By supporting the sportsperson’s recovery, training regime and pre-event preparation the therapist can help ensure that the sportsperson reduces their likelihood of injury, and can support a higher intensity training programme than would otherwise be available. The therapist can also advise on the appropriate use of massage and frequency and timing of treatments.
Although a sportsperson’s coach/trainer or the athlete themselves can prepare a training plan (be it as simple as to run twice a week for an hour or a very detailed programme), the sports massage therapist can provide input into the plan. This could be in the form of guidance on possible causes of aches or pains, tightness and things found during the treatments. Causes could include footwear or other gear, overtraining, muscle or structural imbalances, inadequate warm up and warm down, issues with strength or stamina, and effect on the body.