Sports Massage and Stretching
Performance Enhancement Through Targeted Therapy
Whether you’re a competitive athlete, weekend warrior, or active professional, our specialized Sports Massage and Stretch therapy integrates advanced manual techniques with scientific stretching protocols to optimize your body’s performance and recovery capacity.
The Science Behind Sports Massage and Stretch
This specialized therapy combines several evidence-based approaches to address multiple aspects of musculoskeletal function:
Physiological Effects of Sports Massage
Sports massage enhances blood flow to muscles, accelerates clearing of metabolic byproducts, releases trigger points, reduces fascial restrictions, and decreases muscle tension and spasm.
Benefits of Facilitated Stretching
Stretching increases joint mobility and muscle extensibility, retrains neuromuscular control, restores muscle balance, enhances biomechanical efficiency, and decreases protective muscle guarding.
Our Sports Massage and Stretch Approach
Assessment
We begin with a thorough evaluation of muscle tone, trigger points, and restrictions, identifying specific movement limitations and sport-specific demands on your body.
Targeted Treatment
Our treatment emphasizes your specific activities and goals, whether that’s pre-event preparation, post-event recovery, injury prevention, or performance enhancement for your sport.

Treatment Techniques
Massage Components
Our therapy incorporates deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, transverse friction, compression and broadening, and rhythmic pumping techniques.
Stretching Approaches
We utilize advanced stretching methods including Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), Active Isolated Stretching (AIS), functional stretching, dynamic mobilizations, and contract-relax techniques.
What To Expect
Before Treatment
Dr. Higgins will conduct a thorough assessment to identify your specific needs and determine the best approach for your body and goals.
During Your Session
Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes with you remaining in comfortable athletic attire. The treatment combines specific massage techniques with facilitated stretching, and we encourage communication about pressure and comfort throughout.
After Treatment
Most people experience immediate improvements in mobility and reduced tension. We recommend increased water intake to support recovery processes, and benefits typically continue to develop for 24-48 hours after treatment.
Benefits for Different Activities
For Runners
We address common issues like IT band syndrome and runner’s knee, improve stride length and efficiency, enhance recovery between training sessions, and maintain optimal muscle balance.
For Weight Training
Our therapy improves mobility for better lifting technique, enhances recovery between heavy sessions, addresses muscle imbalances, and reduces tension patterns that limit performance.
For Team Sport Athletes
We provide sport-specific protocols that address rotational patterns and multi-directional movement, helping maintain peak performance throughout competition season.
For Active Professionals
Our treatment counteracts the effects of repetitive work movements, addresses posture-related tension, maintains mobility despite long hours in fixed positions, and supports active recovery.
The Black Diamond Difference
At Black Diamond Chiropractic and Sports Performance, our approach stands apart through:
Frequently Asked Questions
Sports massage is more focused on athletic performance, using techniques specifically designed to address sports-related issues. It tends to be more targeted, sometimes more intense, and often incorporates stretching and movement assessments. The pressure and techniques are selected based on your training phase, upcoming events, and specific functional needs rather than just general relaxation.
Optimize Your Body’s Performance
Whether you’re looking to enhance athletic performance, recover more quickly from demanding activities, or address specific areas of tension and restriction, Sports Massage and Stretch therapy at Black Diamond Chiropractic and Sports Performance provides targeted, effective solutions.
As part of The Black Diamond Method’s “Restore & Recover” phase, this specialized therapy complements our comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal health, helping you achieve optimal function and performance.