UpClose & Personal - Mike McGillicuddy

When I talk about event massage I am talking about sports massage that actually takes place at the competition site. Post- Event can be the most difficult to provide.

The purpose of Post-Event massage is to help the athlete recover from the activity they have just participated in. In the State of Florida the definition of massage is "Massage means the manipulation of the soft tissue of the human body."

At events some athletes may require medical attention before, during or after the competition. Hopefully there is a medical team at the event that is capable of handling these situations. Oftentimes a massage therapist may be put in the position of dealing with an athlete that may require medical attention. Sports Massage Therapists providing post-event massage should be trained in first aid. Conditions such as dehydration, hyperthermia, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and hypothermia can become quite serious. When confronted with one of these situations, a sports massage therapist should always refer the athlete to the medical team. The medical team should also treat minor problems such as cuts, scrapes and blisters.

Before you begin to administer a Post-Event massage. a brief interview should be conducted with the athlete just to make sure they are coherent and rational. Most people requesting Post-Event massage should present themselves in fairly good condition. Remember, if you let someone get on your massage table and something happens to the athlete while they are there, you may be held liable.

I always like to inform the athlete before I begin the massage that "if anything I do causes you any discomfort, please let me know." Sometimes an athlete may become uncomfortable just lying on the table or because of the technique that is being used. Let them know that they should communicate any discomfort to you.

My Post-Event massage starts with Compressive Effleurage to establish appropriate pressure and push fluids from distal to proximal. I usually follow with Petrissage to knead and milk the muscle. With Petrissage you should be careful with your pressure. I then use compression strokes to relieve tightness that occurs as the muscles cool down. Compression can also restore blood flow to the targeted muscles. Broadening strokes can then be used to restore length and broaden muscle bellies. I then return to Compressive Effleurage to finish off and soothe the area.

If you are familiar with good stretching techniques they can be administered to relieve soreness and prevent muscle tightening. Post-Event Massage should not last much more than ten to fifteen minutes. It is not intended to be a full body massage. It is for the purpose of helping the athlete recover from physical activity.

When an athlete gets up to get off your table from a Post-Event Massage watch them carefully. As they get up they may become light headed or dizzy. Watch them take their first few steps away form the table. Sometimes they can experience cramping as they walk away from the table from the inactivity of lying on the massage table.

I always like to look the athlete in the eyes right after the massage to see how clear they look. I have enjoyed having that personal contact with the athlete right after they have competed. It can be of great psychological value to the athlete.

Good Luck. I hope the information shared is helpful to you.

E-mail: SpiritMcG@aol.com