FAQ & ANSWERS

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What is Sports Massage and Remedial Massage?

Sports and Remedial Massage is a form of deep tissue massage covering the management, manipulation and rehabilitation of the soft tissues of the body e.g. muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia. Most everyday injuries, aches and pains occur at work, home or in the participation of a sport. There are many contributing factors to muscular health problems, including the affects of stress. Regular massages can effectively reduce stress levels, stimulating the body's natural ability to heal and repair itself by boosting circulation and encouraging nutrients to reach injured tissues.

Who can benefit from Sports and Remedial Massage?

  • Anyone who works out from the occasional to the elite sports person
  • Workers who suffer stress & tension i.e neck, back, shoulder pains and aches, work related tissue dysfunction (RSI - Repetitive Strain Injury/ ULD - Upper Limb Disorder)
  • New Mothers suffering with post-labour back problems
  • Anyone with stiff & aching muscles
  • Anyone with soft tissue injury i.e sprains, strains and post surgery
  • Anyone with muscle imbalances or chronic postural problems

What are the main benefits to the body?

  • Stress and tension reduction
  • Identify and reduce the chance of potential injuries occurring
  • Aids rehabilitation after injury and speeds up recovery
  • Ensures full range of movement and increases muscle flexibility
  • Improves posture and prompts general body positioning awareness
  • Relieves niggling aches and pains before serious injuries occur
  • Relieves tired and aching muscles
  • Provides relaxation and promotes wellbeing
  • Breakdowns scar tissue and adhesions
  • Increases lymphatic drainage - removing harmful toxins

How long will sessions last?

Most sessions will last approximately 1hour. However treatment durations can vary at the discretion of your therapist depending on the nature of the treatment to be performed. Your therapist will use her clinical judgment to decide when sufficient treatment has been performed into any given condition and will avoid 'over-treatment' where possible. You may be recommended 30 min appointments if this is deemed more appropriate for your individual condition. Most new patients will be recommended a 1 hour treatment, as initial consultation will take place and this time will be needed to assess your individual needs the complexity of the case. Treatment durations for new patients will be discussed and agreed during booking.

What should I expect during my session?

Before the session commences, your practitioner will help you through your consultation form and gain a better understanding of your muscular health and any lifestyle factors that may be aggravating your condition. She will ask questions related to your overall health, medical history, diet and activity/training regimes. At this point it may also be appropriate to assess your posture and general body positioning; this will be done by observation and mobility exercises. Your treatment plan will then be explained to you, step by step.

If you are on any medication, please make a note of what you are taking as it will be helpful if these were added to your consultation form. It may be necessary to seek GP approval before treatment if you suffer from diabetes, low blood pressure, or skin related conditions.

What should I wear during my treatment?

You will be covered by blankets/towel at all times, only the part of the body that is being treated will be exposed. It is advisable to wear snug fitting under garments/shorts. How is it performed? Oil will be applied to each part of the body being treated separately, light massage movements are used initially, your practitioner will be able to tell which area needs more work, then deeper sweeping movements will be performed with the practitioners hands, forearms, and elbows. It is important to note firm pressure may be needed, however if it becomes extremely uncomfortable at any time please just say.

Also, stretching and light manipulation will be incorporated into your remedial massage treatment, as this is an effective way of releasing tension and encouraging a greater range of movement. All the above is conducted on a hydraulic couch.

How will I feel after treatment?

As treatment can be quite intense, you may feel the following;

  • Tired and listless (you'll probably sleep really well the night of your treatment!)
  • Aching and Tender - normally 24 hours after treatment, but this will reduce thereafter
  • A little Light Headed - please make sure that if prone to experiencing this that you have someone with you to escort you home.
  • Wanting the Loo! - this is due to increased toxins leaving the body

Important Information to Note

Make sure you take it easy, don't do any intense exercise for 24 hours and drink plenty of water. Patients under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent who will be required to sign a parental consent form.

In accordance with standard practice we regret that a charge will be made for missed appointments or non-attendance unless 24 hours notice is given. If you are late, the session still falls within the scheduled appointment time. If the practitioner is late, the session will last the full time allotted.

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We offer free telephone consultations, where we will be happy to give you a more detailed explanation of the benefits of sports massage and discuss if it may be suitable for you or someone you know.

Click here and find out what you need to know to book your appointment.

Click here for more information and our current price list.

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