Massage & Bodywork Licensing Practice Examination (MBLEx)

Sports massage is specifically designed to address the needs of athletes, making it suitable for both performance enhancement and injury prevention. This type of massage incorporates techniques to promote flexibility and circulation, as well as to aid in muscle recovery before and after sporting events. It often targets specific muscle groups that are heavily used in athletic activities, using methods such as deep tissue techniques, stretching, and joint mobilization.

Swedish massage, while beneficial for relaxation and general wellness, does not focus specifically on the unique demands of athletic performance. Relaxation massage is primarily aimed at reducing stress and promoting general relaxation, rather than targeting athletic needs. Trigger point therapy is more focused on releasing tension in specific tight muscles, which can be beneficial but does not encompass the broader goals of sports massage, such as enhancing athletic performance and improving flexibility.