*Know the stats and players names of what sport you want to massage.
*Athletes love talking about how they performed in the game/event…Appear to be interested (Even if you are not)!
*Know what techniques to use for: Pre, Post, Intermediate, and Rehabilitative Massage.
*If you work for a sports team, you will work under the Athletic trainers.
*Know your muscles (They know a lot)!
*Know types of injuries an Athlete can have!
*Most of these techniques involve: movement and massage at the same time.
*All sports massage techniques can use Muscle Energy Techniques (PNF, AIS, CRAC…) while you are performing them to increase the pressure.
*If the technique is to intense while they are resisting, just start the pain tolerance out at 4-5 (Out of 10) and have them resist you to create their own tolerance.
*Never have the client tense up so much that they vibrate.
*Most of the techniques are slow, deep glides.
*Most of these techniques are used for Rehabilitative Massage (2-3 days before or after an event).
*Remember the rules of R.I.C.E.
*Some sports you can’t use oil before an event (Wrestling…).
*Make sure to remove as much oil off their body before an event/game.
*Coco Butter sticks work very well for deep friction (It provides great traction).
*A lot of the techniques can be performed with the client wearing shorts (Shorts and sports bra for women) and no sheets on the table.
*Never ask the athlete were they hurt just before their event/game.