Sports Massage Therapy
Sports Therapy is an aspect of healthcare that is specifically concerned with the prevention of injury and the rehabilitation of the patient back to optimum levels of functional, occupational and sports specific fitness, regardless of age and ability.
It utilises the principles of sport and exercise sciences incorporating physiological and pathological processes to prepare the participant for training, competition and where applicable, work.
Who has Sports Massages?
Sports massage is not limited to athletes. Whether pain or tightness is caused from strenuous physical activity or everyday life, massage can effectively improve the condition of your muscles and soft tissue.
Do I need a Sports Massage?
The purpose of Sports Massage is to reduced muscle pain, improve recovery times, enhance range of motion and flexibility and assist with training and rehabilitation.
What should I wear?
Loose clothing, sports clothes or something that will allow the Therapist to access to the area you want to be treated.
What happens before the Sports Massage Session?
On arrival at the clinic, you will be greeted at Reception. When you first see the Therapist a consultation will take place, where the Sports Therapist will ask you questions about your current complaint and take your past and current medical history.
What will Happen During the Treatment?
The treatment will begin with an assessment to assess the pain you are experiencing, an appropriate treatment plan will be formed to get goals for each session. For continued treatment, short and long terms goals can also be set.
When massaging you the Therapist would start to gently warm the muscles up, then start to apply more pressure to areas where appropriate. At the end of your session you may be given exercises or stretches to help with the injury, the Therapist will also check for any immediate changes to the body.
Will the Massage be Painful?
Sports Massage can be uncomfortable as it is a deep tissue massage. The Sports Therapist will be talking to you all the time and will be assessing how much pressure on tissue you are able to withstand and balancing that with making an improvement to your condition.
How long will the Massage last for?
Initial sessions are 60 minutes long. Follow up sessions vary from 30-60 minutes long dependent on your preferences and complaint, your Sports Therapist will explain which length session is most appropriate for yourself.
After the Massage
After the massage you may experience some soreness in the areas the Therapist has worked on, this is the same type of soreness as a ‘post work out soreness’. You may feel tired and thirsty so make sure you also drink a lot of water after the session, as this will help rehydrate the muscles. Also your body will need rest and recover after the massage, so depending on how much work was done, you will not be able to do any strenuous exercise for 12 – 24 hours.