Foundations in Sports Therapy Portfolio Assessment, PU1006

This portfolio assignment delves into the multifaceted effects of massage therapy, focusing on its physiological, psychological, and therapeutic impacts on athletes. The student explores the physiological effects, including skin and muscle blood flow, venous return, and the lymphatic system, providing evidence-based insights into how massage enhances these bodily functions. The psychological effects are examined, covering mood and anxiety reduction, and the influence on the parasympathetic nervous system. Finally, the therapeutic effects are analyzed, including increased muscle flexibility, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) reduction, and collagen remodeling. The assignment is supported by current research and references, providing a comprehensive overview of massage therapy's benefits in sports and rehabilitation. The student has analyzed the benefits of massage techniques in the context of sports therapy, supported by current research and references, fulfilling the assignment brief's requirements to demonstrate understanding of soft tissue therapy techniques and their effects on the body and mind.

Effects of Therapy and Massage
Foundations in Sports Therapy Portfolio
University
Assessment
Name
Date

Massage and Therapy process 2
Introduction
Massage and therapy is an old technique which applies both stretching and pressure
techniques in a rhyming fashion. In preparing for massage and therapy there various
position to be taken such as posture position, hand position and physical contact
approaches. Applicable techniques entail stroking approach which is a commonly applied
technique. This technique aims at allowing touch, easing, warming superficial tissues,
relaxing the muscles, offering palpation, increasing blood flow and relaxing the patient (Field,
2016). Petrissage technique allows squeezing and relaxing on the tissues which stimulate
the local circulation system and allows pain relief. Other methods are myofascial release
(Gasibat & Suwehli, 2017), trigger point therapy, deep transverse friction, compression
massage, Swedish and cross fibre massage techniques.
Psychological Effects of Massage
Skin and muscle blood flow
The skin is part of the integumentary system and forms the largest part of the blood
covering the entire outside and comprises of sensors, endings, capillaries, glands sensors
and connective tissues. The sensors in the skin are the greatest part of the touch system
which is essential in sending signals to the brain and facilitating relaxation. In the body, there
are different types of nerves which are sensitive to a different level of touch. When
stimulation occur nerve cell signals are sent to the brain releasing endorphins which enable
the feeling and relaxation. Further, hormones in the nerve ending start stimulated upon
massage thus dilating the blood capillaries, widening the vessels to allow blood flow. This is
essential in facilitating the cellular level of the skin which is essential in elasticity and
nourishment. Massage performed through the application of oils allows exfoliation and
removal of the dead skin. The mechanical effect of the massage in the muscles aid in the
generation of heat allowing the tissues to be more pliable and increases the circulation thus
increasing the exchange of fluids and tissues (Portillo-Soto et al., 2014).

Massage and Therapy process 3
Venous return
Massage applied in the body allows for an increase in the blood flow allowing the
blood to travel in the body especially the area receiving treatment, this creates a positive
exchange of substances within the cells which is essential in freshening nutrients in the cells
and removes water thus keeping the body healthy. The massage direction is essential in the
circulatory system; the trained therapist allows the massage to the heart direction allowing
natural flow in the venous system aiding the flow of blood in the body. This action has an
essential effect on the nervous system leading to dilation of the blood vessels and lowers the
blood pressure. Thus it is essential in moments of stress; massage activity allows for the
smoothening and dilation of the flow of blood in the body thus relaxing the nerves and offers
comfort to the client (Banki et al., 2014).
Further, massage increases the venous return which allows the blood to flow back to
the heart. Blood is moved from the heart through the inferior and superior vena cavae. An
increase in the return allows the removal of the metabolic waste in the body occasioned by
increased blood flow being circulated in the body efficiently thus removing toxins in the body.
Deep effleurage strokes can increase the venous return (Iwamoto et al., 2017).
Lymphatic system
The lymphatic system comprises of the lymph fluid which is essential in the transport
of white blood cells in the body. White blood cells are cells in the immune system which are
essential in the protection of the body against infectious diseases and foreign invaders. In
massage activity, it improves the lymph as the lymph system is reliant on the movement of
the body to transport the lymph around the body. Massage therapists who are trained can
facilitate in the transportation of the fluid and enabling removal of the accumulated toxins
and improve the immune system of the body (Givi, 2013).
Mood effects
The underlying effect on the nervous system is essential in enabling rapid conduction
from one part of the body to the other. The neurological system comprises of the central
nervous system which entails the brain, spinal cord and nervous system of nerves and

