Soft Tissue Therapy / Sports Massage

Soft Tissue Therapy Treatment/Sports Massage

The aim here is to identify and address the source of the injury/problem not just the symptom of your issue (chronic & acute).

This is not a passive treatment, using massage with movement, Soft Tissue Release, Muscle Energy Techniques, Trigger Point work as well as my usual massage techniques and if appropriate, myofascial cupping can also be used.

General Maintenance Massage/Sports Massage

Intended for those who don't feel they have any specific problems, but feel that a tailored deep tissue massage would be helpful to maintain health/comfort. Many of my clients benefit from regular massage whether that be a quartlerly, monthly, fortnightly or even in some cases weekly massage.

I have many clients with chronic illness find regular massage is really beneficial, providing it is medically appropriate, we may have to obtain written permission from your GP.

Please contact me if you would like more information.

How does soft tissue therapy/massage work?

During physical activity, metabolic waste builds up in the muscles and soft tissues which can cause tension, stiffness and dysfunction. Sports massage is an intensive therapy which, by using fascial release techniques including massage techniques, Trigger Point, Muscle Energy Techniques and Soft Tissue Release, helps to break down congestion and increases blood flow; it realigns the connective tissue and muscles fibres improving muscular function and increasing joint mobility. The increased blood flow speeds up the removal of waste products (flushing toxins) and delivers nutrients to the cells to aid repair and build muscle.

We will start the treatment by discussing and assessing your problem so that we can work to heal the source of the problem rather than just the symptoms. This is usually done over a course of 3-4 treatments over a period of time that suits you and your body.

See FAQ's for further information

Further detail regarding the benefits of Soft Tissue Therapy

Improved Circulation & Improved General Nutrition of Muscles

Massage stimulates localised blood flow which increases heat within the soft tissue fibres; this enables the interchange of substances including nutrients and oxygen from the blood into the cells and also speeds up the release of waste products from the cells to the lymphatic system. This process increases the muscle metabolism and directly enables the body to heal and rebuild itself.

Reduces Pain

A body in pain is a sign of overworked muscles and is not healthy. Massage increases blood and lymph fluid flow, thereby speeding the injury rehabilitation process. Massage also helps with pain from spasms and cramps, often associated with regularly high intensity training.

Increased Power and Performance

Massage helps to improve range of motion and muscle flexibility, this directly impacts the body’s ability to function efficiently and with intensity to facilitate a healthy muscle building response.

Shorten Recovery Time/Reduce DOMS

Waste products build up in muscles during and after exercise, massage can aid this recovery through increasing the circulation and therefore helping to eliminate toxic waste products more quickly than without. Therefore ensuring a faster recovery time and the effect of DOMs Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) is greatly reduced.

Helps to Prevent Symptoms from Over Training

Massage has a relaxing effect on the soft tissues and the nervous system which can directly aid the reduction of the limiting effect that over training has on muscle growth.

Helps to Prevent and Heal Injuries

Massage stretches the connective tissues and as previously discussed, improves circulation which helps to prevent or break down adhesions. Massage also influences the excretion of certain fluids necessary for tissue repair. Adhesions will reduce the performance of muscles from a range of levels and therefore has a direct impact upon the way the body functions as a whole.

Motion and Flexibility

Deep tissue massage can reduce muscular tension, aiding flexibility in the soft tissues. Massage can help to relax the muscles and flexibility, ensuring better performance, faster recovery between events and reduce the effects of the physical fatigue.

Recovery time shortened

Exercise/competition can be stressful on the body which can lead to injury if not prepared correctly. Sports massage is an excellent way to prepare the muscles due to the increase blood flow to the area being massaged, naturally bringing nutrients and oxygen; eliminating waste products via lymphatic drainage. Inflammation and swelling is reduced and scar tissue can be lessened.

Increased localised supply of oxygen and nutrients to the soft tissue

Massage encourages blood into muscles, this is vital to creating new tissue and increased strength and stamina. Lymphatic drainage is increased and so the muscles are able to more readily remove the waste products/congestion. This will reduce inflammation and so will increase the tissue health. The proteins delivered to the muscles cells ensure repair and growth.

Psychological/emotional benefits

The body is only as strong as the mind, so having a strong mind that is relaxed and focused is a definite edge in highly competitive sports. A stressed athlete is not nearly as capable as one with a clear mind.