SPORTS MASSAGE
ABOUT SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY
You're in the Best Hands
The main principle behind sports massage is the individualised, strategic manipulation of the body’s soft tissues, including muscles and fascia, aimed at enhancing overall health and promoting wellbeing.
SPECIALISTS IN MASSAGE
What to Expect From Your Appointment
Initial Consultation
Your initial appointment with your dedicated sports massage therapist will begin by reviewing your medical history and discussing your current concerns or reasons for seeking treatment. Following this, we conduct an assessment and collaborate with you to develop a treatment plan. The session includes sports massage treatment, and we conclude with follow-up advice to support your ongoing well-being.
Purpose
Sports and remedial massage involves specialised techniques aimed at addressing muscular tension, discomfort, and injuries commonly associated with physical activity, sports and everyday life. These therapeutic massages target specific areas of the body to alleviate pain, improve flexibility, and enhance overall mobility. By applying various pressures, stretches, and manipulations, sports and remedial massage therapists aim to optimise muscle function, promote tissue healing, and support clients in achieving their fitness and wellness goals
Treatment
A sports massage consists of a variety of techniques focused on the needs of the individual, these include deep tissue massage, soft tissue therapy, neuromuscular therapy and muscle energy techniques
Sports massage combines manual manipulation of muscles and fascia, tailored for individuals with physically demanding lifestyles. This technique enhances motion and flexibility by relaxing muscles, thus improving performance. Additionally, it reduces recovery time by increasing blood flow and lymph fluid supply, facilitating the body’s healing process and enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles for improved strength and stamina. Sports massage aids in accelerating recovery by assisting in the elimination of waste products like lactic acid, ultimately enhancing performance.
Soft Tissue Massage
Soft tissue massage techniques involve passive stretching of contractile tissues and myofascial release, aiding in acute injury healing, chronic pain prevention, and restoring lost mobility from older injuries by breaking down adhesions. It also reduces muscle spasms, promoting normal movement to prevent new injuries and reduce training-related soreness.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage employs similar techniques to sports massage but focuses on larger body areas, targeting inner muscle layers with deeper strokes and increased pressure. This method effectively reduces chronic muscle pain, particularly in the neck and lower back, while aiding in scar tissue reduction and alleviating symptoms of arthritis. Furthermore, it clinically reduces blood pressure and heart rate, contributing to overall physical well-being.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The answers to your most frequent questions
Do I need to do sports to have a sports massage?
No. Sports massage is beneficial for athletes of all levels, from casual enthusiasts to professional competitors. It can also benefit individuals engaged in regular physical activity, those recovering from injuries, and people seeking relief from muscular tension and stress.
What do I wear?
We require all patients to remain in their underwear as a minimum. We have shorts and t–shirts available and treatments can be conducted through clothes if required. You will be covered with a towel throughout the treatment.
Is Sports Massage Painful?
Sports massage may involve deeper pressure and intense techniques to address muscular tension and tightness. While some discomfort may be experienced during the massage, it should not be excessively painful. Your therapist will check in with you regularly to ensure the pressure is appropriate and tolerable. The purpose is to create comfort and relaxation in the tissue – causing pain is counter to this goal. Depth of massage, areas treated, and any discomfort felt is adjusted to the needs of each individual and managed accordingly.
How often should I have a Sports Massage?
The frequency of sports massage sessions depends on individual needs, activity levels, and goals. Some athletes may benefit from weekly or bi-weekly sessions during intense training periods, while individuals recovering from injuries, collaborating with physiotherapists to restore tissue health, or seeking stress relief may find weekly sessions beneficial initially, gradually spacing them out over time. Others may opt for monthly maintenance sessions to support overall well-being.
Are there any contraindications to sports massage?
While sports massage is safe, there are certain conditions where caution or adaptation may be necessary, such as acute injuries, medications, infections, and certain medical conditions. It’s essential to be open with your therapist and inform them of any existing health concerns before receiving a sports massage.
Can sports massage help with injury rehabilitation?
Yes, sports massage can play a significant role in injury rehabilitation by promoting circulation, reducing inflammation, breaking down scar tissue, and improving tissue flexibility and range of motion. It can complement your physiotherapist guided rehabilitation plan and help speed up the recovery process.
When is the best time to receive a sports massage?
Sports massage can be beneficial before, during, or after physical activity. Pre-event massage can help prepare the body for exercise, while post-event massage aids in recovery and reduces muscle soreness. Maintenance sessions can also be scheduled between events or training sessions to prevent injuries and maintain optimal performance.
Meet Our Team
Our team is dedicated to providing a detailed assessment, and with extensive training and expertise aim to deliver a truly specialised and unparalleled experience for our clients.
Our therapists have achieved a level 5 qualification in Sports and Remedial Massage, demonstrating advanced proficiency in this field. Furthermore, they have undergone specialised training in various techniques, including myofascial release, pregnancy massage, and Rocktape Blade Therapy. These additional certifications enhance their ability to address a wide range of client needs and ensure that each treatment is tailored to individual requirements.
Through continuous professional development and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest advancements in massage therapy, our team ensures that clients receive the highest standard of care and benefit from a comprehensive range of therapeutic modalities.
Laura Phillips
Sports Massage Therapist | Pregnancy Massage Therapist