It is the manual physical medium that treats the athlete to improve performance and prevent injuries.

The sports massage consists of a series of maneuvers that are carried out as a method of preparation for the tissues, as for the treatment of post-competition tissues, and for the control of the tissues between each sports activity.

The sports massage aims to:

• Optimize muscle performance
• Prevent injuries
• Find injuries
• Support in the treatment of injuries
• Fight against fatigue
• Increase work capacity

This specific type of massage works by activating the circulation of fluids, accelerating the elimination of waste, toxins and other waste materials, as well as increasing the oxygenation of the muscle.
The moment in which the massage is performed to the athlete is very important since it favors the concentration, introspection and emotionality of the athlete for the competition.
The athlete requires that his body be to the maximum To opt for the win in a sports activity, sports massage, is at this point very useful to achieve apart from the therapeutic effect, the contribution of confidence and safety that every athlete needs to win a test. But, for this, the massage must be performed by a professional in the science of Physical therapy.

Stages of sports massage

1- Preparatory or pre competitive:

• It is done between 6- 24 hours or 15 minutes before the activity.
• Use techniques of: Rubbing and Friction
• It’s fast and strong
• Lasts 5 minutes in each zone.

2-Recovery or competitive post:

It is done in the first 30 minutes after the activity or within the next 6 hours.

. It uses techniques of: Vibration, Percussion, Crossing out, pinching, shaking.

• It lasts about 10 minutes.

3-Maintenance

It is used for diagnosis and treatment.

• It should be carried out at least once a week.
• It uses techniques of: Kneading, palpation and friction.

Effects of sports massage

Effects on preparatory massage:

• Increased muscle wakefulness
• Increased circulation
• Increase in muscle temperature
• Increase elasticity
• Eliminates myalgia and areas of peripheral muscular adhesion.

Effects on recovery massage:

• It acts on hypertonic muscles, fatigued muscles and full of catabolites
• Blood supply
• Decrease contractures
• Facilitates waste disposal.

Facilitates waste disposal.

• Maintains elasticity
• Diagnose trigger points and myalgias
• Eliminate muscle fatigue
• Maintains muscle trophism