• What is sports massage?

 

Sports massage is an umbrella term for deep tissue massage using a variety of advanced soft tissue manipulation.

 

• Do I have to be a sports person to benefit from sports massage?

 

Not at all. Many of my regular clients are not sports people but come to me trusting in the huge benefits for health and well-being that skilled deep tissue massage can bring.

 

• What happens at my first treatment?

 

Your first treatment will last an hour and include taking details of any relevant medical history, any medication you may be taking, details of your work and hobbies etc. After the period of consultation is over you will be asked to undress to your underwear. Some of my clients like to bring shorts.

 

The next step will be a postural assessment where I will observe your posture and examine the range of movement of your affected limbs. At this stage I may use active, passive and resistance tests to help identify which muscles or joints may be injured  or need to be strengthened.

 

Next will come the deep tissue sports massage treatment.  For this you may either lie on your side, your front or back or remain in a seated postion.  Very often I will use a combination of these postures for as your change your position it is easier to assess certain muscle groups. The areas of your body I am not directly working on will be covered with towells to insure your privacy and warmth.

 

It is very important to me that my client feels in control of the session and is comfortable during the sports massage treatment. I always communicate with my client asking permission when working with sensitive or sore areas.

 

All this will take place in a warm, friendly and comfortable setting to help ensure your relaxation.

 

• Is sports massage painful?

 

When my clients first come to see me they may have already received sports massage before.  Often they have learned to associate sports massage with pain. Through many years of professional practice  I have learned that skillful deep tissue work doesnt necessarily have to elicit great pain. The discomfort that the client might feel, they tell me is a "good pain," that is, it is a sense of contacting an area of resistance that is in need of release, and this sense of release feels good, even if a little uncomforable at times.

 

Sometimes my clients might experience some post massage soreness which is usually a good sign that the body is recovering well after treatment.

 

Sports massage treatments can help wide range of complaints including:

 

• Back, neck and shoulder problems

• Sports or daily life injuries

• General aches, pains and bodily discomfort

• Headaches and migraines

• Tennis elbow Hip, knee, ankle  and foot problems

• Whiplash injuries and the consequent long term side effects

•  General bodily dis-ease