Massage and Therapy process 4
autonomic nervous systems which is essential in the sympathetic and parasympathetic
systems. During the message, there is a calming effect on the nervous system, sense on
nerves and sensory receptors are stimulated when massage is applied to the nerve
pathways through the spinal cord. The parasympathetic system allows the slowdown of the
body activity, such as aspects of lowering the heart rate, lowering blood pressure and
reducing the sweat amounts. This offers a remedy to lower stress due to the sympathetic
nervous system which increases the heart rate, increases blood pressure and mobilize
glucose movements, hence lowering this aspect is facilitated by massage activity (Thomas,
2019). More often measuring this effect on the mood is often challenging as every individual
has a unique experience, however, despite this the effects of massage in the body are
essential.
Anxiety effects
Massage is widely applicable to the precept of evoking feelings of deep relaxation and
lowering anxiety levels. The anxiety-reducing hormone and mood-enhancing benefits of
massage are enabling changes on the EEG activity which is essential in lowering the cortisol
levels and increases the activity of the parasympathetic effects on the nervous system his
act automatically allowing the calming of the body during stress and anxiety. Many studies
have demonstrated that moderate pressure massage is essential in the light pressure
massage in reducing the pain linked to aspects such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid
arthritis. Further moderate pressure allows for improved attention and increases the body
responses through an increase in natural killer cells. Functional brain images have
demonstrated that activation of brain regulation in the emotional state and anxiety entail the
amygdala and the hypothalamus region (Field, 2014), further, the flight and fight response
mechanism in the adrenalin blood is combated with multiple massage session which erodes
the original fears aspects also referred to as trait anxiety initiating the initial responses.
Parasympathetic Nervous system
The occurrence of autonomic imbalance especially the parasympathetic and
sympathetic aspects which are branches of the ANS are widely linked to pain and diseases.

Massage and Therapy process 5
The sympathetic nervous system allows for short term survival through the creation of the
neurophysiological response in the body, when the sympathetic nervous system is stack it
drives persistent tone indicating stress. Persistent and increase sympathetic nervous system
stress is a fundamental precipitator of ill health diseases. During the Parasympathetic
Nervous system manipulation of muscles, tendons and ligaments are essential in relaxation
of pain. The effect of massage on the nervous system allows the action response of the
receptor cells in the body signalling the type of information to be transmitted in the nervous
system. To be efficient nerves should be free from compression and work synergistically with
the nervous systems to offer release. In this process, massage is essential in restoring the
balance in the nervous system which is essential in the nervous system monitoring and
regulating high anxiety, rest and recovery in the body (Lee, Park & Kim, 2011).
Therapeutic Effects of Massage
Flexibility of muscles
The fundamental application of massage is essential in increasing the flexibility
especially in the deep tissue massage, sports massage and therapeutic avenues. Deep
tissue massage is essential in increasing flexibility. This action varies in the body depending
on personal preference. Deep tissue massage affects focuses on soft tissues in the body.
Flexibility is enhanced through massage by relief of the muscle tightens and tensions.
Enabling deeper entry of muscles tissue massage, elasticity lowers and increases wide
range movements. Thus increasing the elasticity and movement is essential in increasing
flexibility movements. Therapeutic massage is essential to increase this flexibility, it aids in
the manipulation of muscles through various techniques. Muscle manipulation enhances the
increase of relaxation through a mental and physical process. It focuses on the superficial
layers of the muscles and tissues thus offering relaxation and loosening. Relaxed and
loosened muscles allow and increase flexibility and lower pain (Wang, 2017).
Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness
DOMS refers to muscle pain and tenderness which develop after post-exercise and
entail eccentric muscles action especially when the exercise is new. Studies have

