Sports Massage
Sports massage is a manual and deep form of soft tissue work designed to keep you moving at your best.
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Used in the treatment of muscle injuries as well as prevention
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Supporting movement and reliving stiff and tight limbs
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Regular massage increase focus, reduces stress and improves circulation
You don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy the benefits of a sports massage.
What is Sports Massage
and how does it work?
Sports massage is a specific form of massage therapy, where a qualified sports massage therapist uses deep tissue massage techniques to manipulate the muscles and connective tissues within the body.
Designed primarily for individuals taking part in sports and active movement practices, sports massage can be used to target specific problem areas or for general maintenance to help keep you moving at your best.
By working with the soft tissue of the body - i.e. muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and skin - a trained sports massage therapist will be able to lengthen and soften the tissues, which can ease stiffness and constrictions. The end result is better efficiency, flexibility and ease of movement.
It is not just athletes that benefit from sports massage!
Its remedial effects are well known and often utilised by physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors to support all kinds of people. Whether you're a professional athlete, or just enjoy staying active, sports massage can be a fantastic way to keep your body in top shape and ready for action.
If you'd like to learn more, contact us, keep reading, or click on a link below to jump to a section.
What’s different about Sports Massage?
Massage therapy dates back many millennia, where it was originally used in the East as a sacred form of healing to relieve pain, heal injuries, and prevent or cure illnesses. The practices travelled also to the West, but the use of massage therapy declined with modern medicine. It became more popular again in the 1800s through the work of a Dutch physician, Johann Georg Mezger, which laid the foundations for what we now know as Swedish Massage.
Swedish Massage is a lighter form of massage to provide relaxation and is often offered as a spa treatment. Sports Massage supports people to maintain their peak physical performance through different techniques designed to promote mobility and flexibility, including deeper tissue work than a traditional massage.
Sports Massage incorporates deep tissue techniques, and there can be a big crossover between Deep Tissue Massage and Sports Massage. Both forms of massage can relieve muscle tension, stiffness and stress. Generally speaking, Deep Tissue Massage is used as part of a full body massage, whereas Sports Massage is usually more targeted, which is particularly useful for those who undertake sports that are heavy in repetitive movements.
Click here to read an overview of all the different massage types we offer at Movement Matters.
Who is Sports Massage for?
You don’t have to be an athlete, anyone with an active, physical or sporty lifestyle can benefit from a Sports Massage. They are a brilliant way to maintain peak fitness, keep the body well-conditioned, and feel your best.
However, there are a few instances in which Sports Massage is not appropriate:
If you have a current or historic injury, this would come under Sports & Remedial Massage. Remedial Massage treats people with pain, injury or more complex physical needs. Book in for a Sports & Remedial Massage Initial Consultation with Ruth and she will undertake a full assessment to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Read more about Remedial Massage
If you are pregnant or nursing, then Sports Massage is not for you – you can still have a massage treatment with us, but you’ll need to book a Pre or Post Natal Pregnancy Massage so that we can match you with a therapist that is appropriately trained to meet your needs as safely as possible.
Read more about Pregnancy Massage
What does Sports Massage feel like?
It is a common misconception that sport massage is (or is meant to be) painful. This is simply not the case!
At Movement Matters, our expert therapists are trained to work with you, and your nervous system, so that you can achieve the best possible outcome from the treatment. Sensations differ from person to person, and with the techniques and pressures used. While it may feel uncomfortable at points, the aim is never to cause you pain.
It’s really important that you communicate with your therapist throughout the appointment, so that they can adjust their approach, whenever necessary, to ensure most comfort and benefit to you.
You might find it helpful to read some of our patient testimonials, which show how we approach massage therapy in general.
What is Pre and Post Event Massage?
A big part of how Sports Massage can help is if you have a big event coming up such as a marathon, playing a rugby game, or a heavy workout at the gym. Pre and Post event massage is a great way of supporting your body to work optimally.
Pre-event
Massage in the lead up to an event and can form part of an athlete's warm up (but should never replace a physical warm up!). The approach varies based on the athlete, sport, environment and individual needs. Its purpose is to prepare to body in readiness to perform a specific task. Pre-event massage can take place a couple of days, or even minutes, before the event. It can:
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increase blood supply to the muscles
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decrease muscle tension for optimised performance
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mentally prepare you for the event
Post-event
The aim of post-event massage is to help the individual with their recovery. This type of massage is most beneficial within hours of the event, but it is also helpful a couple of days later too. Post-event massage uses slower, deeper strokes than pre-event massage, to ease muscle soreness and joint stiffness. Its goal is to restore the muscle tone and length, while relieving any muscle cramps or spasms the athlete may be experiencing. Before the massage, the therapists must assess the athlete to ensure that they:
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have not sustained an injury requiring first aid,
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have completed a cool down,
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are not dehydrated,
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are coherent and rational (as opposed to feeling dizzy, confused, unsteady etc).
Additionally, it is useful to let the therapist know if you have had any problem during the event (cramps, pain, bruising, soreness etc).
Sports Massage Pricing
Reduce stress and maintain optimum condition with a sports massage tailored to target your own specific needs. Book a treatment with our talented Sports Massage therapist, Dagmar.
Please note: Dagmar works in the clinic on Mondays only.
Full Body
Sports Massage (1 hour)
£50
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Assessment
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Treatment Plan
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Full Body Sports Massage
Back, Neck & Shoulders
Sports Massage (1 hour)
£50
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Assessment
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Treatment Plan
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Targeted Massage Treatment
Extended Sports Massage Treatment (1.5 hours)
£70
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Assessment
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Treatment Plan
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Targeted Massage Treatment
Please note: Dagmar works in the clinic on Mondays only.
What can I do next?
Ready to book a Sports Massage with Movement Matters? Head to Online Bookings to book in your treatment. If it is your first Sports Massage with us, please be sure to choose a 'First Time Appointment' with Dagmar. This will ensure that you get the correct forms and procedures for your first visit with us.
Every body is different, so matching you with the right treatment, therapist and specialism is really important to give you the best possible outcome.
If you book in for a treatment that is not suitable for you, or the practitioner, then we may be unable to treat you. If you have any questions about what treatment would be best for you – please do not hesitate to please get in touch - we'd love to hear from you.