When it comes to the various forms of massage many differences can be found. This is very apparent when it comes to such forms as sports massage therapy and Tuina.

Sports massage therapy is almost as straightforward as it sounds. It is mainly used to treat those in the many different athletic fields such as basketball, football, baseball, soccer, tennis, and etc. This type of massage is used in both a therapeutic and preventative manner. Applied during warm-ups, at competitions, and during trainings this type of massage may help to prevent or at least treat sports related injuries.

This can mean an increase in the athlete’s range of motion, mental clarity, flexibility and improvement in his or her performance. Almost every single sports team imaginable retains the services of a licensed sports massage therapist. Even some professional athletes will have a private massage therapist.
 

Tuina is a style of Asian massage therapy that has been around for many centuries. It uses basic hand massage techniques just as the sports massage therapy does. It is meant however to affect the flow of Qi, or chi, thorough the body. It does so by using pressure to affect various acupressure points, nerves, muscles and blockages. It is these blockages that help to cause the feelings of illness in many clients.
 
By bringing the Qi back into balance the patient, or client, and it is this sense of balance which helps to bring vitality and health back to the client.

Whereas sports massage therapy is intended to relieve acute musculoskeletal pain, Tuina is better suited to alleviating chronic pains as well as disorders affecting the respiratory and/or digestive systems. Interestingly enough Tuina has also been noted to relieve such maladies as symptoms of premenstrual cycle, headaches, emotional problems, and constipation. While sports massage therapy has its values in one aspect Tuina has a much greater chance of touching on all the maladies that may be plaguing the client.

 

Leave a Reply