Sports and Remedial Massage 

Sports and Remedial Massage is effective for many kinds of muscular and soft tissue problems as well as injury, whether it is due to posture, occupational stress or sporting activities.

This style of massage not only helps recovery from injury, but more importantly is very effective in the prevention of injuries. It should therefore be an integral part of a training or fitness program for all those involved in physical activity, whether you are an amateur or a professional sportsperson.

After sporting activity there is a build-up of waste material and often also micro-trauma (microscopic tears in muscle tissue) as well as slight swelling in the muscles. By using techniques like effleurage and petrissage to stimulate blood circulation, Sports and Remedial massage greatly aids the removal of waste products from the muscle tissues, and supplies these areas with increased blood and nutrients needed for tissue health and repair.

Further techniques, such as friction, mobilisation, soft tissue release (STR), muscle energy techniques (MET) and neuromuscular techniques (NMT) are applied to help mobilize joints, reduce pain and break down scar tissue and adhesions in the muscles and soft tissue, as well as to stretch and realign specific areas of damage or tangled fibres. Contracted muscles can be lengthened and areas of tightness are relaxed, helping to speed up recovery time and improve muscle performance and efficiency.

WHAT TO EXPECT

At your first appointment, a case history will be taken to make sure there are no reasons why you should not receive massage, and to discuss any injuries or problems you may have.

An assessment of the problem will then be done. This may involve a postural assessment so please wear appropriate underwear – sports bra or loose shorts. Mobility of the injury or problem area will also be checked when appropriate.

The treatment will usually last one hour. Most of the treatment is done with you lying on a massage table, sometimes work will be done with you seated, depending on the problem or area being massaged.

The day after a sports massage you may experience some soreness, so make sure your massage is at least 24 hours before any important sporting activities. Your modesty will be respected at all times during the treatment. And time will be left at the end to discuss any findings and follow up treatments.

BENEFITS

  • Boosts performance and extends life of sporting career
  • Helps reduce pain and speeds recovery from injury
  • Relaxes muscles, and allows body to rest between training sessions
  • Improves tissue elasticity and strengthens weak muscles
  • Breaks down scar tissue
  • Increases circulation, aiding tissue repair
  • Removes waste products, such as lactic acid
  • Encourages muscles to take up oxygen and nutrients