Home | Blog | About Me | Become a Massage Therapist | Websites for Massage Therapists| |
|
|
Sports Massage
|
metabolism. The intent is to cool down the body and return it to homeostasis. Muscle tension, cramping, and inflammation are also addressed. Remember anyone competing in an event usually gives it their all in terms of effort and are left extremely fatigued. Massage can reduce the recovery time of such an effort.
Ask the Athlete these questions to assess the condition of the person:
Treatment Suggestions:
Things to watch for
during Post Event Treatments:
Hyperthermia
Definition: When the rate
of heat production exceeds that of heat loss for a sufficient period of
time, resulting from inadequate fluid replacement or from failure of the
thermoregulatory systems of the body
Heat Exhaustion
Signs/Symptoms: Headache,
nausea, hair erection on upper arms and chest, chills, unsteadiness, fatigue,
skin cool and pale, sweating, dizziness, thirst
Treatment: Refer to medical aid unit to be placed in a cool environment and allowed to "sip" water.
Heat Stroke- Failure
of the thermoregulatory systems: Extreme Emergency
Signs/Symptoms: incoherent
speech, acute confusion, aggressiveness, rapid unconsciousness, absence
of sweating (ocaisionally sweating), weakness, irrational behavior
Treatment: Refer to
Medical Unit : Decrease the body temperature immediately with cold compresses
to the head and neck, alcohol rubs, place in cool environment
Thermal Stress Conditions:
Hypothermia- the rate of heat production is exceeded by heat loss: unable to maintain adequate core temperature: can be worse on cool, wet windy days.
Signs/Symptoms: shivering, euphoria, appearance of intoxication: shivering may stop as core temperature drops even more. Lethargy, muscle weakness followed by disorientation, hallucination, combative behavior, unconsciousness
Treatment: Refer to
Medical aid unit: Restore body warmth with protective covering and
surface friction. Remove wet clothing and move to warm environment.
Cramps
Definition: complete
muscle spasm without complete contraction of the fibers accompanied by
intense pain
Causes: fatigue, dehydration,
electrolyte imbalance ( calcium, potassium, magnesium), muscle strain,
injury
Treatment: Bring origin and insertion of muscle closer together. Avoid further spasm. Direct pressure may also help. Ice massage, replace fluids and electrolytes.
|
The Truth about becoming a massage therapist
|
