WHAT IS SPORTS AND REMEDIAL MASSAGE THERAPY?

Sports Massage Therapy

Sports Massage Therapy uses a number of differing techniques to help the athlete to prepare or recover from training, competition or injury. Deep tissue muscle techniques are used and these are different from those used in traditional theraputic massage.

Regular sports massage can

• maintain good muscle condition
• improve flexibility
• recover more quickly from training and competition
• aid lymphatic drainage

It can also help in injury rehabilitation and is beneficial in pre-event, during event, and post-event situations.

Remedial Massage Therapy

Remedial Massage techniques can be used to treat

• neck and shoulder problems
• back ache
• hip problems
• knee problems
• ankle problems
• chronic muscular aches and pains

Remedial massage can be very effective after injuries, accidents, long term problems, or certain medical conditions (such as Parkinsons Disease, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Mutliple Sclerosis, etc).

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM SPORTS AND REMEDIAL MASSAGE THERAPY

It isn’t just top athletes that can benefit from Sports and Remedial Massage Therapy. As an athlete you are investing a lot of time to your training in order to get the optimum performance back in competition. Regular Sports and Remedial Massage Therapy can help enhance your performance and prevent injury.

Many people spend long hours working at desks on PC’s, driving long distances, lifting boxes, or even gardening. This has an effect on shoulder, back, and neck muscles – usually tension – and this can be dealt with through the techniques I use and with excellent results.

Amongst my clients I have triathletes, cyclists, marathon runners, ultra distance runners, racquet sport players, rugby players, footballers, cricketers, golfers, competitive sailors, gym users, recreational walkers, and, people who have had back problems from work and lifestyle factors.

The benefits of Sports and Remedial Massage Therapy are many and include: l improved flexibility
l improved range of movement
l quicker recovery from training and competition
l prevention from injury
l releasing of tension in tight muscles
l break down scar tissue and adhesions in muscles
l improved posture
l improved circulation
l invigorates the body
l promotes of state of relaxation

WHAT SPORTS AND REMEDIAL MASSAGE THERAPY ENTAILS?

I use a number of different techniques within the treatments I do.

Effleurage – stroking technique used to stimulate circulation, and, loosen and soften tissues.
Petrissage – a kneading technique used to stimulate circulation, and, loosen and soften tissues.
Friction – a deep technique used to break down scar tissue or adhesions.
Tapotement - a technique used to stimulate the muscles
Soft Tissue Release – a technique used to stretch the muscle fibres. Very effective at dealing with adhesions.
Neuromuscular Technique – a technique that is very effective at loosening tense muscles.
Muscle Energy Technique – a technique used to treat tight muscle groups and improve range of movement. Very effective.

ACUTE INJURIES

If you experience an acute injury follow this procedure immediately for best results

REST
It is important that rest is applied to the injured area immediately as any weight or movement could open, aggravate or cause bleeding to the area and will not allow the fibres to knit together. It is important the site injury is rested for as much as possible for the first 6 hours so that any trauma within the fibres can heal. Most injuries should be rested for 48 hours before any mobilization takes place

ICE
The application of ice to the site of injury will slow down blood flow to the area as it will constrict the blood vessels and thus reduce any swelling. The application of ice will also reduce inflammation and heat to the area. Ice will also reduce the pain. Ice is very effective in the first 24-72 hours following injury. It is important that the ice is wrapped in a cold, damp cloth or towel to avoid burning the skin. Never apply ice directly to the skin. You can use an ice pack, ice cubes or ice bag, or packet of frozen peas. Leave in place for a maximum of 10-15 minutes applying every 4 hours for best results.

COMPRESSION
The application of compression will prevent an influx of fluid to the area. The pressure applied will restrict blood flow to the area by compressing the blood vessels. Compression should either be applied by bandaging the area firmly, or, by applying a firm pad which is then strapped.
Compression should only be applied to the site of injury so that blood flow to other areas is not affected.

ELEVATION
By elevating the injured area where possible so that it is above the torso, for example resting an injured leg on a chair, it will reduce blood flow and pressure of fluid to the area and allow blood to flow towards the heart.

To book appointments either drop me an e-mail or call me on 07913664925