Sports Massage Practitioner
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Pregnancy Massage now available. See Pregnancy for further details.
What is Sports Massage?
Sports Massage uses a variety of techniques in order to manipulate and stretch the soft tissues of the body. The specific objectives will vary depending on your individual needs but the overall aim will be for improved functioning and reduction of any fatigue or discomfort. Sports Massage is deeper than some other forms of massage, though a qualified practitioner will always remain in clear communication with you with regards to maintaining an appropriate depth. For a description of various massage techniques see About Massage.
What happens during a sports massage appointment?
The first session will start with a client assessment where your medical history is recorded and specific questions are asked to ensure that massage is suitable for you. Posture may also be assessed briefly. Following this, various massage techniques may be applied, as discussed and agreed together. Techniques may include the use of oil or may be conducted through clothing or a towel. The duration of an appointment may vary depending on your needs and this will be agreed when your appointment is booked.
I’m not really that sporty. How can someone like me benefit from Sports Massage?
You certainly don’t have to be sporty to feel the benefits of Sports Massage. A huge number of people suffer from back pain, for example. The demands of our job, being a parent, leisure activities and life in general can all place stress on our physical bodies resulting in conditions such as aches, muscle tightness and stiffness, repetitive strain injury and tension headaches, to name but a few. Massage can help to relieve stiffness and tightness through increasing mobility and stretching soft tissues.
Trigger points (which feel tender under firm touch) can often develop through overuse or injury and will impose constant muscle tension, overstressing muscle attachments and affecting joints and posture adversely. Trigger points can sometimes refer pain to other areas of the body. Massage can help to reduce and get rid of these through breaking down adhesions and boosting circulation. Massage reduces heart rate and blood pressure, easing tension and stiffness away and is not simply a one off treat but is an important way of looking after your physical body.
I’ve heard that Sports Massage can be painful. Is this always the case?
No! Sports Massage is not always painful, though this will depend on the condition of the tissues being worked on and the overall aims of the massage. When muscles are tight or ‘sticky’, sometimes deeper work is necessary to eradicate the problem and bring longer term relief – many people comment that massage feels like it is being really effective at times like this. Some people (not all) find that they can feel a little stiff after a massage. This is normal and will usually disappear after a day or so as the benefits of increased movement and decreased tension are felt.
How often should I have a massage?
As often as you like, as long as you are not contraindicated (see below). Your individual needs will most likely dictate how often you should have a massage. Some people find that a weekly maintenance massage is necessary to address niggles and prevent problems, whereas others find that every few weeks or once a month is enough to keep stress levels at bay.
Is there anyone who can’t have massage?
Yes, there are some individuals who may be ‘contraindicated’ i.e. massage is unsuitable. A qualified Sports Massage Practitioner will be able to assess whether you are suitable for massage and will be able to refer to another healthcare practitioner should massage be unsuitable at any time.
What qualifications are needed to become a Sports Massage Practitioner?
Until 2002, anyone could set up as a Sports Massage Practitioner, whether or not they had suitable qualifications. Now, the Sports Massage Association (SMA) acts as the governing body for Sports Massage Practitioners in the UK. The SMA sets standards for Sports Massage Practitioners and training organisations, and they hold a national register of appropriately qualified professionals. Ruth completed a diploma in Sports Massage Therapy with Sports Performance Services Ltd in 2005 and is a full member of the SMA.
Sports Massage uses a variety of techniques in order to manipulate and stretch the soft tissues of the body. The specific objectives will vary depending on your individual needs but the overall aim will be for improved functioning and reduction of any fatigue or discomfort. Sports Massage is deeper than some other forms of massage, though a qualified practitioner will always remain in clear communication with you with regards to maintaining an appropriate depth. For a description of various massage techniques see About Massage.
What happens during a sports massage appointment?
The first session will start with a client assessment where your medical history is recorded and specific questions are asked to ensure that massage is suitable for you. Posture may also be assessed briefly. Following this, various massage techniques may be applied, as discussed and agreed together. Techniques may include the use of oil or may be conducted through clothing or a towel. The duration of an appointment may vary depending on your needs and this will be agreed when your appointment is booked.
I’m not really that sporty. How can someone like me benefit from Sports Massage?
You certainly don’t have to be sporty to feel the benefits of Sports Massage. A huge number of people suffer from back pain, for example. The demands of our job, being a parent, leisure activities and life in general can all place stress on our physical bodies resulting in conditions such as aches, muscle tightness and stiffness, repetitive strain injury and tension headaches, to name but a few. Massage can help to relieve stiffness and tightness through increasing mobility and stretching soft tissues.
Trigger points (which feel tender under firm touch) can often develop through overuse or injury and will impose constant muscle tension, overstressing muscle attachments and affecting joints and posture adversely. Trigger points can sometimes refer pain to other areas of the body. Massage can help to reduce and get rid of these through breaking down adhesions and boosting circulation. Massage reduces heart rate and blood pressure, easing tension and stiffness away and is not simply a one off treat but is an important way of looking after your physical body.
I’ve heard that Sports Massage can be painful. Is this always the case?
No! Sports Massage is not always painful, though this will depend on the condition of the tissues being worked on and the overall aims of the massage. When muscles are tight or ‘sticky’, sometimes deeper work is necessary to eradicate the problem and bring longer term relief – many people comment that massage feels like it is being really effective at times like this. Some people (not all) find that they can feel a little stiff after a massage. This is normal and will usually disappear after a day or so as the benefits of increased movement and decreased tension are felt.
How often should I have a massage?
As often as you like, as long as you are not contraindicated (see below). Your individual needs will most likely dictate how often you should have a massage. Some people find that a weekly maintenance massage is necessary to address niggles and prevent problems, whereas others find that every few weeks or once a month is enough to keep stress levels at bay.
Is there anyone who can’t have massage?
Yes, there are some individuals who may be ‘contraindicated’ i.e. massage is unsuitable. A qualified Sports Massage Practitioner will be able to assess whether you are suitable for massage and will be able to refer to another healthcare practitioner should massage be unsuitable at any time.
What qualifications are needed to become a Sports Massage Practitioner?
Until 2002, anyone could set up as a Sports Massage Practitioner, whether or not they had suitable qualifications. Now, the Sports Massage Association (SMA) acts as the governing body for Sports Massage Practitioners in the UK. The SMA sets standards for Sports Massage Practitioners and training organisations, and they hold a national register of appropriately qualified professionals. Ruth completed a diploma in Sports Massage Therapy with Sports Performance Services Ltd in 2005 and is a full member of the SMA.