Massage Therapy
Level 4 SMA, Level 5 ITEC Sport Massage
Massage is helpful for the treatment of joints and muscles that lack adequate mobility and range of motion. This limitation can cause discomfort, pain and an alteration in function, posture, and mobility.
Sports Massage
Sports Massage is a manual therapy treatment applied to soft tissue. A combination of traditional massage techniques alongside applying scientific approaches. Sports massage will benefit anyone who may be involved in weekly physical activity as well as anyone who has a desire to take care of their health and well-being. The main role of sports massage is to optimise the maintenance of the musculoskeletal health (in other words- look after yourself).
Physical activity will always place high demands and stress on the body and consequently leading to acute or chronic problems. Sports massages alongside other services can help alleviate problems, where movement issues or pain originates from. A sports massage will always be tailored to the individuals needs or concerns. Techniques help to target both superficial and deep layers of tissue by releasing muscle tension and resorting function and balance.
Benefits
Sports massage is beneficial for anybody at any time in their training regime or daily lifestyle. A sports massage can be used pre-event, inter-event and post-event.
A pre-event focuses on preparation for an event, creating a sense of readiness and activation. The treatment can be used in conjunction with a warm up, to further increase circulation as well as mobility. The pace of the massage will be up-tempo pace in order to promote blood flow. A post event massage is focused around recovery and reducing muscle tension. The massage aims to aid in waste products and toxins being flushed away from the muscles, reducing the chance of fatigue as well as delayed onset muscle sorness (DOMS). Sports massage works best in union with regular routines as it helps maintain muscular tension.
- Muscular system– helps release the soft tissue tightness, realign scar tissue and helps to reduce muscular spasms.
- Lymphatic system– massage can help increase movement of fluid throughout the body.
- Nervous system– can help increase endorphins, along with increasing the sensory receptors.
- Skeletal system– reducing soft tissue tension allows the increase of mobility, helping to reduce the stress on joints.
- Cardiovascular system– increases blood flow to the soft tissues, helping to remove waste products and increase oxygen and nutrients to those areas.
Deep Tissue
Deep Tissue massage is not only for sport personals but also for those who have a less active lifestyle, who still struggle with pain and injuries. Deep Tissue is the manipulation of deeper muscles and soft tissue. This massage technique uses slower, more forceful strokes to target the deeper layers of connective tissue. Helping the breakdown of scar tissue that forms following an injury as well as aiding in reducing tension surrounding the soft tissue.
Benefits
- Reduce blood pressure- Increase in blood flow through the massage creates a higher demand of nutrients and oxygen. This allows blood pressure to be controlled and brought down.
- Sports injuries- Aids in the tension relief at the soft tissue and helps to create movement and freedom around the joint in pain or injured.
- Pain- Breaks down soft tissue structures that cause trigger points (knots) helping to relieve pain.
- Lymphatic drainage- Lymphatic drainage is a type of therapy that is intended to help the body produce a free-flowing lymphatic system. Removal of waste products such as lactic acid can be achieved through deep tissue techniques.
Relaxation
Relaxation massage is suitable for those who seek for a relaxing and slow massage. This is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping to help relax and invigorate you.
Relaxation massage helps to increase blood flow, release tension and relieve stress, alongside anxiety, aid relaxation, sleep and promote well-being.