What is a sports massage?
A sports massage is typically aimed at individuals who lead athletic lifestyles. It is a treatment that focuses on muscle manipulation, deep tissue massage techniques and stretching. A sports massage can target specific injuries, prepare the body for a physical challenge such as a competition or provide post-event care for discomfort and pain after a long workout. Our therapists will tailor a massage plan to suit an individual’s needs, whether they are in recovery from an injury or training for an upcoming event.
What is a remedial massage?
Remedial Massage is a therapeutic treatment that targets specific muscle groups, tendons, and ligaments to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and aid in the body’s healing process. This type of massage is often used to treat musculoskeletal issues caused by injury, tension, or repetitive strain.
Our Cambridge Clinic
At the Cambridge Physiotherapy Clinic, we are experts at massage therapy, but it doesn’t stop there. Our clinicians are experts in acupuncture therapy as well as orthopaedics and sports injury treatment. Our practitioners will work closely with you to create a treatment plan that suits your specific needs, whether that be a sports massage after an intense workout or using orthopaedics to address chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or scoliosis.
Physical treatments like sports massage can benefit almost everyone, so to find how we can help you, do not hesitate to call us on 01223 211606 to book an appointment, or you can use our quick and easy online booking system and make your appointment today.
What Techniques Does Sports Massage Use?
Deep tissue massage
A deep tissue massage aims to ease knots and tension deep within the muscles. This usually involves targeted firm manual pressure to help reduce the tightness sensation that can occur when muscles “knot” or “cramp” following physical exertion.
Stretching
Stretching is a common technique used in sports massage. It uses the body’s own weight and movement to ease the muscles and bring relief, increasing flexibility and promoting a wider range of mobility. Stretches may include individual movements and exercises that target specific points of tightness or injury, or general movements you can use in the clinic or at home to alleviate stress and improve overall physical health.
Myofascial release
The fascia is a type of connective tissue that surrounds our vital organs, with myofascial tissues connecting and supporting our muscles. Myofascial release therapy is a targeted manual therapy specifically aimed at reducing the swelling and tightness that can develop in these tissues.
Injury rehabilitation
We can often push our bodies to the limit when exercising or taking part in sports. Whether at work, the gym or out for a jog, an injury can happen anywhere. Our massage therapists use techniques to identify the areas of pain and discomfort in order to assist the healing process and speed up recovery, getting you back to physical activity as soon as possible.
Pre/post event care
Pre-event and post-event refer to sports massage techniques aimed at both before an event (a sports competition or workout session for example) and after. Pre-event care involves methods to increase circulation, improve mobility or otherwise help your body prepare for any given physical activity such as a competition or sporting event. Post-event care is focused on relieving tension and soreness in the muscles and joints after strenuous activity. Typically these methods are aimed at relaxation and aiding the recovery and healing process.
What Conditions can a Massage Treat?
Our sports massage treatment can benefit anyone, at all levels of physical fitness and activity. There are a number of medical issues and chronic conditions however, that can benefit hugely from a sports massage:
- Strains and Sprains
- Tendon problems
- Chronic pain
- Stress
- Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
- Arthritis
Your First Appointment
The first thing we will do here at our Cambridge-based clinic is assess your individual needs and create a tailored plan that suits you. You might have a big upcoming competition and want a specific sports massage plan that caters to your training routine, increasing circulation and preparing your body. Alternatively you may have just completed an arduous event or rigorous training program and now you’re in need of some post-event care aimed at reducing tightness and achieving relaxation.
Do you work at a desk or sit in a car seat for extended periods and sometimes feel restricted movement in your back or neck? Our massage practitioners will tailor a plan to maximise your potential and increase your mobility, giving you a confidence boost and helping to take that next step.
It can be difficult maintaining a healthy balance in day-to-day life, staying on top of work, personal events and physical fitness. Our therapists are here to help you find that balance through massage, regardless of your personal circumstances or level of daily physical activity. We will monitor your progress every step of the way, optimising your treatment to help you achieve your personal fitness goals, heal and recover, and reach your potential.