Treatment

Massage therapy

Sports Massage Therapy

Sports massage is a deep form of soft tissue mobilisation. A sports massage can be applied in a sporting and non-sporting context. Sports massage involves a wide range of techniques that include effleurage, kneading, wringing, hacking and trigger pointing. A sports massage is used for general relaxation of the muscular skeletal system as well as being directed towards any problem areas. Sports massage helps relieve muscular tension, break down adhesion’s, mobilise soft tissues and reduce pain.

Sports massage isn’t just for athletes! It offers a range of benefits throughout your training journey, before, during, and after events, and even for everyday muscle tension.

The Many Benefits of Sports Massage

Reduced Muscle Soreness:

Ever experience that achy feeling after a tough workout? That’s delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Sports massage tackles DOMS by:

• Reducing muscle spasms
• Flushing out waste products
• Increasing blood flow

This improved circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to repair any damaged tissues, leaving you feeling less sore and stiff.

Enhanced Training:

Make sports massage a part of your training program for better results. It helps your body recover from exercise by:

• Improving blood and lymph circulation
• Relaxing muscles and promoting overall relaxation
• Eliminating waste products and improving cell nutrition

These benefits translate to reduced soreness, increased flexibility, and a lower risk of injury, allowing you to train harder and smarter.

Faster Post-Event Recovery:

Whether you’ve conquered a 10k run, dominated a football match, or crushed a cycling race, a sports massage can be your secret weapon for recovery. It helps your muscles:

• Recover faster
• Prevent injuries
• Prepare for future exercise

By reducing muscle spasms and flushing out waste products, sports massage gets you back in top form quickly.

Pre-Event Preparation:

Don’t wait until after an event to reap the benefits of sports massage. Consider a pre-event massage, either directly before exercise or in the weeks leading up to it. This can:

• Improve your performance
• Decrease your risk of injury

Sports massage acts as a warm-up for your muscles, focusing on:

• Enhanced circulation
• Increased tissue elasticity
• Reduced muscle tension
• This prepares your body for optimal performance and helps prevent injuries.

Relief from Tight Muscles:

Tight muscles can limit your flexibility, cause pain, and increase your risk of injury. Sports massage can help by:

• Increasing blood flow through tight muscles
• Breaking down inflexible tissues
• Stretching out muscle fibers

Regular sports massage for tight muscles can significantly reduce your risk of injury and help you maximize your performance.

Hot Stone Massage Therapy

Imagine stepping into a haven of well-being, the air warm and scented with calming essential oils. The gentle hum of relaxation music fills the room as you prepare to unwind. Hot stone massages have been around for many centuries and are used as an alternative form of psychological and physical therapy and healing. The practice of placing objects of varying temperatures onto the body is present in many cultures, perhaps most famously in Hawaiian and even ancient Chinese customs.

Hot stone massage therapy uses smooth heated stones typically basalt volcanic rock placed on specific points throughout the body like the spine palms chest and face the stones are warmed to a comfortable temperature around 40-50 degrees Celsius and the warmth from the stones works with the massage therapist techniques to soothe sore muscles ease muscle tension and promote relaxation and well-being.

Hot stone massage offers a range of benefits:

• The warmth of the stones combined with the massage techniques creates a deeply relaxing experience for both body and mind.
• Heat therapy is a well-known method for easing muscle tension. Hot stones promote blood flow to targeted areas, which softens joints and relaxes muscles, reducing pain.
• The warmth from the stones dilates blood vessels, allowing blood and oxygen to flow more freely throughout the body. This naturally boosts circulation.
• Hot stone massage triggers the release of feel-good hormones and endorphins, while decreasing stress hormones like adrenaline and norepinephrine. It also slightly lowers heart rate and calms the nervous system.
• Deep relaxation during the massage reduces anxiety and promotes restful sleep. Additionally, hot stone massage increases melatonin production, a hormone crucial for regulating your sleep cycle.

While hot stone massages offer a range of benefits, there are a few things to consider before booking one:

Contraindications & Considerations:

• Medical Conditions: Individuals with diabetes, cancer, autoimmune dysfunctions, epilepsy, neuropathy, heart disease, Skin conditions or who have recently undergone surgery should consult their doctor first.
• Heat Sensitivity: While experienced therapists can minimize discomfort, some people might find the hot stones unpleasant.
• Skin Issues:  People with allergies or sensitive skin, especially those with eczema or psoriasis, should inform the therapist beforehand.
• Open Communication:  Discuss any concerns with your therapist to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.