In the intricate symphony of the human body, nerves play a pivotal role, acting as messengers that facilitate communication and coordination. This is particularly relevant in the realm of sports massage therapy, where understanding the function of nerves is crucial for enhancing performance, aiding recovery, and promoting overall well-being. As a Sports Massage Therapist I'm equipped with the knowledge about the nervous system, skillfully navigate the intricacies of muscles and tissues to optimize the body's response to physical activity. Let's delve into the essential functions of nerves and how they intersect with the practice of sports massage therapy.
I liken nerves as messengers in the body's communication system. They transmit signals between different parts, allowing the body to sense its environment, move muscles, and regulate various functions. Sensory nerves pick up information, while motor nerves control movements. The nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, processes and coordinates these signals. Nerves also play a role in quick, automatic responses known as reflexes. Overall, nerves are crucial for the body to function, connecting and coordinating its various parts.
Probably the most common complaints I see in clinic are symptoms of sciatica, tennis and golfers elbow.
To understand where the pain is originating I use a mix of tests, for sciatica its called the Slump Test, this can indicate if the problem originates at L4 to S3, or further down the body either in the piriformis, hamstrings, gastroc all the way down into the foot. Sometimes I'm a Sports Massage Therapist turned detective!
Similarly Golfers and Tennis Elbow; Medial and Lateral Epicondylitis both are repetitive use injuries and not just limited to sport, gardening such as pruning, knitting, plasterers, roofers are all prone to this condition. Both conditions are painful and due to inflammation of the tendons in the forearm which control finger movements.
As a Sports Massage Therapist I can play a valuable role in alleviating symptoms and promoting recovery for individuals by using Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release and provide stretching exercises that are completed at home.
What leads to the irritation of nerves? Nerves traverse tunnels within muscles, soft tissues, and around joints. The potential for irritation arises when nerves experience compression or tethering (pinching) due to factors such as tight muscles, muscle spasms, or a spinal disc issue. The key role for a Sports Massage Therapist is to determine if the issue is due to soft tissue compression or a disc issue. In 2023 I qualified as a Level 5 BodyMaster Practitioner and this qualification gave me the skills and tools to use Myotome testing to flag the nerve root (spinal disc) or a soft tissue problem.
Nerve pain is often experienced as numbness, tingling, sharp shooting pains, throbbing pain, loss of grip or unable to load the leg when walking. Don't delay, book an appointment to ease these symptoms and restore pain free living. Any questions please call me on 07795 550963 or send me an email to info@completebalance.co.uk. I look forward to hearing from you.