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TOP QUESTIONS

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions, but please feel free to email me or call with any other questions or queries you may have.

DO I NEED TO BE SPORTY TO BENEFIT FROM A SPORTS AND REMEDIAL MASSAGE TREATMENT?

The short answer is no! It’s not just athletes who benefit from sports and remedial massage therapies.  Many people suffer from habitual and occupational factors associated with long periods of sitting or repetitive movements that can cause tension and stress on the fascia, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. More and more people are appreciating the importance of sports and remedial massage because of the role it plays in addressing wear and tear on the body and helping to rebalance your fascia and musculoskeletal system.

WHY IS SPORTS AND REMEDIAL MASSAGE DIFFERENT TO NORMAL MASSAGE? 

Sports and remedial massage therapy uses advanced techniques (see treatments page) above a standard relaxation massage to assess, treat and manage the body's soft tissues to help rebalance the musculoskeletal system. The advanced therapies are learnt by undertaking specialist training giving the therapist a much deeper level of anatomy and physiology knowledge which then underlies and enhances the practical application of the various advanced techniques.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SPORTS AND REMEDIAL MASSAGE?

Physiologically, massage stimulates and improves circulation within the body boosting the level of oxygen and nutrients within a cell as well as stimulating the removal of waste products. It also directly stimulates and invigorates the lymphatic drainage system. 

 

Sports and remedial massage additionally helps to rebalance the soft tissues within our bodies by stretching short tight muscles and helping to strengthen weaker muscles by improving muscle tone and through rehabilitation exercises given after treatment. It can also help to break down adhesions and scar tissue so the muscle fibres align correctly again enabling the muscle to work properly.

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IS IT SAFE FOR ME TO HAVE A MASSAGE IF I HAVE CANCER?

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Some people worry that massage could cause cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body. Research has not found any evidence of this happening. However I will avoid any areas affected by cancer, such as, but not limited to:

 

  • tumour sites

  • areas being treated with radiotherapy

  • the area around intravenous catheters (such as central lines) and pain relief patches

  • areas affected by blood clots, poor circulation or varicose veins

  • a colostomy bag site

  • areas where lymph nodes are affected 

 

this is to avoid discomfort or pressure on the affected area and underlying organs. I may instead, if I feel it would be more beneficial for your comfort and wellbeing, choose to modify a massage to areas not directly affected by medical treatment such as your hands or feet instead. 

 

A light, relaxing massage can safely be given to people at all stages of cancer. 

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE TREATMENT SESSION?

There are 3 stages to each treatment as outlined below. The first time I see you the assessment will be more extensive, but each time we see each other I will ask you how you are and re-assess your posture and musculoskeletal alignment.

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1. Assessment

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I’ll assess your posture, joints and range of movement to pinpoint the cause of injury. We will talk through any injury and medical history, the activities you take part in at work, in sport or in your daily routine and hobbies and talk through the reason(s) for your appointment. 

 

2. Treatment Plan 

 

The therapies chosen will be tailored to your specific needs and may involve using several massage techniques. During the treatment I may ask you to change position. 

 

3. Post treatment advice/ rehabilitation 

 

I firmly believe in enabling clients to take an active part in their recovery should they wish to do so. After the treatment I will give you a list of stretches and strengthening exercises tailored specifically for you to do at home to support and enhance the treatment given.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Shorts are ideal and girls/women should wear a normal bra and vest top as well. I will cover areas of your body not being treated with a towel(s) during the treatment session.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE A MASSAGE TREATMENT?

It depends on what the issue is and how much it is impacting on your range of movement, musculoskeletal balance and quality of life. Clients often book in for a monthly maintenance massage to keep their musculoskeletal system and soft tissues in balance and to help prevent injury.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE AND IS THERE A GOVERNING BODY?

I hold a BTEC Level 5 Diploma in Soft Tissue Therapy. I am fully insured and a registered member of the Institute for Soft Tissue Therapists (ISRM), The Sports Massage Association (SMA) and the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).

 

 

 

 

The CNHC is the holder of a Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA) Accredited Register. The PSA is a body accountable to Parliament. Anyone can claim to be a therapist so it is important to check accredited registers to ensure your therapist is properly qualified, trained and insured.

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In addition the General Medical Council (GMC) guidance to doctors confirms that they are able to refer patients to practitioners on Accredited Registers and CNHC registration is accepted by some health cash plans and insurers for reimbursement of treatment costs.

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MYTH BUSTING!

  • Sports and remedial massage does not equal pain! 

  • Massage does not spread cancer

  • You do not need to be an athlete to have a treatment. 

  • You do not need to be injured to have a treatment! Many clients book in for monthly maintenance massage to keep them in peak condition and help prevent injury.

CANCELLATION POLICY

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  • Less than 48 hours cancellation of appointment incurs a 50% appointment charge

  • Less than 24 hours cancellation of appointment incurs a 100% appointment charge

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