Massage Therapy

What is Massage Therapy?

Sports therapy is a form of massage involving the manipulation of soft tissue aimed at benefiting a person engaging in regular physical activity. Soft tissue is the connective tissue that has not hardened into bone and cartilage; it includes skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia (a form of connective tissue that lines and encloses the other soft tissues).

Sports massage is designed to assist in correcting problems and imbalances in soft tissue that are caused by repetitive and strenuous physical activity and trauma. The application of sports massage, prior to and after exercise, may enhance performance, aid recovery and prevent injury.

Sports Therapists require a level of training that includes a wide set of skills and supporting knowledge. It is widely accepted that Sports Therapists are knowledgeable in:

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Sports massage
  • Ethics and Professionalism
  • Bio-mechanics
  • Advanced Manual Therapy 
  • Injury assessment
  • Rehabilitation from basic injury
  • First Aid
  • Supportive sports strapping

What to expect from Sports Massage Therapy?

A good Sports Massage Therapist will always do a consultation with you! This is a very important part of the treatment! So expect the 1st 10min this is to assess what issues there may be and to provide you with an effective treatment plan and aftercare.

What will happen:

  • Questionnaire will be completed  – to ensure any medical contraindications are uncovered.
  • Informed Consent – This is a legal requirement that you are asked to sign for both observations and treatment.
  • Observations – a few tests that will look at the Range of Motion in the problem area.
  • Proposed Treatment will be discussed with the patient.
  • Massage – The therapist will instruct you how to place your body on the bed, towels will be provided and only the areas massaged will be exposed to ensure dignity. During the massage, the therapist may move your limbs to facilitate deeper friction into the area. They should constantly be interacting with you to ensure the pain level is acceptable. Sports massages are not designed to be relaxing, they are designed to get you moving and stretch out those affected areas for a longer-lasting feeling of wellness. Time and time again we hear this, as sports massage really gets into the problem areas and provides relief following the treatment.
  • Stretches – Most massage treatments will also involve localised stretches.
  • Re-Assessment – The therapist will provide a reassessment from the initial observations to see any difference in the range of motions tested originally.
  • After Care or further treatment – The therapist will advise if further treatments etc are necessary.

The Different Types of Sports Massage

There are a number of different types of sports massage scenarios:

  • Pre-Event – to be done at least 3 days prior to an event.
  • Post-Event – within 5 days after an event has taken place.
  • Maintenance – this will vary from weekly, twice a month or once a month depending on your bodies requirements.
  • Sports Injury

What should you wear?

The therapist will need to see your range of movement in the tests, so shorts/leggings and t-shirt/vests are an option. Undergarments are to be kept on at all times! Dignity is absolutely paramount and if at ANY POINT you are uncomfortable, let your therapist know.  It is important that you feel both comfortable and safe.

What not to do:

Never plan any workout session after a therapy session