At Physio On The Green, we’re passionate about supporting athletes in achieving their personal best, whether they’re training for their next big event or recovering from a race. Unlocking peak Performance is often a result of adopting effective habits and recovery strategies. Emma, an ex-club-level rower turned ultra-runner, shares her journey of incorporating sports massage therapy to support your training and recovery routine.
From Rowing to Running: A New Challenge
Emma’s background as an athlete is impressive. She transitioned from club-level rowing to competing in ultramarathons, including The Wall Ultramarathon (70 miles) and the Shires + Spires UltraMarathon (55 miles). Along the way, she has relied on sports massage therapy to support your training approach and enhance her performance.
“Sports massage is essential post-race to aid recovery and manage minor niggles – most of them self-induced! These sessions optimise my training and allow me to keep pushing myself.”
Setting the Bar High: Emma’s Expectations
Emma came to Physio On The Green with clear expectations for her sports massage sessions:
- Specialist Knowledge: “I expected good knowledge from the therapist on issues specific to runners versus rowers, for example.”
- Effective Treatment: “I wanted a high-quality massage, not a hotel spa pat down, and advice on post-massage activity like hydration.”
A Tailored Experience Every Time
From the first session, Emma found the personalised care she was looking for. In fact, sports massage therapy to support your training is something she has come to value throughout her athletic career.
“All of Laura’s sessions have been tailored to my requests – it’s never one-size-fits-all. Each session identifies a different niggle or area of tightness. The trust is there because the feedback and treatment always feel genuine.”
Emma also appreciated how Laura’s advice extended beyond the massage table.
“She is very aware of the loads I put on myself. On occasions, she has directly recommended adapting my training or reducing my load based on her findings, such as extreme tightness in a joint.”
What a Session Looks Like
Emma described a typical visit:
“I arrive, briefly discuss any issues or a recent race – like whether it was flat versus hilly terrain or path versus off-road. We commence treatment, identify any areas needing follow-up or at-home attention, and discuss a suitable training load for after the session.”
The Results: Faster Recovery, Stronger Performance
The impact of regular sports massage therapy to support your training and recovery has been significant.
“There’s been a huge improvement in my recovery from big races and my ability to get back into training. My general wellbeing always improves after a session.”
She also shared a standout experience:
“Post-Thames Trot, I was fairly convinced I’d seriously injured my pelvis after falling in mud. Laura quickly identified a primary muscle issue, worked on it, and the relief was instant.”
Mental Boosts and Reassurance
For high-performance athletes, confidence is key.
“It’s often reassuring to be told there’s nothing ‘wrong’ after a session. Any high-performance athlete knows there will never be a day when everything is 100% perfect. Knowing that a little twinge or tightness has been addressed is a huge mental boost, especially heading into a big training block.”
Why Every Athlete Can Benefit
When asked if she’d recommend sports massage, Emma’s answer was clear:
“Absolutely—there is no athlete out there who couldn’t benefit from a quality sports massage.” In summary, sports massage therapy to support your training is a worthy investment for every athlete.
Her final words of praise for Laura highlight the exceptional service at Physio On The Green:
“You will struggle to find a therapist as knowledgeable, engaging, and professional as Laura. She is truly exceptional, and I would (and have) recommended her to everyone!”
Achieve Your Best with Physio On The Green
Whether you’re a recreational runner or a seasoned competitor, sports massage therapy to support your training can help you recover faster, train smarter, and perform better. Our expert therapists tailor every session to your unique needs, ensuring you leave feeling stronger, more confident, and ready to tackle your next challenge.
Written by Laura Philips | Sports Massage Therapist | Pregnancy Massage Therapist