The role of sports massage in the prevention of injury is related to its function in maintain the length of muscles and the range of motion of joints. This helps ensure that minor niggles (such as tight muscles, spots where tension is building up, etc.) do not progress into something more serious. The sports massage therapist can also identify areas where perhaps inadequate stretches (either duration of stretches or specific stretches used) are leading toward problems, and ways to address these problems. By minimising injuries this allows training to proceed uninterrupted, helping to maximise performance.
Sports Massage can play a supporting role in the training and competitive regime of sports people, young or old, amateur or professional. It can help to get your body into its best possible condition, by encouraging recovery from your your training, or by reducing the chance of injuries. Some athletes have a number of massage treatments each week, or even several each day. For others a treatment once a month can have a significant benefit.