How to Give a Back Massage for Sports Therapy

Many trainers and athletes can attest to the benefits of a sports massage. You can use sports massage to prevent as well as treat injuries. During a sports massage, more pressure is used to treat areas, such as the back, that are susceptible to sports-related injuries.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Warm up the back muscles. Before you perform any deep massaging, you should perform a massage over the entire back while applying moderate pressure.

2. Use the PNF technique for the back massage. You apply firm pressure and massage all muscle groups. You want to give an elongated massage to the patient.

3. Request that the patient extends his arm. If the muscles are engaged during the sports massage, it allows for stretching of the muscles and increased blood flow.

4. Ask the patient to gradually pushes against you. With his arm extended, he should push against your hand. He'll use more of his body weight until almost fully engaged.

5. Allow the muscles to relax during a rest period between each engagement. You only need a brief rest period, approximately 10 seconds.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to talk to the patient as you perform the back massage. Ask them if anything is uncomfortable and instruct them to tell you if they want you to stop.
• Don't give a sports massage to anyone who has a serious health condition. You should not massage a person with open wounds, burns or muscle ruptures.

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