Sports Massage

Comment

Comment by Earl Wenk on September 23, 2009 at 2:18pm

Hi Christopher,

As far as techniques go, I integrate myofascial and trigger point work in my sports massages. I also utilize active isolated stretching or muscle energy techniques in almost every session.

But, it is more important to understand the mechanisms of injury & know the soft tissue structures that need attention. Also, knowing what techniques are appropriate in relation to competition are essential.

If you did not have a significant sports massage segment in school, I'd advise attending at least one continuing education course. If you are looking for a good book, I'd recommend Therapeutic Massage in Athletics, by Pat Archer.

Comment by Christopher V Acosta on September 22, 2009 at 10:06am

For newcomers who want to massage for athletic teams what type of training should one obtain? I see trigger point therapy below. I've been out of school for only one year so right after graduation I jumped into the spa setting just so I could keep the momentum going in terms of massaging as many bodies as I could and not lose my touch. Any sugesstions would be greatly appreciated.

Comment by Earl Wenk on September 21, 2009 at 1:53pm

For those of you with Olympic aspirations, here is the link to the volunteer application:

http://www.usolympicteam.com/content/index/3623

But, you should also read Bennie Vaughn's blog on the time commitment needed (perhaps Larry can attest to this!):
http://massagemag.com/massage-blog/olympic-massage/

Comment by Larry Warnock on September 16, 2009 at 12:02pm

When I first started doing sportsmassage 100 years ago, I went directly to the owners of teams and suggested that I could save them lots of money where the traditional medical community relied heavily on cortisone, surgeries and other meds...plus lots of ice and stim and ultrasound (which, by the way, is totally ineffective but a good charge on the insurance!).

I asked them to give me the chance with one athlete who was currently on the injured list. A number took me up on my offer and, fortunatately with my expertise in Trigger Point Therapy, was able to fix the problem. I remember one Boston-based pro team with a pitcher who was on the injured list. I found triggers in the subscapular and rhomboids. After one treatment, he was able to pitch 6 innings of shut out ball. That was all it took. I still work with this team and many others.

Another great way to jump in is to do the Olympics. I went to Atlanta, etc...now i have bragging rights about being a sportsmassage to Olympians.

My practice is 90% athletes from high school, to college, to jr. hockey, to pros.

Nice life!

Comment by Darcy Neibaur on September 16, 2009 at 11:32am

Bill what a great idea. I have a friend who does Latino dancing and never thought about going to the dances to massage the dancers. I do massage this one dancer friend of mine though. I have been invited to the dances but have not gone. Maybe I will one time and check it out since reading your sharing. Thanks so much. .

Comment by Mike Hinkle on September 14, 2009 at 12:48pm

A message from Karen Menehan to all members of Sports Massage on massage and bodywork professionals!

Our September issue's cover story is "3 Steps to Marketing Your Sports-Massage Practice," by Bob McAtee. I'd love to receive any feedback on the article from members of this group. You are also welcome to share news leads – info about therapists working with athletes - with me. Thanks! – Karen, www.massagemag.com.

Comment by Bill Cahalan on September 11, 2009 at 8:27pm

I take my table and chair to Irish dance competitions (feis pronounced fesh) I charge a nominal fee for pre-event warm up, stretch and rom and post event cool down. There are normally around a thousand dancers at the feis and I stay busy. I have only done two so far next weekend will be my third feis as a MT. I had never before seen a MT at these events and dancers are beginning to look for me and ask if I will be at other feisanna (plural for feis. No charge for the Irish language lesson :) ) I am making arraignments to have a booth at the Mid America Oireachtas,too ( pronounced O rock tos = regionals)
My son has been competing for six years so when I went to MT school I had this type of practice in mind.

Comment by Lynn Teachworth on September 10, 2009 at 4:52pm

Its not always easy to get in with professional athletes. They are pretty well screened and protected and most of the medical staffs with pro teams and tours are working with a 70's model of rehab and treatment.

I now have over 400 professional athletes ranging from LPGA, PGA, pro wakeboarding, water skiing, soccer, MMA fighting, tennis, etc. I was lucky and met some trainers who were very tied in with pro athletes and they set it up. Its just like anything other job. You have to get good results or they won't come back. Word of mouth is the only way to go in the sports world. We can have enough tools in our belt to be their main tool for health if its not a broken bone or a severe tear.

I suggest getting to the athletes support people, trainers, managers, doctors, etc. Going to apply for a team is often fruitless and if you do get the job, its often not glamorous, long hours and little pay. I did it once and will never again. Most pro teams, change staff every few years so its great for credibility but it can destroy your current practice as well.

Like Earl said, go volunteer and get some referrals and experience. That is the best way to build your practice. However, most high schools and even colleges can't afford to pay a therapist what they are worth. Its a good place to start and we all have to pay our dues somewhere but just be mindful of the situation you are working yourself into.

Good luck!

Comment by Earl Wenk on September 6, 2009 at 8:00am

Hi Everybody. It's great to see a community building here!

I've had similar experiences as Larry just posted working with high schools. The parents of the athletes will often sit in the room with me as I work on their son/daughter and ask me questions during the session. They then make an appointment for themselves when we're done.

I found giving away your time at sporting events or to sports groups is a great way to build your client list and become known as a sports massage therapist. It's free marketing (just your time) and people respond well when they can get an introduction. This is especially true as a male massage therapist.

I have not had the opportunity with the Special Olympics, but I do work with a Paralympian & that is also an amazing experience!

Comment by Larry Warnock on September 6, 2009 at 7:42am

Jamie:

When I frist started my practice, I volunteered at our local high school. One coach was familiar with the benefits of sportsmassage so he advised his team to work with me. The interesting thing was that parents would call thanking me for helping their son and then would say, "Do you know anything about bad backs? or ? ? and before I knew it, my practice was full. So, I would treat a high school athlete free and then get paid for treating the family, friends, neighbors, etc. of that kid.

Working with the special olympics has been one of the best aspects of my practice.

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