Sports massage is a form of massage involving the manipulation of soft tissue to benefit a person engaged in physical activity.
Soft tissue is connective tissue that has not hardened into bone and cartilage; it includes skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia (a form of connective tissue that lines the other soft tissues). Sports massage is designed to assist in correcting problems and imbalances in soft tissue that are caused from repetitive and strenuous physical activity and trauma.
The application of sports massage, prior to and after exercise, may enhance performance, aid recovery and prevent injury.
Benefits of cupping
Releases muscle tension.
Improves digestion/relieves digestive disorders
Cupping mobilises blood flow to the skin creating a mild immune response and increasing anti-inflammatory chemicals in the body. It draws stagnant blood to the surface and improves blood circulation to the tissues. It stretches tight muscles and fascia making it a beneficial treatment for athletes.
Professional athletes such as Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and Andy Murray advocate the technique, believing it to be an essential part of sports recovery by helping to relieve stiffness and injury.
Fixed cupping is where the cups remain in place throughout the treatment, and are normally left in place from anywhere between 5 and 10 minutes.
Moving cupping (also known as gliding cupping) is where the cups are moved during the treatment to massage the muscles. To do this the practitioner will use oil on the skin to allow the cups to move easily without uncomfortable friction.
Dry cupping (or air cupping) uses a specially designed pump which is attached to the end of the cup and creates suction when applied to the skin.