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Massage therapy specializations range from reflexology to acupressure. Recently sports massage has increased in popularity. Sports medicine facilities and fitness centers have massage therapists specializing in sports massage on staff.

A sports massage does more than relax muscles. Used by athletes to prevent injures, aid in rehabilitation, and boost performance, sports massages have become an essential element of many athletic training programs. Increased blood circulation, increased flexibility, and lowered blood pressure are just a few of the benefits. Sports massages are being used to effectively reduce muscle spasms as well as the damage caused by the repetitive motions.

Students who enroll in Sports Massage Therapy training programs receive training in six types of sports massages:

A deep Swedish massage is a variation of the most popular of the massage modalities, the Swedish massage that adapts to athletes by using muscle-specific applications of the standard six strokes. This type of massage had been proven to reduce pain and joint stiffness. 

A compression massage uses pressure from the hand or foot to cause muscles to contract and relax, protecting muscles from damage. 

Cross-fiber massage is used as a rehabilitative massage as it stretches large muscles groups, restores inflamed muscles, and relieves pain. 

Lymphatic massage, or a lymph drainage massage, is useful for a variety of medical conditions including sports injury. This type of massage increases lymph flow which removes toxins from the body. 

The trigger point massage targets muscles, connective tissues, and ligaments in order to reduce pain caused when a muscle or muscle group is injured. This type of massage also reduces the symptoms of nausea, ear ache, and blurred vision that are caused by such injuries.

Classes that train massage therapists in sports massage are available across the nation. Look for programs that offer special sports massage certification, as well as those associated with successful sports massage therapists.

In the competitive arena of sports and athletic, even a small advantage can mean the difference between success and failure. Sports massage therapists are able to give athletes treatment that improves both mind and body, providing a valuable edge over their competition.