Sports Massage & Exercise Therapy

Sports massage is a type of soft tissue therapy; hands-on treatment is used to stimulate blood flow and mobilise deep muscular tissues. Techniques can be used to treat muscle spasm, scar tissue, muscle tension, break up adhesions, known as knots, or aid recovery from exercise.

The effects of massage differ from patient to patient, however there are many benefits to massage. These benefits can be physical and/or psychological. Some physical changes and benefits that may occur are:  increased range of movement/flexibility, reduce inflammation and removal of waste products, reduce pain levels, as well as reduced risk of injury. Psychologically, massage is found to increase the production of relaxation hormones and reduce stress hormones. This encourages the body to relax, reduce anxiety, lower stress levels, improve energy levels, and aid better quality sleep. 

Following massage treatment some people may experience side effects such as muscle soreness, redness or bruising, fatigue, and/or headaches. Not everyone experiences these side effects, and not having them doesn’t mean your treatment was effective, however, everyone reacts differently. 

Sports massage can be really effective alongside exercise therapy. Exercise therapy consists of physical activity and exercise tailored to your individual needs, usually during rehabilitation from injury but it can be there to support you long after recovery to make sure you are strong long after injury.