The role of the sport & remedial massage therapist includes the assessment of the soft tissues of the body to help prevent and manage dysfunction, injury, pain or physical disorders.
This is achieved by the physical, manual manipulation of the soft tissues with supportive advice on exercise and training. Our sport & remedial massage therapists practice within those fields for which they have been trained to a level of competence acceptable to the Institute of Sport & Remedial Massage. They operate as members of our health care team.
For many thousands of years massage has been used effectively to deal with minor soft tissue conditions (affecting muscles, ligaments and tendons), and its uses and benefits are no less today than they have ever been. The majority of general aches and pains that are caused by lifestyle stresses are minor soft tissue conditions.
Although they may recover naturally over time this is often not the case and they can develop into more serious and complex issues. Remedial massage has shown over the years to be a fast and effective way of dealing with these minor soft tissue conditions by assisting the body’s own natural repair processes.
Even with more serious injuries there is nearly always some secondary soft tissue condition also involved. This is usually because the muscular system is protecting or compensating for the more serious problem.
Remedial massage can have a vital complementary role to play, in support of the medical practitioner, dealing with these secondary problems which otherwise may prevent a good recovery.
This is a speciality within remedial massage that uses the same range of clinical skills. Many “so called” sports injuries have much to do with an athlete’s posture and/or other factors outside of their sport, and the distinction between the two is often unclear.
The real difference with sports massage is the focus on recovery from training and the early identification and treatment of potential soft tissue problems. With a thorough assessment of the condition of the athlete’s soft tissues through massage, the therapist can monitor how he or she is responding to training. This can allow the athlete to “fine-tune” their training to avoid injury and enhance performance.
The therapist will need access to the required body part. So it is recommended you wear clothing that is easily removed or repositioned. Many clients feel comfortable in their underwear however modesty is maintained at all times by using towels to cover the body. They are only removed to allow access to the area of the body that is being worked on. Body parts such as the glutes are worked on through clothing/toweling for client’s comfort and is just as effective.
Females are asked to wear a back fastening bra so that the upper back and shoulders are easily accessed, sports bras can be awkward in this situation. Long or tight shorts are often restrictive so are not ideal as access to the hamstrings/adductor attachments can be difficult.
It is imperative you feel comfortable at all times whether you are suitably undressed or fully clothed.
Sometimes sports massage can be a little uncomfortable, but it is only ever a ‘good’ pain – you will instinctively know is doing good. Please remember that you are always in charge so if you’re uncomfortable in anyway please say so and a different approach will be taken
If you want lighter pressure please say, the aim is for you to feel happy with the treatment you are receiving.
It is not unusual to feel a little post massage soreness for a day or two after a deep tissue massage, this is usual. Common post massage advice includes warming the area with a hot bath or a hot water bottle, drinking LOTS of water and gentle but progressive stretching.
If you are worried in any way about being sore, or have an important event in the next day or two, please do communicate this, it is not a problem to work around.
YES however we use songbird massage wax. It has a high oil content and excellent absorption properties, thus permitting optimal skin contact. It has a neutral fragrance and does not stain clothing. The only allergy advice is that it contains Almond nut oil.
If you are worried in any way about being sore, or have an important event in the next day or two, please do communicate this, it is not a problem to work around.
