Massage is recorded as one of the earliest forms of physical therapy & was used over 3000 years ago in China, India & Greece. It's popular use in the Western world is largely due to the work of Per Henrik Ling (1776 - 1839), who developed the form of massage now known as Swedish massage. Ling developed his own style of massage & exercise to help gymnasts & fencers, gaining international recognition in the process. many of his ideas have formed the basic of modern sports massage.
Sports massage is a form of massage involving the manipulation of soft tissue to benefit a person engaged in regular physical activity.
Sports massage is designed to assist in correcting problems & imbalances in soft tissue that are caused from repetitive & strenuous physical activity and trauma.
The application of sports massage prior to & after exercise, may enhance performance, aid recovery & prevent injury