Even with preventative maintenance, muscles cramp, tear, bruise, and ache. Sports Massage can speed healing and reduce discomfort during the rehabilitation process. Soft tissue techniques are effective in the management of both acute and chronic injuries. Trigger point techniques reduce the spasm and pain that occur both in the injured and compensation muscles. Cross-fiber friction techniques can help with healing by the improved formation of strong and flexible repair tissue, which is vital in maintaining the full pain-free range of motion during rehabilitation. In all cases, such massage techniques are employed in collaboration with other appropriate medical care.