When you start a new training program, increase the intensity of your workouts or spend a huge chunk of your time sat at a desk, a good sports massage can be extremely beneficial!
Contrary to what the name suggests, you don’t have to be super fit, or even a “sports person” to benefit from sports massage. Sports massage is all about prevention and healing of injuries to the muscles and soft tissue structures.
It can be really beneficial for people with injuries, chronic pain, poor posture or restricted range of motion. So, whether you are training for a competition, stuck at a desk every day or are running around after the kids, sports massage can target those problem areas and help alleviate pain.
Is a sports massage for me?
- Do you suffer with muscular tension?
- Do you suffer with bad posture?
- Are you an active person?
- Do you have a high training regime?
- Are you looking to compete at a high level?
- Do you have chronic muscular pain?
If your answer is ‘yes’ to any of those, a sports massage is for you!
How often?
There are no standard guidelines as to how often you should get a sports massage, however, you will definitely experience the most health benefits from massage when you get massage regularly.
As a therapist, more often than not, clients come to us once a problem arises eg an injury or stiffness/pain from a tough workout or competition. The problem with getting a massage only when you are injured is that you are not benefiting from the cumulative effect of massage. It’s a bit like exercise, yes doing park run one Saturday will make you feel great the rest of the day, but long term will have little impact on your fitness unless it becomes a regular habit. It’s the same with massage.
My recommendation would be to book in for a sports massage every 4 weeks.
What are the benefits?
- Increase joint range of motion (ROM)
- Increased flexibility
- Increased sense of wellbeing
- Reduction in muscle tension
- Relaxation of nerves
- Decreased muscle spasms
- Better Sleep
What can I expect?
Before your massage begins, your therapist will ask you a bit about about the types of activities you do, past medical history and if you have any injuries. They will then complete a full a physical assessment checking range of motion, flexibility and in some cases resisted movements.
Once you agree a treatment plan, you will need to remove clothing (sometimes to underwear dependent on area being treated), lie on the massage table under towels/blankets. Because of the targeted nature of a sports massage, you will likely not receive a full-body treatment,
BUT you get an extra bonus with sports massage because it also incorporates stretching and active range of motion, so it mimics exercise more closely.
Will it hurt?
Sports massage is a form of deep tissue massage, so a great deal of pressure is often applied to the muscles in order to treat them. I won’t lie, this pressure can be uncomfortable.
Dehydration can stiffen the fascia and muscles being treated, which can result in a more painful massage. To avoid this, ensure you’re sipping adequate amounts of water before your appointment.
Although sports massages can be uncomfortable, they shouldn’t cause excruciating pain.
Why choose The FFA?
Our therapists are MSK Practitioners and will take more of a medical approach to your treatment. The first session will always begin with a deep informative consultation. They will proceed to perform specific tests to check mobility and to help identify and diagnose any injury.
Our therapists will work locally to the injured area during your treatment concentrating on rehabilitation and strengthening any injured tissues.
After treatment you will receive a tailored treatment plan (where required) containing exercises and stretches for you to perform at home. This can help to accelerate and aid the treatment that they are performing.
Our therapists can use a number of techniques which may include the use of tools and instruments including:
* Joint mobilisation techniques – There are many different techniques and styles of joint mobilisation, their aim is to relief joint stiffness and pain.
* Joint manipulation – This technique aims to increase range of movement (ROM) and the relief of musculoskeletal pain.
* Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) – this technique can be applied to most areas of the body. It consists of the therapist and patient working together to stretch, relax and re-energise the muscle.
* Muscle stretching – muscles are flexed and stretched to improve muscle tone, flexibility and range of movement.
* Neurodynamics – this technique helps to relieve nerve pain and will work instantaneously.
* Massage and soft tissue techniques – similar techniques used by a massage therapist.
*Acupuncture / Dry Needling
How do I book?
You can head over to our booking page to make an appointment for a Sports Massage .
