Sports and remedial massage therapy is reported to have many beneficial effects in athletes. Sports massage can be used pre-performance, post-performance, during training, or for rehabilitation. From elite athletes to recreational exercisers, it is a popular choice, however it’s not just for the sporty amongst us. People who work long hours sat at a desk or driving a car or those carrying out repetitive movements on a building site or whilst gardening for example are just as likely to have muscular problems.
Sports massage is a systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body that focuses on muscles to treat pain, injuries, poor posture, muscle tightness, scar tissue and poor flexibility, Many different movements and techniques are used in sports massage. Examples of these techniques include; Swedish style massage, effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), compression, friction, tapotement (rhythmic striking), vibration, gliding, stretching, percussion, and trigger points.
– Increased joint range of motion (ROM)
– Increased flexibility
– Increased sense of well-being
– Decreased muscle tension
– Decreased neurological excitability (nerves more relaxed)
– Decreased muscle spasms
– Better sleep
Each person is unique and presents quite differently and therefore treatments vary from person to person. It is highly likely that more than one treatment will be necessary especially for long-term or chronic problems. During the first session a detailed history of the problem or injury will be taken to understand the individuals stresses and strains as well as their posture to work out the source of the problem.
During the your first visit please expect to be asked detailed questions about what you are hoping to achieve from having sports and remedial massage, your current conditions, past medical history and lifestyle firstly to make sure you are suitable to receive the treatment and then to build a greater understanding of you and how to tailor a treatment to provide most success. In many cases your spine and joint ranges of movement and muscle flexibility may be assessed.
In order to be assessed and treated you will be required to remove some items of clothing, typically people are required to undress to their underwear or shorts so please make sure you arrive or have clothes you can change into that you feel comfortable in. Treatment can then begin once you have agreed on a suitable treatment plan and you have given consent, your privacy and comfort being priority.
Possible side effects of sports massage are tenderness or stiffness for 1 to 2 days after the treatment. A skin reaction due to the massage oils is also possible, but for the most part sports massage is safe.
The Cotswold Suite
New Barn Close Surgery
Station Road
Broadway
WR12 7DE