congested. This is true during injury when interstitial fluid that is not collected by the blood capillaries builds up and produces swelling. Massage help to eliminate these waste products and speed up the interchange of fluids within the lymphatic system stimulating the flow towards the lymph nodes.

10. Stretching Help soft tissue to become more pliable especially ligaments and tendons as they do not have the same elasticity and extensibility as muscles. Improves flexibility prevents injury.

11. Remodelling & Scar Tissue Recent ST can feel firm and compact but will give under pressure applied due to the plastic properties which can be gently reshaped and moulded. Older ST can feel as solid as bone – harder to work with. Friction movements can break down the tissue into smaller particles that can be digested by phagocytes and reabsorbed into the lymphatic system. The newly replaced tissue however will never be as good as before the injury.

12. Microcirculation Normal circulatory function requires vessel walls that are flexible, pliable and that allow filtration and absorption of essential substances for normal cellular functions. Massage stretches these walls to varying degrees, which improves their function and capacity.

13. Physiological Autonomic nervous system controls: SNS – increases stimulation on the nervous system PNS – inhibits activity Different massage techniques are used to stimulate the client’s sense of touch, and by doing this you can enhance the effects and benefits of sport massage.

14. Summary The general benefits of massage fall into three specific categories; Mechanical, physiological and psychological. All the above effects allow athletes to train much more frequently at higher intensities with fewer physical problems. Because of such, it is now considered an essential part of the overall training programme.

15. Mechanical Stimulation of soft tissue Stretching of tissue to improve ROM Breaking down of scar tissue Improvements to body awareness due to correction of posture and limb alignment. Reduces tension and associated pain. Reduce soreness and pain after activity.

16. Physiological Improve circulation due to stimulation of the SNS = increase supply of oxygen and nutrients to the injured tissue = promoting healing. Also = remove waste form soft tissue via the lumphatic system. Also = reduction in swelling post-injury Opposite effect on the PNS = sedative to reduce tension, induce relaxation and relieve pain. Stimulation of the nervous system to prepare muscles for activity to come.

17. Psychological Promotes relaxation Creates a sense of feeling good about one self. Can increase confidence prior to competition. *Soft tissues refers to ; muscles, ligaments, tendons, conective tissue and skin.

18. STUDENT TASK In order to achieve P1/M1 – you are now required to design a leaflet that describes (explains) both the benefits and effects of sport massage. To help you achieve the above assume that you have just started up as a masseuse and are preparing your marketing leaflet. Also include towards the latter part of this leaflet, your roles as a professional masseuse. This could also be completed as a spider diagram that firstly lists the different roles and responsibilities followed by a sentence or two that describes each listed. (Discussed last lesson)