Like Earl stated you should contact the team or organization first. I am also interested in sports massage field. I have contacted a few local teams to inquire about assistance needed on a part-time basis to get some experience and was asked to come in for some interviews. So that could be a start for you also. Just contact whomever it is you would like to work with and see if they need some assistance from a massage therapist.

Introducing myself....been performing sportsmassage for 30+ years. My clientele include high school and college athletes; some Boston-based pros, olympians and weekend warriors. I employ trigger point therapy to help athletes avoid injuries as well as heal from them more quickly than by employing just traditional methods like stim and ice. I work with severeal elite college team, etc. Looking forward to the dialogue.

hi everyone!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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. .

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!

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/

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.

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.

Like Earl, I employ trigger point therapy and myofascial release. I also do hold/relax stretching, which I feel is one of the best forms of stretching. I see athletes employ unbelievably ridiculous stretching routines...like putting your leg up on a fence and leaning into it...the hip screaming for relief, etc.

Re: the olympics: I have never been so busy nor so tired nor so excited....the best one for me was Australia.

One way to get more involved in sportsmassage work is to volunteer for special olympic events. While it is wonderful to work with these athletes, the exposure to corporate sponsors, coaches from many teams, trainers, PT's and such can lead to some wonderful contacts.

I'm doing my ol' CEU sound-off. Anyone know of any good sports massage CEU classes in the midwest (Chicago, Indy)

Thank you everyone for your resources. This site is awesome in terms of the networking and I'm excited to get the ball rolling. I'll post an update of my progress and findings.

I have a client with Anterior Compartment Syndrome (chronic). He is training for his first 1/2 marathon, but the ACS is hampering his plan. I am a fairly new MT with no experience in treating this condition (although I am certified in Sports Massage). Has anybody out there worked with this or should I refer him to a doc as I understand this can develop into a serious condition. Thanks!

Margy,
When you say "chronic", how long has it occurred (weeks, months)? In exertional compartment syndrome, the symptoms arise after 15-30 minutes of activity and then subside after about 30 minutes of rest.

I agree with Henry here. If this is a recurring event, he should definitely be seen by a physician and stop running until he is evaluated. They will test the pressure of the anterior compartment to be sure it is not rising to a dangerous level (it involves a big needle in the shin to measure pressure -- not fun).

I have had 4 clients with this condition over the last 3-4 years. Three of which ended up with surgery (fasciotomy) to relieve the pressure. The other one was a competitive runner who was able to recover with rest, stretching and myofascial massage on the anterior compartment. After surgery for the others, I worked on the scar tissue to eliminate adhesions.

Thanks Earl and Henry for sharing your expertise! He has been experincing this on and off for several years and it is just like you described Earl in terms of when the symptoms arise and when they subside. He has never really done any serious running until now which is why it hasn't really been a problem. I will suggest he see a doc. Maybe some oththotics would help? What are your thoughts on using heat or cold therapy? In my research I read something that said put heat on it (which didn't make sense to me), something that said to use a cold pack and one piece that said to alternate!?!? Thanks again for your input! I LIKE this new networking site!!!

Cold therapy would be advised, not heat. This condition involves the compression of the blood vessels and nerves in an inelastic fascial compartment. Heat would increase the blood flow to the muscles, increasing their size and adding to the compression. An ice cup massage would also be good for him to do at home.

Some doctors to mention orthotics as a possible solution, along with changes in training surface or change in activity all together (biking instead of running).

Excess fluid could also contribute to the condition (overweight, sodium intake, diet). But, if it has been going on for years, he really should see a physician. Hope this helps!

does anyone know where i can go for some "health" tips on recovery for a bike race and the benefits massage plays in it? i'd rather not write something myself and the group i market to would take it a little more "seriously" if it came from an official "health" source.

Hi Group,
I'm happy to announce the release of my new instructional massage DVD on forearm massage. Many of these techniques are great for athletes, as they allow to work deeply without taxing the delicate joints of the hands. The DVD is 74 minutes, beautifully shot and teaches how to give a full body massage using the forearms as the primary tool. To watch a preview please visit authmethod.com
Peace,
Shari

Thanks for your Sport's Massage Article Earl. It is posted on front page at www.massagenews.org

Thanks, Mike. I'm glad I could contribute to massagenews!

Hi Earl, I have just read your article on pre-event massage and i must say i found it very informative. It reinforced a number of things i had been trying to work out in my own practice. thanks for the article!

Hi guys, I just finished a certification class last week in St. Petersburg, FL and now I'm trying to transitions into doing a little more Sports Massge after doing more Deep Tissue and Swedish. I still have some events to do to complete the certification, but I think this group will be very informative for me and my future in Sports Massage. If anyone has any advice on incorporating Sports Massage into my practice, it will be very helpful. Thanks!

