Each sport uses a particular set of muscles and the repetitive strain of these muscles can lead to injury and/or chronic pain. Injuries can be avoided if the athlete thoroughly warms up before their activity. The easiest warm-up is sitting in a warm or hot bath. Muscle sprains and strains are mostly due to muscle tissue that is not warmed up and therefore is not elastic. Muscle tissue acts something like taffy. Warm taffy is soft and yielding and will stretch but cold taffy is brittle and will snap and break. Muscle tissue will act the same way but on a microscopic level. How severe or how many microscopic tears are incurred will determine the severity and pain level of the injury. Using a hot or warm bath to warm up is simple and very effective. Whether the sport is running, cycling, yoga, basketball, or any other sport – the more relaxed your muscles are the less chance of injury and the more you will start to enjoy the freedom of movement. You can also use a bath after your event to help with the recovery phase of healing.

In addition, sports massage can be helpful for preventing injuries. Sport massage is typically used before, during, and after athletic events to prepare the athlete for peak performance, counteract fatigue, relieve swelling, reduce muscle tension, and promote flexibility. Depending on the needs of the athlete, a variety of techniques are used to accomplish these goals. This includes classic Swedish strokes, cross-fiber friction, trigger-point therapy, and PNF joint mobilization, neuromuscular re-education, and myofascial release.

C. Muhammad Haqq, L.M.T., S.M.T., is the co-owner of Essential Massage of Cocoa Village, Inc., National Certified Event Sports Massage Therapist, former spring-training Sports Massage Therapist for the Indiana Pacers, CFT/Sommer Sports Olympic Iron Man Triathlons, Women’s Pro-Fast Pitch League, National Wheelchair Basketball League and Wah Lum Kung Fu Temple. For more information call 321-631-5678 or email mhaqq(at)yahoo.com