Are you tired of battling chronic pain from intense training and injuries? Lacrosse is an exciting and fast-paced sport, but it can also lead to injuries. Neuromuscular therapy is a special type of treatment that can help athletes recover from injuries, improve their performance, and even help them achieve their dreams of getting scholarships or going pro. In this blog post, we’ll explain why neuromuscular therapy is important for youth lacrosse athletes and how it can make a big difference.
Why is Lacrosse Sports Massage Important ?
Enhancing Performance
Neuromuscular therapy helps athletes move better by improving the function of their muscles and nerves. This means they can run faster, change direction quicker, and play longer without getting tired.
Preventing Injuries
Regular therapy sessions can keep muscles healthy and flexible, reducing the chance of getting hurt. By treating tight or weak muscles, athletes are less likely to suffer from common lacrosse injuries.
Aiding Recovery
When athletes do get injured, neuromuscular therapy helps them heal faster. It reduces pain, improves blood flow, and helps rebuild strength and flexibility in the injured areas.
Common Injuries in Lacrosse and How Therapy Helps
1. Hamstring Strains
Muscles Involved: Hamstrings (back of the thigh)
Trigger Points: Back of the thigh, from the hip to the knee
Why It Happens: Sudden sprints or overstretching
Therapy Benefits: Reduces tightness, improves flexibility, and helps athletes run without pain.
2. Shoulder Injuries
Muscles Involved: Rotator Cuff (around the shoulder joint)
Trigger Points: Top and front of the shoulder
Why It Happens: Repetitive throwing motions or collisions
Therapy Benefits: Eases muscle tension, increases range of motion, and helps with throwing and catching.
3. Ankle Sprains
Muscles Involved: Peroneal Muscles (outside of the lower leg)
Trigger Points: From the knee to the ankle
Why It Happens: Quick direction changes or uneven playing surfaces
Therapy Benefits: Decreases inflammation, enhances stability, and helps athletes run and pivot without discomfort.
4. Lower Back Pain
Muscles Involved: Quadratus Lumborum (lower back)
Trigger Points: Lower back, near the spine
Why It Happens: Poor posture, weak core muscles, or physical stress
Therapy Benefits: Alleviates muscle tightness, improves posture, and reduces pain.
Prevention Strategies
Preventive Measures
Warm-Up Routines: Dynamic stretching and mobility exercises to prepare muscles for activity.
Strength Training: Focus on building core strength, leg muscles, and shoulder stability.
Flexibility Exercises: Regular stretching to keep muscles flexible.
Proper Technique
Using the correct form during training and games is crucial. Proper technique minimizes stress on muscles and joints, reducing the risk of injuries.
Lacrosse Sports Massage Treatment and Rehabilitation
Initial Treatment
For most lacrosse injuries, follow the R.I.C.E. method:
Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain.
Ice: Apply ice packs to reduce swelling.
Compression: Use bandages to control swelling.
Elevation: Keep the injured area raised above heart level.
Rehabilitation Practices
Rehabilitation should include:
Physical Therapy: Exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Neuromuscular Therapy: Techniques to relieve pain, improve muscle function, and speed up recovery.
Gradual Return to Activity: Slowly increase activity levels to avoid re-injury.
Achieving Scholarship and Professional Goals
Neuromuscular therapy not only helps with recovery but also enhances overall athletic performance. Here’s how it can help youth lacrosse athletes reach their goals:
Injury Prevention: By keeping muscles flexible and strong, the chances of getting injured are reduced.
Faster Recovery: When injuries do happen, athletes can get back on the field quicker.
Enhanced Performance: With less pain and better muscle function, athletes can play at their best, impressing scouts and coaches.
Longevity: Staying healthy means athletes can play for more years, increasing their chances of earning scholarships and going professional.
Explore the Referral Pain Chart:
By applying pressure on the X marks for 10 to 20 seconds, you may feel referral pain in the blue areas, providing insights into the interconnected nature of pain in the body.
Understanding these trigger points and their referred pain patterns is essential for targeted treatment and effective relief. Book a session at OC Elite Recovery to address the root cause and experience lasting relief.
Take Action: Book Your Appointment at OC Elite Recovery Today!
f you want to keep your young lacrosse athlete healthy, improve their performance, and help them reach their dreams, book an appointment at OC Elite Recovery in San Clemente, CA. Our expert therapists are here to support your journey to success.
Schedule your session today and take the first step towards a healthier, more successful lacrosse career!
Pain has a pattern. When you come in for your session there is no guessing what soft tissue is contributing to your pain we are well verse in the pain patterns of the body. Your nervous system is the command center for your body the nerve trunk that supplies a specific joint also supplies the muscles of the joint, as well as the tendons, skin and related muscles. This complex system regulates your body’s systems & guides almost everything you do and allows you to experience your environment. The nervous system holds the key to the body’s incredible potential to heal itself.
Tiffany Sandoval
Hi I'm Tiffany Sandoval, OC's trusted Elite Pain Relief & Mobility Expert with over 13 years. My expertise is backed by certifications in Neuromuscular Therapy, FST-Neuromyofascial Tissue Practice, and Vodder Certified Manual Lymph Drainage, allowing me to offer specialized care tailored to your needs. Let's work together to unlock your body's potential, regain mobility, and pave the way for a pain-free, active lifestyle. Connect with her here or on LinkedIn.
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