FAQ - Sports Massage
Sports Massage is so much more than just a massage, and it's not just for sporty people.
Sports Massage, or Soft Tissue Therapy, is an assorted collection of highly effective techniques for treating injured muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues of the body.
It combines techniques from the fields of clinical-massage, physiotherapy, osteopathy, and other manual therapies to give a thorough and well rounded approach to treating a huge variety of muscle pain and injuries.
Sports massage got its name through its widespread use in the world of sports and athletics, where it has been recognised for decades as an essential aid in preventing and treating injuries, and keeping performers and athletes in optimum physical condition.
I have treated sportsmen/women from many different disciplines, including runners, cyclists, footballers, rugby players, racket sports, track & field, rock climbers, polo players & equestrian.., the list goes on. But you don't have to be an athlete to benefit from these therapies.
Can I get a massage during Covid 19 Lockdown?
Yes you can. I have an ITEC level 4 qualification in Sports Massage which puts me into the Health Professional Standard Occupational Classification, Number 2229 for Therapy Professionals not elsewhere classified. This is different to massages completed by therapists for personal care and I am able to continue to treat clients with Sports Massage where there is a medical need and genuine reason agreed prior to my visit.
Mobile massage, does that mean that you visit me?
Yes, my mobile treatments are completed in the clients home. I visit any property within the PO1 to PO17 postcodes, on selected days only.
How can I tell what availability you have for a massage?
The website has my current availability showing on the bookings page. 'Request to book' the massage that you require and it will show you what appointments are available without having to commit to book.
How do I pay?
Payment can be made online at the time of booking, or paid by cash or card on the day after the treatment. Appointments can be amended up to 24 hours before the start time free of charge, Any amendments within 24 hours of the start time will be at my discretion
Is Sports Massage for me..?
Sports massage therapies are equally successful for treating anyone suffering with chronic pain, muscle injury and/or restricted movement.
It’s not a full-body or relaxation massage, but is instead a series of pressure techniques, stretches and mobilisations, which allows the therapist to concentrate on your specific problem areas (sore back, neck or shoulders for example) to give you focused relief, as well as treating any associated postural dysfunction which is contributing to the problem.
Outside the world of sport, many people find that their work or activities of daily living create muscular tension and stress-patterns which lead to pain. Whether a person works in a boardroom or on a building site, anyone can develop chronic and often long-term pain disorders and treating them is a special focus of mine.
What conditions can be treated with Sports Massage..?
Sports massage is a very successful method for treating a huge variety of muscle and joint pain. Conditions I commonly treat include…
Chronic pain This is commonly felt as intermittent or constant discomfort in the back, neck, shoulder, arm or leg. This type of pain is a familiar companion to many people, and may affect someone in more than one area (for example, lower back and opposite shoulder). It is often brought on by performing certain repetitive tasks such as working at a computer, stacking shelves, filing, shopping, etc.
Acute injuries Sprains, strains and other muscle injuries, which may be caused by trips, falls, heavy lifting, or gardening, for instance.
Muscle Tension Sports massage therapy releases muscle tension on a deep level, so as well as reducing the likelihood of picking up further injuries, it's also very effective for relieving many tension-induced symptoms such as headaches and emotional stress.
What does a Sports Massage Session involve?
Before we start any therapy, I make a thorough assessment of your condition, including the location and type of pain you are feeling, the range and quality of movement in the affected area, as well as any other postural patterns you may have adopted which are exacerbating your condition.
I will then explain what I’ve found and how I intend to proceed. Treatments are carried out on my mobile massage table, and involve either applying pressure to your muscles through your clothing, or directly to the skin using a massage compound. I use NAQI Massage Lotion Sport as my primary lotion, with Songbird Liquiwax being used if more grip and less slip is required.
Your sports massage session will typically include a variety of therapies such as…
Deep Tissue Massage techniques these allow me to directly treat the deep muscles and other soft tissues that cause pain.
Trigger Point Therapy (or Neuromuscular Technique) this releases points of tension in the muscles that are set in place by your nervous system.
Soft Tissue Release techniques & assisted stretches these break down adhesions in the tissues and remove "knots" from problem muscles.
Joint mobilisations and manipulations further relieve restrictions and restore pain-free movement to the affected area.
After treatment I’ll often advise you on things you can do to help with your recovery, like a specific exercise or stretch to correct a faulty movement pattern.
If you are unsure which treatment to select on the booking please choose the treatment that best reflects what you believe you need as a typical treatment will incorporate more than one style of treatment.
Is Sports Massage painful?
The majority of the treatments should not be painful. Any pain felt should be temporary as the pressure is applied and will subside once the area has been treated. Certain treatments feel more uncomfortable than others and I will always advise when something is likely to feel more painful than usual.
What services do I provide?
