SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY

The purpose of sports massage therapy is to help alleviate the stress and tension, which builds up in the body’s soft tissues during physical activity.

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Massage will help to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility, to prevent injuries and, in the case of sports people, prepare for peak performance. Sports massage can help prevent those niggling injuries that so often get in the way of performance and achievement, whether a person is an athlete, a once a week jogger or just physically active.

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Benefits of Sports Massage

Massage, applied skilfully, is the most effective therapy for releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to the musculo-skeletal system. Received regularly this may help athletes prevent injuries, which might otherwise be caused by overuse.

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A constant build-up of tension in the muscles from regular activity may lead to stresses on joints, ligaments, tendons, as well as the muscles themselves. Sports Massage can be used to treat the stress, tension and fatigue that occurs through occupational, recreational or sporting activities. It can also be beneficial to:

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Help relieve that stress and tension which can hinder optimal performance.
Reduce the likelihood of injury during exercise.
Speed up the recovery process and aid rehabilitation after injury.
Ensure full range of movement and increase muscle flexibility.
Improve postural and general body awareness.
For the more serious athletes sports massage can help at the different stages of participation. For Example:

• Pre competition

• Inter competition

• Post competition

• Injury Recovery

• Injury prevention
   

Who Can Benefit

You don’t have to be a sportsperson to feel the benefits! Muscular tension, stress and fatigue can affect all of us, whether we are competitive or recreational athletes, DIY fanatics, gardeners, gamers or busy working live. Active or sedentary – you should find massage relaxing and therapeutic.

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Many people appreciate the deep treatment offered by a sports massage therapist as they can really feel those knots being ‘ironed out’. You will become aware of how your body reacts and tenses up under stress and by taking early action to reduce their stress levels and relax.

Your treatment will include some or all of the following;

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• Myofascial Release
  – Myofascia is the tough tissue structure which surrounds all your muscles. When this is damaged or traumatised it can become tight and restrictive.

• Sports Massage 
  – using effleurage, petrissage, compressions friction techniques

• Trigger Point Therapy
  – Deep palpation on a specific ‘trigger’ or ‘knot’ to relax the area.

• MET Stretching
  – Muscle Energy Stretching involves using light muscular contraction prior to stretching which helps to relax the muscle and limit the body’s protective reflex to contract whilst the muscle is being stretched.

• Frictions
  – Direct pressure  over the soft tissue trauma area to manipulate the fibres. It is very useful for breaking down scar tissue and softening adhesions.

• Soft Tissue Release
  – An advanced technique where stretching & friction is used to a specific area rather than the whole muscle.

• Kinesio/K-Taping
  – Improves muscle function, reduces pain & supports joints. K-Taping Prolongs & supports sports massage therapy, providing treatment when you’ve left the clinic!