Do any of you guys that participate in event sports massage bring music with you?

Hi Frank,
I don't bother anymore. There's usually loud music blasting over the P.A. system. And since I want to be in sight of the finish line at so people can see me, I'm close enough to the music that it drowns out whatever I bring along.

That is interesting.. All the ones I have done there hasn't been anything but bull horns.. No P.A. systems at all

Depending on the event, many athletes will have their own iPod with them, so they can listen to what they want to. It can be a big ritual with pre-event massage!

Thank you for the group........Sports therapists should consider SOLPOD for their sports massages. We have supplied our products to trainers for the ASP, ATP, NBA and MLB. Great product that is re-usable, non-toxic and provides instant heat anywhere anytime. Thank you for considering. We think you will be impressed with our product. We are now offering private label! advertise your business on solpod........bless day to all.
www.solpods.net

As member of the mo sports massage team the question of dealing with post event muscle cramps often comes up. Anyone have an effective protocol they would recommend. I find a lot of different ideas and conflicting information on the subject.

I've been asked to join a group of health practitioners that take care of a sports team. I need to learn more about sports massage. Are there any resources you can suggest?

Jacqueline--

Two of my favorites:

Understanding Sports Massage

Facilitated Stretching

I agree with Erica on the Facilitated Stretching book. Here are two more I would recommend:

Sports & Exercise Massage - Sandy Fritz

Therapeutic Massage in Athletics - Pat Archer

Thanks. I will be working with elite swimmers, for now at my office. Any info that applies to swimmers?

My suggestions for working with swimmers:
1) Review the rotator cuff and study the different types of shoulder impingement
2) Be sure to work their latissimus dorsi, teres major & subscapularis
3) Find books or videos at the library or Amazon on swimming technique (Learn as much as you can about the sport)
4) Attend a few of their practices to see just what their training involves - Including the training they do out of the water ("dry land" training).

Earl, thanks for the information. I have found your articles on sports massage and know they will be my foundation for learning. Your suggestions are great. I have been to one water practice, ordered two of the books and have names of experts in the swimming field to contact. I guess im on my way. I'm really excited about this huge opportunity for me.

I have been doing swedish and hot stone alone for the past 3 years. I am now looking to get more into sports massage. Where and how would you suggest I start?

Sport Massage is the best modality that I have found that works for me. I currently work with a semi-pro basdball team doing sports massage. The team and the players like my work. I want to work for a professional team, any advice on how I should go about it?

Hi Geoffrey - I created a new discussion on marketing sports massage, to compile some of the previous posts to the comment wall. I hope this helps!

Hello All, my name is William and I have been doing sports massage for over 7 year. In this time, I have created my own style of sports massage, Applied Performance Sports Massage. For now I am having classes in Florida and plan to expland to the whole U. S. by next year. The question I have is , What is your definition of sports massage?

Hi William, welcome to the group! That's a good question. I had put my thoughts on this into this article. I'm interested to hear other people's definitions.

I am gearing up for some events coming in August, september, october..
(softball, triathlons, trailruns etc..)

Did some work this weekend at a softball tournament. I was amazed at how many guys had problems with their wrist flexors @ the origin. I have been a anatomy/palpatory/kinesiology instructor for 2 years and talked about pictures and golfer's elbow but to actually see how prevelant it is another subject all together. Hopefully, i will get atleast one client out of the deal.

FYI: I have deleted a discussion advertising a seminar/workshop. In the guidelines section of massageprofessionals.com it states the following:

Advertising is not permitted. All advertising/solicitation posts for products, services, or money will be removed. If someone is advertising, please report the issue. Understandably, you may want to get the word out regarding your offerings and services; Following are your options to do so:
* On your own page, you can list your offerings and a "for more information" website link, but do not include prices.
* You can blog about your offerings, as this is optional for readers, but again, please do not include prices.
* Defer from sending direct messages and/or group emails to groups or site members promoting your offerings. This will be considered spam.
* And finally, please do not include your offerings as a forum topic or group discussion, or create a group based on your advertising agenda.

Thank you Earl. There has been discussion about this with Lara as folks I tired of being Spamed with CE classes being posted on every group page. It is so against the guideline.

Lara Evans Bracciante, the Massage and Bodywork Professionals webmaster, has kindly allowed information about CE classes to be posted in the Continuing Education group on this site.

 

Please feel free to join the group if you'd like to be kept abreast of CE class information.

 

Here's the URL for the group:

http://www.massageprofessionals.com/group/ContinuingEducationForMas...