I provide a sixty minute session from £40.00. The session will typically consist of an initial consultation, treatment and aftercare. I will travel to treat you in your home within the postcodes of PO1 to PO17. Please contact me before booking if outside of these postcodes because I usually provide a massage, I will bring everything that is needed for the treatment session so you will not need to provide anything. There must be enough room for me to set up a full sized treatment table, and work around it as I treat you.
Do I have to get undressed for a Sports Massage..?
Be prepared for some level of undress because all of treatments are hands on. Whether you are clothed or unclothed during treatment is entirely up to you however massage is a hands-on Treatment so some degree of undress is required. Towels are used for your comfort and dignity throughout. Ladies may be asked to remove their bra for back treatments. You can choose to wear shorts or swimwear if you prefer.
How does Sports Massage Work..?
Unlike a full-body spa-style massage, a sports massage therapist will make a thorough assessment of your specific condition, and will focus specialised deep treatments directly on the problem areas (for example, a frozen shoulder or sprained ankle), to restore healthy function.
As well as treating specific injuries directly, Sports Massage improves the fundamental health of your muscles. So, although the therapies often do give instant relief, you will normally feel most of the positive improvements taking place over the next three to five days as your body responds to the treatment and recovers from your injury on a deeper level.
Every body is different, so the speed of your overall recovery depends on your individual situation. If you've had chronic pain for a long time, or you have an acute injury then you'll probably want some follow up treatments to reach a full recovery. It's a good idea to leave a week or so in between sessions if you are having a course of treatments, so you can feel the full effects of each one.
Can I have a massage with an injury or pre-existing medical condition..?
Sports massage can be used on some injuries and pre-existing conditions. Generally, if the area that requires massage is not painful to touch then its ok to be massaged.
However, there are a few conditions that will either not allow a sports massage, or will restrict the massage. Please mention these on the booking form so I can make a judgement before confirming the booking.
CONTRAINDICATIONS - I am not able to treat unless the injury has been diagnosed and treatment has been recommended by a medical practitioner
Pregnancy (first trimester)
Cardio vascular conditions (thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, hypotension, heart conditions)
Haemophilia
Any condition already being treated by a GP or another health professional, e.g. Physiotherapist, Osteopath, Chiropractor, Coach
Medical oedema
Osteoporosis
Arthritis
Nervous/Psychotic conditions
Epilepsy
Recent operations
Diabetes
Asthma
Any dysfunction of the nervous system (e.g., Muscular sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Motor neurone disease)
Bell’s palsy
Trapped/Pinched nerve (e.g., sciatica)
Inflamed nerve
Cancer
Postural deformities
Spastic conditions
Kidney infections
Whiplash
Slipped disc
Undiagnosed pain
When taking prescribed medication
Acute rheumatism
Contagious or infectious diseases
CONTRAINDICATIONS THAT RESTRICT TREATMENT - I might be able to massage but it could be restricted.
Under the influence of recreational drugs or alcohol
Diarrhoea and vomiting
Skin diseases
Undiagnosed lumps and bumps
Localised swelling
Inflammation
Varicose veins
Pregnancy (abdomen)
Cuts
Bruises
Abrasions
Scar tissue (2 years for major operation and 6 months for a small scar)
Sunburn
Hormonal implants
Abdomen (first few days of menstruation depending how the client feels)
Haematoma
Hernia
Recent fractures (minimum 3 months)
Cervical spondylitis
Gastric ulcers
After a heavy meal
If you have any other questions about sports massage therapy or how it could help you, please get in touch with me using the contact form below and I will be happy to help.
FAQ - Foot Health Care
Mobile foot care, does that mean that you visit me?
Yes, my mobile treatments are completed in the patients home. I visit any property within the PO12 to PO16 postcodes, on selected days only.
How can I tell what availability you have for a treatment?
The website has my current availability showing on the bookings page. 'Request to book' the treatment that you require and it will show you what appointments are available without having to commit to book. All new patients will need to book the initial mobile foot appointment so I can register you with my services.
How do I pay?
Payment can be made online at the time of booking, or paid by cash or card on the day after the treatment. Appointments can be amended up to 24 hours before the start time free of charge, Any amendments within 24 hours of the start time will be at my discretion
What conditions can be treated?
Common conditions that I can treat include;
Routine nail cutting (hands and feet)
Verruca
Corns
Dry skin
Cracked skin
Ingrowing toenail
Fungal infection
Thickened nails
What does a mobile foot health appointment involve?
A thorough assessment of your feet will be completed with every appointment booked. The initial appointment will include registration with me, patient medical history, neurovascular assessment, treatment plan, first treatment and aftercare advice. All subsequent appointments will start wit a similar assessment and treatment.
I bring everything required with me for your treatment, including a foot rest to elevate your foot while I work on it.
If you have any other questions about the services I offer, or how it could help you, please get in touch with me using the contact form below and I will be happy to help
Contact Me