FAQs about Sports and Remedial Massage Therapy
Although many people utilise massage treatments each year, it does not mean that everyone knows what to expect during their treatment. We have answered some of the common questions patients might have when considering sports and remedial massage therapy.
Massage Therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage therapy helps alleviate the soft tissue discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions. If employed early enough after accidents involving trauma and injury, massage therapy can greatly reduce the development of painful muscular patterning. The therapist utilizes their hands, forearms and elbows.
Massage therapy benefits people of all ages. While it benefits the injured, the ill and the stressed, the strength of massage therapy in preventing illness and conditions before they develop cannot be overlooked. Massage therapy can be used in the treatment of both acute and chronic stages of conditions.
Sports massages are designed to release muscle tension and restore balance to the musculoskeletal. The benefits can be immense, and include physical, physiological and psychological improvements. In sports massage the practitioner will assess the presenting disorder and the correct treatment required for effective relief of symptoms and to help control the cause. Using various techniques the therapist will then manage the tissue disorders. This will help improve circulation to the area, creating greater nourishment to the muscles and also stimulate the lymphatic and venous disposal of waste created by activity which can then improve the recovery period.
As with many treatments affecting the soft tissue, there are times when massage therapy can cause some light discomfort but it is not harmful. Discomfort usually diminishes and no technique of this nature is used without the therapist first discussing it with the client and obtaining your permission. A comfort scale will be established and the therapist will work to the client’s tolerance level. The client can stop or change the treatment at any time and Massage therapists will modify their techniques to meet their client’s needs.
During your first consultation, the therapist will make an initial assessment to evaluate your needs whether they are to rehabilitate an injury, improve performance or simply to relax. A free 15 minute consultation is available to discuss your condition or any questions you wish to ask and to decide on the correct approach for yourself.
The Massage Therapist will then develop a treatment plan with you to ensure you receive appropriate treatment that will help you return, as much as possible, to your normal activities.
Treatment is usually carried out with the client lying on the treatment couch following assessment but may be in a seated position depending on the type of injury. Some clothing will need to be removed but towel draping will cover areas not being treated.
A massage based on the theme of relaxation would generally follow the lines of long, gentle movements to warm up the skin and muscles to start with. Then moving on to applying more pressure as the muscle becomes accustomed to the pressure. From there, the practitioner would generally follow the route of addressing any areas of tension or tightness in the muscles and applying pressure to the area to help the muscle relax.
For more specific problems or sport specific issues, the individual would be assessed regarding their wants and what would be considered best by both you and the practitioner. Sports massage is generally carried out using oils on skin, but can be done through clothing or towels depending on the techniques to be used or the requirements of the session.
Treatment times vary depending on the individual. Appointments range from 30, 45, 60 and 90 minute sessions.
After the massage it is important that the client increases their water intake to re-hydrate the body and flush the body of toxins. The client will be given specific post treatment advice customised to the requirements of the condition presented.
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Our entire team offer FREE 15 minute consultations. It’s a no obligation opportunity to discuss your problem and learn what treatment is right for you and your problem.
We’ll even recommend other practitioners and treatments if there’s a more effective option available.
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