I came across sports massage by accident. My partner, as a keen cyclist, used to suffer severe DOMS after a big ride out. Feeling that he shouldn’t be able to use this as an excuse to get out of the house work anymore, I enrolled in a weekend introductory course for sports massage. Half way through the first morning I became completely hooked and I immediately enrolled on the level 5 diploma. And I haven’t looked back since. I love my job, I look forward to going into work every day and the challenge that each client brings, and the sense of achievement when we start to get results together.
“Massage is not just a luxury. It is a way to a happier, healthier life!”
Sports Massage in Tunbridge Wells
Sport massage is a manual therapy treating soft tissue pain and weakness and is widely used to recover from intense exercises.The sports massage therapist focuses on the individuals’ needs and athletic goals.
During exercise the body is subject to different physical and biomechanical loadings. If the exercises are preformed regularly and correctly, the body’s systems can cope and adapt to the increasing overload. However, sometimes overuse injuries can occur which in turn create problems and imbalances in the soft tissues. If those problems are ignored they can lead to more chronic injuries and will have an effect on the athlete’s performance.
“Your body will be around a lot longer than expensive toys and trinkets. Invest in yourself!”
Our Sports Massage Therapists
Sports massage, applied by skilful professional, is the most effective therapy for treating muscle tension and improving imbalances in the muscular and skeletal system. It uses hands-on techniques to work on muscles, tendons and ligaments. This helps to release tension, improve blood circulation,stimulate or suppress nerve activity andremovewaste products such as lactic acid. Sports massage also relieves mental tension and therefore helps with preparation to any intense physical activity in the future.
On some occasions, sports massage should be avoided, if the athlete is suffering from an illness, acute traumas (open wounds, muscle tears and burns), Infectious skin disease or has been diagnosed with cancer or haemophilia. Massage is usually not advisable for diabetic patients as massage has the same effect on blood sugar levels as exercise (however, this could be controlled by the patient’s medications).
The three main massage techniques that are being used in sport are effleurage, petrissage and friction:
1. Effleurage consists of gentle stroking movements, usually carried out with the whole palm of the hand and fingers, it is always used at the start of the massage to warm the muscle by increasing the blood flow and stimulating the peripheral nerves.
2. Petrissage, also known as kneading, is a deeper and more intense form of massage aimed at creating stretch to the deep muscle fibres involved and to assist fluid drainage to through the lymphatic system.
3. Friction massage is a technique used to separate muscle fibres, break down scar tissue and adhesions in the soft tissue involved.
Our sports massage therapists in Caterham can help improve your physical activity performance!
If you would like a general assessment, diagnosis and a rehabilitation program to improve your physical performance please book a consultation with the chiropractors.
Excellent massage therapist also available!