Atlanta Tennis Association
An article in the Fall 2007 online issue of Massage Envy Magazine outlines the need of golfers and tennis players for sports massage therapy. Sports enthusiasts can avail of sports massage therapy from reputable therapeutic massage clinics in Lenox Mall, Buckhead, Atlanta GA.
Dr. Johnny C. Benjamin, spine surgeon and chairman of the orthopedics department at Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach, says golfers make up about half of his patients. Their complaints include lower back pain and shoulder and arm injuries from playing. Tennis players, on the other hand, often come to him complaining of back pain as well as wrist and elbow pain.
Dr. Benjamin says most golf-related and tennis-related injuries occur when golfers and tennis players do not have enough training and then overdo their activity on the golf course or tennis court. “You have to look at them both as sports,” he says, adding that both sports can be intensely physical and demanding.
Dr. Benjamin points out that many golfers injure themselves by swinging the club with too much force. They either strain or sprain their back and arm muscles. They are also vulnerable to injuries from lifting and carrying golf bags that are overloaded and too heavy for them.
In tennis, Dr. Benjamin says that a too tight grip on the racquet can lead to elbow and arm injuries. Swinging the racquet with too much force can lead to rotator cuff damage at the top of the shoulder. Feet, knees and hamstrings may also be overworked on the tennis court.
Proper training can solve many of these problems. Dr. Benjamin says you should get the advice of either a golf pro or a tennis pro in order to correct your playing errors that could cause injury.
Overall fitness is also a must, not only for tennis but also for golf. Dr. Benjamin says, “Tiger [Woods] has brought a new level of fitness to the game. He has a lot of core strength. He has broad shoulders. And he runs miles. He trains like a high-caliber athlete.”
Dr. Benjamin himself lifts weight to keep fit. He says, “If you can’t walk a mile or two without anything hurting, you shouldn’t think about any activity until you can.”
When strain or sprain occurs, Dr. Benjamin advises the application of ice on the injury for the first 72 hours, followed by a moist heating pad. Over the counter pain relievers can ease the pain quickly. He then recommends massage for speedy healing. “Massage is great in helping to bring blood and nutrients to the affected area to repair the soft tissue. Ideally, you should get a massage as soon as you can tolerate it. Massage also can help break up scar tissue and keep the muscles supple so less scar tissue develops in the first place.”
Massage Envy Magazine cites Maureen Moon, former president of the American Massage Therapy Association, saying that it is important to approach a professional massage therapist with experience in sports massage. One should request that the massage be focused on treating your injury.
Sports massage is just as beneficial for all athletes when there is no injury present. Massage Envy Magazine says that stretching the muscles while the body is warm and more elastic increases flexibility and suppleness. The accumulated lactic acid in the muscles which causes fatigue and soreness is dispersed by the kneading strokes of massage.
Apart from getting regular sports massage therapy for themselves, golfers and tennis players may also share the benefits of massage by giving away massage gift cards for Swedish massage therapy and deep tissue massage therapy. For pregnant ladies, they can give gift cards for pregnancy massage therapy. These are all available at the most reputable massage clinic in Lenox Mall, Buckhead, Atlanta GA.
About the Author:
Massage Envy Buckhead
Norm Klemmer
3330 Piedmont Rd #26
Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: 404-869-3689
Fax: 404-864-3699
Email: clinic0030@massageenvy.com
Website: www.massageenvy.com
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Golfers and Tennis Players Also Need Sports Massage Therapy in Atlanta GA