Massage and Therapy process 6
demonstrated that massage treatment is effective in reducing the symptoms of DOMS. It is
essential in reducing post-event, exercise, training and tight muscles processes. DOMS is
apian developing after the exercise activity and can last between 24-72 hours. Massage
lowers the DOMS post-event and work out. The produced lactic acid in the muscles during
exercise is essential in contributing DOMS, fatigue and stiffness after exercise. Application of
wide range post-exercise massage is essential in flushing waste products out of the body
thus allowing for faster recovery and quick training resumption. Massage is an essential
practice when applied as part of the training part; it prevents soreness of muscles and
underlying stiffness. It reduces the DOMS symptom, lowers the inflammation, pain and
flexibility. Massage further allows for a reduction in the muscle tightness and restoring the
blood flow and loosening the knots however despite this a study by Zainuddin, Newton,
Sacco & Nosaka (2015), showed that massage was effective in DOMS by about 30% and
reduces the swelling but no effect on the muscle function. Application of different massage
types has shown no difference in pain associated by DOMs as observed by Muuller (2018)
while assessing the difference between cupping and petrissage effects.
Collagen remodelling
Collagen remodelling is essential aspects gained from massage activity. Massage is
essential in aiding breakdown and realignment of collagen fibres which have been produced
to aid in the repair of the damaged tissues. Various techniques can be applied to break down
and allow alignment of collagen fibres during the massage. The breakup is essential in
reducing restriction, lowering pain and increasing relaxation in the patient. Various types of
massage have been applied to the collagen. Vacuum massage is essential in improving
tissue hardness and the elasticity of the skin as observed by Moortgat et al (2016). The
underlying benefits of collagen remodelling are essential in improving recovery, increasing
movement ranges and tissue breakdown. Various techniques some which are applicable in
massage therapy entail acupressure, friction and kneading are essential in tissue breakdown
and realigning collagens. These processes are essential in recovery, increasing movement
and scar tissue breakdown essential in post-injury and scarring process (Unal, 2017).

Massage and Therapy process 7
References
Banki, E., Hajna, Z., Kemeny, A., Botz, B., Nagy, P., Bolcskei, K., ... & Helyes, Z. (2014).
The selective PAC1 receptor agonist maxadilan inhibits neurogenic vasodilation and
edema formation in the mouse skin. Neuropharmacology, 85, 538-547.
Field T. (2014). Massage therapy research review. Complementary therapies in clinical
practice, 20(4), 224–229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.07.002
Field, T. (2016). Massage therapy research review. Complementary therapies in clinical
practice, 24, 19-31.
Gasibat, Q., & Suwehli, W. (2017). Determining the benefits of massage mechanisms: A
review of literature. Rehabilitation Sciences, 3, 58-67.
Givi M. Durability of effect of massage therapy on blood pressure. International Journal of
Preventive Medicine. 2013;5:511–6.
Iwamoto, K., Mizukami, M., Asakawa, Y., Endo, Y., Takata, Y., Yoshikawa, K., & Yoshio, M.
(2017). Effects of friction massage of the popliteal fossa on blood flow velocity of the
popliteal vein. Journal of physical therapy science, 29(3), 511–514.
https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.29.511
Moortgat, P., Anthonissen, M., Meirte, J., Van Daele, U., & Maertens, K. (2016). The
physical and physiological effects of vacuum massage on the different skin layers: a
current status of the literature. Burns & trauma, 4(1), 34.
Portillo-Soto, A., Eberman, L. E., Demchak, T. J., & Peebles, C. (2014). Comparison of
blood flow changes with soft tissue mobilization and massage therapy. The Journal of
Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(12), 932-936.
Thomas, R. B. (2019). A Pilot Study of Partner Chair Massage Effects on Perinatal Mood,
Anxiety, and Pain. International journal of therapeutic massage & bodywork, 12(2), 3.
Unal, M. (2017). The Therapeutic Effects of Conservative Treatments on Burn Scars. In Hot
Topics in Burn Injuries. IntechOpen.

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Wang J. S. (2017). Therapeutic effects of massage and electrotherapy on muscle tone,
stiffness and muscle contraction following gastrocnemius muscle fatigue. Journal of
physical therapy science, 29(1), 144–147. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.29.144
Zainuddin, Z., Newton, M., Sacco, P., & Nosaka, K. (2015). Effects of massage on delayed-
onset muscle soreness, swelling, and recovery of muscle function. Journal of athletic
training, 40(3), 174–180.