Sports massage can be defined as the scientific manipulation of soft tissue for injury prevention and therapeutic purposes, involving the restoration to normal functional activity of the various structures of the body.

As a sports therapist I always carry out a detailed subjective questionnaire and a thorough assessment prior to treatment. This includes a visual observation to determine factors such as asymmetry, bruising, swelling, scars and muscle tension. I also use a range of movement testing and functional assessments as these techniques help me to clarify which structure may be damaged or shorted and palpation of the tissues may identify areas of pain or muscle tension. Following any assessment I always then explain my treatment approach based on my findings to my clients along with pain tolerance (amount of pressure used to provide an effective treatment), the duration of the treatment and the number of treatments required. This helps me to develop an effective treatment plan.

Massage should play a very important part in any athlete’s training programme alongside warming up and cooling down, sleep and recovery. Through massage we can remove the build-up of general aches and pains that most sports persons normally seem to accept. As a therapist I use my hands as diagnostic tools to explore the tissues of a patient, to find these problems and deal with them accordingly and most effectively. This will not only help to improve performance and endurance but also prevent injuries and loss of joint mobility in potential trouble spots.

Certain factors will influence how muscle groups perform. For example muscle fatigue, lack of flexibility and technique resulting in a muscular strain.  The only difference between one muscle strain and another is the extent of its damage and its location.  After the initial inflammatory stage, sports massage therapy is a superb form of treatment simply because it works in conjunction with the natural healing process of the body. Improving the circulation and manipulation of the injured tissue will result in preventing adhesions forming, realigning scar tissue and a much faster return to physical activity.  As well as the physical benefits massage therapy also comes with psychological benefits such as producing feelings of invigoration, reducing anxiety and helping to improve overall wellbeing.