Sports and Remedial Massage

Sports Massage is the term applied to the discipline of using massage for the specific benefit of all sports and exercise participants. It covers the management, manipulation and rehabilitation of the soft tissues of the body e.g. muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia.

With the ever growing number of people taking part in sport, combined with the increasing competitiveness and intensity of physical exercise, the demand for sports massage is also increasing and becoming more and more recognised as a skill which may aid recovery and enhance performance. Sports massage should be tailored to each individual’s needs, to positively enhance an individuals ability to perform. The benefits of sports massage:

• Improve circulation & lymphatic flow

• Assist in the removal of metabolic waste

• Sedate or stimulate nerve endings

• Increase or decrease muscle tone

• Increase or decrease muscle length

• Remodel scar tissue when required

• Assist in mental preparation for sporting participation.

Remedial Massage is aimed at anyone who has an area of soft tissue dysfunction in their body. The dysfunction can be as a result of an injury, an overuse syndrome, tired or weak muscles, or postural problems. The sports massage practitioners toolbox of techniques treats both deep and superficial muscles and assists in breaking down adhesions and stretching muscle fibres to help soft tissues recover and return to optimum function.

Massage is a system of manipulating the soft tissues of the body with the hands. Massage is based on the fact that soft tissues respond to touch. Remedial Massage is one of the most beneficial ways to prevent and treat muscle injuries, pain and soreness.

The initial consultation, where a full history will be taken, lasts approximately one and a half hours. Any follow up appointments can last anywhere between 45 - 75 minutes.