FAQs

Sports Massage is a strange term because it is not just for people who participate in sport. It could be seen as a special form of massage used before, during, and after athletic events to prepare the ‘athlete’ for peak performance. However; many of my clients come to see me who are not ‘sporty’ or who participate in sport in a far more recreational way. So don’t let the term put you off; far from it. In fact; sports massage encompasses a wide variety of techniques but is much more focused than that of ‘Swedish’ or simply ‘Deep Tissue’ massage.

Sports Massage for people who do participate in sport is about working within peoples’ goals and applying relevant techniques to help reach those goals. There is no one size fits all, no routine, every ‘body’ is different and has different goals. Goals vary depending on whether people are carrying an injury or are just needing to bring parts of the body back to life the next training session or maybe it’s about just getting rid of some tension and aches and pains.

Sports Massage is different from Swedish or Deep Tissue massage as it is very bespoke to the goals of the individual. It incorporates many different techniques, such as;

  • The Standard Swedish Deep Tissue massage
  • Postural Assessment – analysing potential postural imbalances.
  • Soft Tissue Release – stretching and breaks down specific areas
  • Trigger Point Therapy – Breaking down targeted adhesions and releasing muscle tension in specific areas.
  • Muscle Energy Technique – stretching muscles and encouraging body awareness.
    Myofascial Release – increasing mobility in the fascia

Of course – Sports massage is for everyone! You may have aches and pains from gardening, from office work too much computer work, from DIY or driving long hours. Everyday life creates stresses and sometimes we just need to unwind and release those stresses. A sports massage is ideal for this and we will help by suggesting things you may be able to do to help you overcome some of these stresses. The most common complaints are from people with backaches, stiff neck and shoulders.

Where ever you look there will be a long list of ‘benefits’ of massage (and sports massage in particular). In summary sports massage offer improvements in the following areas:

  • Reduce fatigue
  • Reduce Pain
  • Relieve muscle tension and tightness
  • Promote and restore your own flexibility and range of motion
  • Increased mobility
  • Help prevent injury and niggles
  • Help enhance the performance of the athlete
  • Faster recovery
  • Reduce stress
  • A feeling of being one’s self again improved proprioception, that is being more aware of how the body moves
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Increased lymphatic drainage
  • Headache relief

There is no best time to have a sports massage as everyone has different lifestyles and differs in their needs. Regular massage clients know when its best to have treatment.

If you have a major event coming up then anything from 5-10 days from the event is often good but some people are fine a couple of days before the event. This is not recommended for first-time clients as you need to learn what works for you. After a major event you may be sore so please leave it a few days before booking your massage.

That depends on each individual person. What sort of pain or discomfort they have if they are supporting an injury, their lifestyle and habits, or their goals. The best way to reduce both any aches and pains or effects of hard training is with regular Sports Massage, A ‘maintenance massage’ is regular massage not specifically before or after a major sporting event, and could be anything from every 1 week (if time and finance permits) to every 6 weeks. Adhoc treatment is fine but these clients often turn up at each session supporting some sort of niggle, pain or injury expecting a miracle cure! Remember prevention is better than cure (or Injury!) Keep your goals in mind when you are booking.

Your first appointment will involve a full client consultation outlining your medical history, injuries, any areas of muscular tension and general health, wellbeing, lifestyle and occupation. If you have any doubts about any conditions prior to treatment – please consult your GP. The consultation will be done online due to COVID-19 and then a discussion when you first come to visit. We can then work out what treatment is right for you using specific techniques to help address your issues.

I offer 60 minutes, 45 minute and 30-minute sessions.

60 Minutes

Perfect for your full body maintenance massage including back and neck, arms, legs and glutes and feet.

45 Minutes

Ideal for a section of the body such as back and neck, or legs and glutes. Great for a pre or post-massage treatment.

30 Minutes

Suitable for a specific area, often to treat small injuries and niggles, such as the calf, neck and shoulders.

If its your first time then you will have filled in a consultation form before hand. After an initial discussion we may do some standard tests and postural assessments depending on your issues. Most of the work is hands-on but we need to understand these things to give you the best treatment.

Something comfortable, some people wear shorts (and tee if you are not having treatment on your back). The massage is performed directly on the skin using oil or wax. (If you are vegan please inform me as I do use Bee’s Wax during a lot of my treatment but I also have Rapeseed Oil).

You will need to remove some clothes. I respect your modesty and will leave the room for you to get undressed (and dressed again). Towels will be draped to cover areas of the body that are not being worked on. Women – please do not wear sports bras these are really hard to work around, just a normal bra and I will ask if it’s ok to unhook you if you are having treatment on your back. Stretchy loose shorts are always good for everyone, however, some people are quite comfortable just in their underwear.

