Sports massage is designed to help pro athletes, amateur athletes, or duffers to prepare their bodies for athletic performance, recover after training or events, and/or help prevent injuries during training. There are four types of sports massages:

* pre-event sports massage -- a short, stimulating massage 15 - 45 minutes before the event. It is directed toward muscles directly involved in the sport and stretching.
* post-event sports massage -- given within an hour or two of the event to help the body recover from an event.
* restorative sports massage -- given during training to allow the athlete to train harder and with less injury.
* rehabilitative sports massage -- aimed at alleviating pain due to injury and returning the body to health.

Most amateur athletes would benefit the most with a post event and resotrative massages. These massages are geared to keep the athlete in his best physical shape and to help prevent injuries. The massage will also help the body recover during training without having stiff or sore muscles. This helps the athlete during training to maintain his peak performance.

A sports massage can also be a good choice if you have a specific soft-tissue problem. The therapist will incorporate massage and stretching to help the healing process. The massage will also help with pain management so the athlete can continue to train or participate.

Author's Bio: 

LMT MA#53792
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Florida State Massage Therapy Association
National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork