This video presentation demonstrates a unique and wide ranging sequence of strokes for Pre-event and Post-event Sports Massage, incorporating the classical movements of effleurage, petrissage, tapotment and the advanced techniques of Palpation, Connective Tissue Massage and Lymph Drainage.

Pre-event Massage is used increase the effects of a full warm up routine. Pre-event massage aims to stimulate the circulatory and nervous system, to prepare the athlete for an event and invigorate the body thus helping it to work at an optimal level.

Benefits include:
Increase of blood flow and tissue temperature
Increase in the rate of energy release in the body (the metabolic rate)
Increase in speed at which nerve impulses travel, facilitating body movements
Decrease in muscular tension
Enhanced ability of connective tissue to elongate
Help in preparing the athlete psychologically

Post-event Massage has an important roll in speeding up recovery after an event.
Aims to help the body recover from the exertion of an event by removing metabolites such as lactic acid.

Benefits include:
Muscular relaxation
Increased range of motion
Mental relaxation
Better lymphatic drainage
Reduces muscle soreness as lactic acids and other metabolites can be effectively cleared
Prevention of injury

This video acts as an aid for students and therapists to provide full body, Pre-event and Post-event Sports Massage. A detailed explanation of the techniques follows real time demonstrations of a full treatment as well as individual chapters for quick reference. This is a companion guide to our Certificate courses and is not intended to replace formal training.

Alison Kavanagh and Aubrey Gowing are the directors of Holistic College Dublin and have provided comprehensive, professional training for 25 years, in a wide range of therapies from foundation courses to the most advanced clinical and therapeutic training in Ireland.