I may ask you to move into different positions on the table in order to treat certain areas effectively. I may recommend exercises, making changes to your lifestyle or work environment to make the treatments more effective.

The initial assessment will highlight any local or general contra-indications or any other medical conditions that may prevent treatment. Medical Consent will be advised before proceeding for any issues that may prevent treatment.

Yes, basic ones, as a Level 4 Sports Massage Therapist, I am trained to deal with injuries and advance techniques applicable to soft tissue injuries. However, I am not able to diagnose injuries, so if you have an injury please go and see a Physiotherapist first.

NO. This is a general contra-indication as it is a viral infection. Massage stimulates circulation and can help to spread infection around the body. Likewise, if you show any symptoms of COVID-19 DO NOT attend the massage appointment. My COVID-19 regulations can be found here.

Contraindications are conditions when you should not be massaged. In todays’ world COVID-19 is the biggest contradiction, as is the commmon cold. For athletes it may be that of an acute injury or inflamation. Once any swelling has been reduced then massage is recommended.

Some contraindications include: fever, vascular conditions, severe heart disease, contagious skin conditions, inflammation, abrasions, cuts, hematomas, cancer, neuritis, recent surgery, infectious diseases, diabetes with vascular dysfunction, fractures, and acute injury. You must be honest in your conulstation of any medical condition or injuries, and before each subsequent treatment. Some conditions are localized so massage may take place except in the affected area.

You are no longer required to wear a face mask during treatment, if you have any concerns please get in touch, your safety is my number 1 priority.

No! No massage should ever ‘hurt’. There may be ‘discomfort’ but it should never hurt. You should never go away in pain, or have extensive bruising. Some clients do bruise more easily than others and this will be flagged up in the online consultation. Everyone tolerates pain differently, and I check in with you regularly to ensure that the techniques are appropriate to your pain threshold. There may be times when more pressure needs to be applied so that the tissues respond effectively but it should never be very painful.

Everyone reacts differently. Some clients will feel great after their massage others will feel a little more lethargic and tired. This is why is important to understand how your body manages sports massage. Some people also report tenderness in the muscles which should generally ease after 24-48 hours. It may take a few treatments to break down any tension that your body is holding. Pain can accumulate over a long time and so takes longer to fix.

It is individual. I have had people ‘race’ the day of the massage but it all depends on how you feel. If you are being treated due to an injury I will discuss this with you at the end of your treatment. If you are having a maintenance treatment then you can exercise afterwards but with caution until you know you feel ok.

It is a myth that massage flushes out ‘toxins’ from your body, however, you may generally feel thirsty, lightheaded or dehydrated afterwards – if you do extra fluids (not alcoholic or caffeinated) will help you feel better.

I no longer provide water due to COVID-19 so it is advisable to bring a bottle of water along too – to begin rehydration as you may feel thirsty afterwards. 

Each day is different as I have other jobs too. I offer appointments from as early as 07:30 am and I have been known to work until 10 pm. My evenings get booked up very quickly and I do work weekends too.

There is free on street parking, don’t forget to put your handbrake on!

I first started massaging in 2012 when I completed the MTI diploma in Holistic and Deep Tissue Massage with Sheffield Centre for Massage Training and then went on to complete my Sports Massage Level 3 and 4 with London School of Massage. I have completed a number of CPD courses including Sports Taping, Dry Needling level 1 (I do not offer this as a service due to insurance and licencing reasons in my area) and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation. I have been massaging since 2012.

  • Diploma in Holistic and Deep Tissue Massage (SCSM)
  • Dipolma in Sports Massage Level 3 (ITEC)
  • Certificate in Sports Massage Level 4 (ITEC)
  • K Taping (Sports Tape)
  • Dry Needling Level 1 (OMT)
  • IASTM (OMT)
  • Health, Safety and Hygiene Returning to work COVID-19 Course – Gateway Workshop LTD
  • First Aid Qualified with the RLSS

Please refer to the Terms and Conditions for my cancellation policy including COVID-19 cancellations.

Of course! No massage therapist should be working without insurance. I am insured with FitPro – full Public & Products Liability (Underwritten by Aviva Insurance Limited who is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority)

There are a number of governing bodies for Soft Tissue and Sports Massage. The  GCMT (General Council for Massage Therapy) is the overriding body for Soft Tissue work, and all other governing bodies take advice from them. The Institute of Sports and Remedial Massage (ISRM) acts as a main governing body for Sports and Remedial Massage.

Please see my privacy policy for more information

You book on line and you can pay securely online using Stripe or Paypal. You may if you wish to pay on the day but I am now discouraging cash payments due to COVID-19.

Yes you can. These are bespoke, get in touch and let me know what you want.

Not specifically, but I can recommend places to buy them from.

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