Sports Massage Course
Janice Lee
Janice is a massage therapist. She specializes in sports massage and enjoys taking long walks at Sentosa!
What is sports massage?
Sports massage is a type of massage given to people with sports injuries. This is most commonly sports injuries in the hand or the foot. For example, football players get foot injuries like pulling a muscle in the leg. This can be very painful and players need to get a sports massage to recover quickly.
Sports massage is typically performed alongside physiotherapy. It is a big part of physiotherapy is sports massage. Physical therapy is used to help anyone from atheletes to the elderly with mobility. That’s also why many physiotherapists sign up for our sports massage courses.
What happens during a sports massage?
The first part of a sports massage is the diagnosis. Your physiotherapist will ask you a lot of questions about your injury. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as trigger pointing to treat your injury. The type of technique differs from injury to injury.
For example, the massage technique used to treat an ankle injury will differ from a back injury.
What makes a massage a sports massage?
A sports massage is designed for athletes. It helps with muscle recovery and performance. The techniques are specific to the athlete’s sport. It focuses on areas of the body that are overused or stressed. It’s not just for professionals but for anyone active. This massage enhances flexibility, reduces fatigue, improves endurance, and helps prevent injuries. It combines deep tissue massage, stretching, and movements related to the sport.
Why should I learn from a sports massage course instead of watching a Youtube video?
Sports massage and physiotherapy is very serious. Any mistake could result in a lot of pain for your client. The wrong move or putting pressure on the wrong area could result in the injury getting worse. To prevent getting sued by your client, only perform a sport massage when you’re confident that you can help. Many countries like Singapore require physiotherapists to be certified. Singapore requires professionals to take a sports massage course before practising.
What are the benefits of a sports massage?
Sports massage has nearly become synonymous with physiotherapist. The number one benefit is getting better. Without sports massage, you can expect to be in constant pain and not recover well from your injury. This could translate to a long-term untreatable condition.((Terence Vanderheiden, D. (2023, August 21). The benefits of sports massage. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/sports-massage-what-are-the-benefits-1337670))
How long does it take to get a sports massage?
A sports massage duration varies. It can last from 30 minutes for a specific area to 90 minutes for a full-body session.
How much do sports massage therapists make?
Sports massage therapists in Singapore earn differently based on experience and workplace. On average, they make about SGD 2,500 to SGD 4,500 a month. Beginners earn less, around SGD 2,000 to SGD 2,500. Experienced therapists can earn more, up to SGD 5,000 or higher, especially if they work at high-end places or run their own business. The exact salary can vary with location, skills, and the number of clients.((Salary: Sports therapist in Singapore 2023 | glassdoor. (n.d.). https://www.glassdoor.sg/Salaries/sports-therapist-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.html))
How many levels are there in sports massage in Singapore?
In Singapore, sports massage courses typically have four levels. These range from basic techniques to advanced therapeutic skills.
How often do athletes go for a sports massage?
Athletes often get sports massages once or twice a week. This helps them recover faster. It also prevents injuries. Before big competitions, they might get massages more often. This keeps their muscles in good shape. Each athlete’s schedule can vary based on their needs and the sport they do.
Is sports massage worth it?
Yes, sports massage is beneficial. It speeds up recovery, improves flexibility and reduces injury risk. It also enhances overall athletic performance.
What are the disadvantages of sports massage?
Sports massage, while helpful, can have downsides. It can be costly and not always covered by insurance. Some people may feel pain or discomfort during or after the massage. It’s not a fix-all solution; injuries or chronic issues may need more treatment. Also, finding a skilled therapist is crucial, as poor technique can worsen problems. Lastly, there can be downtime after intense sessions. It can affect daily activities or sports training schedules.
Is sports massage just for athletes?
Sports massage is not just for athletes. It helps anyone with muscle pain, stress, or stiffness. It improves blood flow, heals injuries, and reduces pain. Good for both sports people and non-athletes. Helps with overall well-being and muscle health.
What is the science behind sports massage?
Sports massage releases tension in the muscles. It also improves blood circulation. This helps the removal of lactic acid in the body which is accumulated when doing sports.
In addition, this can also trigger a positive psychological effect. The athlete’s mind is calmed which will help them to perform better during a game or competition.((Shen, C. C., Tseng, Y. H., Shen, M. C. S., & Lin, H. H. (2021, May 10). Effects of Sports Massage on the Physiological and Mental Health of College Students Participating in a 7-Week Intermittent Exercises Program. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18095013))
How does a sports massage usually go?
A sports massage starts with warming up the muscles. The therapist uses light touches and strokes. Then, they focus on deep tissue techniques. They target areas stressed from sport activities. The massage helps loosen tight muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce pain. It can be intense but aims to aid recovery and enhance performance. The session ends with gentle stretching to improve flexibility. Each massage is tailored to the athlete’s specific needs.
What do we teach in our sports massage course?
Our sports massage course includes a wide curriculum:
- How to perform a consultation and diagnosis
- Sports massage on the hands
- Sports massage on the feet
- Study of human anatomy and blood circulation and skeleton structure of the body
- Safety and health standards in Singapore
- How to give aftercare advice to your clients
- How to perform basic physiotherapy
- Physiotherapy practice with your partner during the sports massage course