WHAT IS SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY?

Sports Massage Therapy utilises a variety of techniques and modalities to treat a wide range of musculo-skeletal problems. It can also help to prevent the onset of an injury, improve flexibility and promote relaxation and well being. It is obviously suitable for people who participate in sporting or leisure activities. However, as the pathology of athletic injuries differs in no way from either domestic or industrial injuries, you do not need to be sporty in any way to benefit from a Sports Massage.

If you enjoy being an active participant in sport and leisure pursuits, you may have experienced pain and also frustration when an injury prevents you from taking part in your chosen activity. It is vital therefore to seek prompt professional help to reduce the pain, recover from the injury and prevent further injury and most importantly to return to your chosen sport or leisure activity as soon as possible.

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Sports Massage Therapy aids recovery and prevention from injury by:

• Improving blood and lymph flow
• Removing lactic acid which builds up during and after exercise
• Stretching muscles to increase their length and flexibility
• Releasing muscle tension and trigger points
• Breaking down scar tissue to improve function
• Improving elasticity to give muscles their optimum length
• Increasing range of movement of joints
• Reducing pain caused by tense congested muscles
• Repairing damaged ligaments and tendons with Ultrasound

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Sports Massage Therapy can significantly help a wide-range of conditions including:

• Tendonitis
• Torn/ Ruptured Ligaments
• Muscular Spasm
• Repetitive Strain
• Frozen shoulder
• Sciatica
• Tennis/ Golfers Elbow
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Groin Strain
• Back Pain
• Shin Splints
• Runners Knee
• Work Strain

TREATMENT

At your first session a case history will be taken. You will be asked about your current state of health and medical history. Any relevant x-rays may be brought along, and details of current medication. This is to ensure that Sports Massage Therapy is the appropriate treatment for your condition.

A diagnosis is then made, treatment prescribed and a rehabilitation programme given, tailored specifically to your needs.

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The treatment will consist of one or more of the following techniques:

• Assessment of muscles and joints
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Soft Tissue Release
• Trigger Pointing
• Positional Release
• Ultrasound
• Stretching
• Rehabilitation programs or Exercises and Stretching to be done at home
• Taping / Strapping

Each treatment varies from person to person depending on need and generally involves a "hands-on" approach.

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Also you may be given:
Nutritional advice, which will consist of a full lifestyle questionnaire, diet diary, feedback and advice.

Kim is also a qualified Sports First Aider and may be able to cover your sports event if required.

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