Sports Massage is a special form of massage and is typically used before, during, and after athletic events. The purpose of the massage is to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries.

Sports massage is a particular branch of massage that focuses on relieving skeleto-muscular tension and returning the muscles to a loose, relaxed state. Sports massage techniques provide a number of important benefits to athletes. Since they regularly train their muscles hard for peak performance, and then go out a push their bodies to the limit and beyond, they are prone to constant and chronic injuries. Sports massage helps to prevent some of those injuries, as well as speed up recovery time and relieve extreme muscle cramping and tension.

Sports massage can also give valuable information about the athlete's condition and the effects of their training program. Regular sports massage can help to avoid problems associated with overuse, so allowing for extra training sessions without the risk of injury or trauma.

Sports Massage can also include pre-event, post-event and maintenance techniques that promote greater athletic endurance and performance, lessen chances of injury and reduce recovery time.

Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles. Deep tissue massage, however, is not for everyone. There can be mild to moderate discomfort during the massage as tight muscles are worked. And there can be a day or two of soreness following the deep tissue massage - similar to after you complete a particularly rigorous workout.

Soft tissue massage is also an integral part of the majority of body massages, including sports massage, so you might experience a slight pressure if your injury is relatively new. The massage methods are based on how the musculoskeletal system functions, so that you will be receiving relief for your joints, bones and muscles, which can add to the pressure that you will feel as well.

Shiatsu is becoming more and more popular as many people are starting to realize the healing powers of shiatsu. Indeed, shiatsu can be used to treat a number of illnesses, as well as bring relief from chronic pain and stiffness.

Hellerwork is an offshoot of Rolfing that adds both mental and movement re-education to the physical work. In a series of 11 sessions, you get instruction on how to break bad posture habits and you also get a massage that focuses on returning your muscles and other tissue to their proper positions. The result can be dramatic. "Sometimes we can greatly increase the spaces in your joints to the point where you may grown three-fourths of an inch taller before you're done.

Acupressure is a traditional form of Chinese medicine that is based on the same principles as acupuncture. Pressure is applied to points along the body which removes blocks in the meridian system. Often helpful for improving the immune system and well-being.