Sports Massage Demand Is Growing as Americans Exercise More
Sports massage is among the fastest-growing branches of the massage industry. As more Americans prioritize fitness and self-care, frequent exercise becomes a common part of everyone’s daily routine. The demand for massage therapy is growing to match. This makes sports massage techniques a valuable addition to any therapist’s toolkit.
HICI Go is an online education platform that connects learners with a diverse array of live webinars, on-demand online courses, and in-person courses. Here, we discuss the rising demand for sports massage and how massage providers can take advantage of the opportunity.
What Makes Sports Massage Special
Many athletes rely on sports massage to boost performance and enhance postgame recovery. Its popularity is on the rise across sports, which isn’t surprising, because sports massage offers an array of benefits, both for injury relief and general wellness. Among other things, this technique can:
- Decrease muscle tension
- Enhance athletic performance
- Improve flexibility and joint range of motion
- Relieve nervous tension and anxiety
- Promote a sense of well-being
- Improve sleep cycles
- Treat and prevent sports injuries
This therapy is gaining attention outside professional athletics as well. Amateur athletes, fitness buffs, and any physically active individual will experience the same types of tension and pain and will receive the same relief from sports massage.
Top Sports Massage Techniques
Sports massage is similar to deep tissue massage. Both styles aim to relieve muscle tension and pain. While some of the motions are similar, however, the targets and physical mechanics often differ. Rather than paying equal attention to the whole body, sports massage focuses on the specific areas most in need of relief.
Due to this difference, mastering sports massage techniques is essential to providing a safe and effective service. If you plan to offer sports-related services, be familiar with the following massage techniques:
- Effleurage (circular stroking with the palm)
- Petrissage (kneading the body)
- Compression
- Friction
- Tapotement or rhythmic striking
- Vibration
- Gliding
- Stretching
- Percussion
- Trigger points
- Swedish massage
Sports massage therapists must know when each technique is most appropriate, especially in relation to the athlete’s competition schedule. You should also have a working understanding of human bone and muscular structure, and common sports injuries. This will help you identify the source of pain and provide safe, effective relief.
Why Specialize?
With the correct techniques and expertise, branching into sports massage can be lucrative. It’s a rising trend with widespread demand that will only increase over time, providing a strong base and plenty of opportunities for expansion for massage businesses.
Sports massage also offers an opportunity to expand your clientele into new demographics. Athletes maintain tight-knit communities based around teams, club memberships, and workout groups where word-of-mouth travels quickly. Happy clients often share about their massage experience in the weight room, the locker room, or at practice, spreading the word to teammates and practice partners who might also benefit. Referrals like this are an effective way to build a reputation and expand your clientele.
To take maximum advantage, experts advise focusing on a specific area, method, or sport. This will help you provide the best possible service and form a strong following with a particular clientele. You may even be able to specialize entirely in sports massage to make the most of this niche.
How to Get Started in Sports Massage
Whether you’re a professional taking advantage of current trends or a beginner ready to break into the sports massage industry, HICI Go can help you get started. We’re an online education platform where seasoned professionals and enthusiasts alike can expand their skill sets and master new techniques.
Whether you want to commit to full-time education or fit lessons into your busy schedule, our three ways to learn offer flexibility to meet your needs. These include:
- In-person massage courses: Attend courses at our partner schools in Florida, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Texas for a hands-on learning experience. Those who attend in-person courses receive accounts for our online courses, as well.
- Live massage webinars: Our webinars let you learn and practice skills remotely while enjoying direct engagement with one of HICI Go’s accredited instructors.
- Online, anytime video massage courses: Video courses provide on-demand education to be completed at your own pace, perfect for professionals to fit around busy schedules.
HICI Go is committed to providing the most current education possible in an ever-changing industry. Our course listings change frequently to keep up with the latest trends, technologies, and techniques, so learners can check back often to find out what’s new.
Start Learning Sports Massage Today
Reach out to learn more about HICI Go. Our front desk can answer questions and tell you more about how our learning platform can provide a head start in the world of sports massage. To get started now, register an account.
Our in-person courses are available to students in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Miami, and other cities in Florida, and at our partner schools in Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Online courses and webinars are available anywhere in the United States. Contact us today for more information about our massage courses.