Sports Massage Therapy

Upper Back Massage

A sports massage works the soft tissues, ligaments and tendons in a certain part of the body. It is proven to realign fibers in the muscles, remove lactic acid and aid in injury recovery by breaking down scar tissue. Overall a massage helps to keep the body in better condition, which may improve an athlete's performance and extend the longevity of his or her career.

For a basic upper back massage, start by grasping the top the right shoulder with the right hand. Place the left hand on the lower back. Move the left hand up firmly along one side of the spine and move the right hand downward to meet it. Stroke both hands over the shoulder.

Next, use the right hand to cup underneath the right shoulder. On the left hand, use the thumb or fingers to stroke from the shoulder down around the shoulder blade. Be sure to stroke upwards over the entire shoulder blade. Repeat these techniques on the left side of the spine.

A back massage is only a temporary way to relieve pain and relax the muscles. Usually it requires additional treatment, such as rest or icing, in order to recover from an injury. However, massages do have benefits. A massage increases blood flow and circulation, which helps to relieve sore muscles and tissues. By relaxing the muscles through a massage, flexibility is improved. Furthermore, massages cause endorphins to be released, which will ease anxiety and improve your mental and emotional well-being.