WHAT IS SPORTS MASSAGE /  Rehab

What is Sports Massage?

Sports Massage is a deep tissue massage.  It is based on Swedish Massage and combines the gliding and kneading strokes with other techniques such as direct pressure, and stretching and joint mobilisation, to stretch, release tension and relieve soreness in muscles, tendons and ligaments. We use this , combined with Osteopathy, PT and other therapies as necessary to get you rehabbed from your injury. Philip , has a special interest in running injuries, Paul martial arts while Luca and James a wide variety of sports.

Is Sports Massage for me?

Anyone can benefit from a sports massage to help deal with the stresses and strains that our bodies face every day.  Aches, pains and injuries are caused by many activities at home and at work (such as driving, working at a computer or carrying small children) as well as on a sports field or in the gym.

A sports massage treatment is tailored to individual needs.  It can be used to treat the whole body or be applied to specific areas.

If you are a sports person, a sports massage can help your physical and psychological preparation for an event, by stimulating circulation and warming muscles, and reducing the risk of injury.  After an event it will assist your recovery by removing waste products from those muscles (such as lactic acid), helping to prevent soreness and maintaining muscular condition.
One of the key benefits of Sports massage therapy compared to other modalities is its ability to target muscle-tendon junctions. A 2010 study in the journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that even a 30-second massage improved hip-flexor range of motion. Another study conducted by Margaret Jones, Ph.D. of the American College of Sports Medicine, demonstrated a notable trend toward decreased muscle soreness in the athletes who received massage either before or after exercise.

For anyone participating in regular physical activity, Sports massage therapy every week or two may be a great addition to your normal regimen. It’s best to talk with one of our professional massage therapists to find a plan that will work best with your schedule, level of activity and budget. As always have a look at What To Expect at the Osteopathic House.