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The following sports massage guide is intended for information purposes only. We recommend seeking professional advice before attempting any self help treatment.
IMPORTANT: Before starting any massage treatment the therapist will check for contraindications (if any apply to you, then massage is not allowed) Click for details.
When a muscle cramps up it goes into a big spasm. Blood cannot flow through the muscle so it is deprived of its nutrients. Massage is important for releasing tension in the muscle and stimulating blood flow, particularly through the damaged and tight areas of muscle.
Technique 1: Effleurage
Aim – light stroking to warm up the area in preparation for deeper techniques.
* With the hands stroke lightly but firmly upwards from just above the heel to the back of the knee (image 1).
* Always stroke upwards towards the heart as this is the direction of blood flow. The other way can damage veins.
* Then lightly bring the hands down the outside of the leg keeping them in contact but do not apply pressure (image 2).
* Repeat the whole movement using slow stroking techniques, trying to cover as much of the leg as possible.
* Repeat this technique for about 5 to 10 minutes, gradually applying deeper pressure on the up strokes
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