These are question's quite regulaly asked by clients and people interested in Sports Therapy or Massage. Hopefully these will help to answer some of your thoughts or doubts. If there is not a question here to match your interest, please do not hesitate to contact me via email or phone and I will be happy to help.
1.
Can massage be harmful ?
If used correctly and in the right circumstances then no. I am trained under strict guidelines and rules and because of this it takes away any risk. On a first appointment I do a full case history of a clients health and circumstances. We are trained that under some health conditions, we may not massage unless previously advised by the clients doctor, a clients health is always my first priority.
What is the difference between a sports massage and relaxation massage ?
A sports massage is much deeper and involves a breaking down of knots and adhesions. This sometimes can result in a little pain at the time and also an achey feeling the day after, because of the removal of waste by the body. A relaxation massage is a lot more relaxing, in that the strokes are not so heavy and are used to induce the muscles to relax without pain. The relaxation massage is for someone that just wants to unwind or destress. A sports massage is more for someone carrying a lot of tension or aches, pains or injuries.
What sort of products or oils do you use during the massage ?
Dependant on the client I normally use a wax. This is a naturally produced wax, made from bees wax and dependant on the massage other different natural oils, ie sports- Arnica oil, or relaxtion - lavendar. If the client is allergic to oils or bees wax, I do have other alternatives but none of my products have been tested on animals.
Yes. The treatment is performed sat up and relaxed in a chair. It is best to wear a nice loose t-shirt or shirt without collars. The massage consists of a top of back, top of arms, shoulders, face and head massage. It is a lovely all round treatment and is very nice for those that are a bit fearful of taking any clothes off.
What can I do for myself and my injury while I am waiting for my appointment ?
R.I.C.E - Which means Rest, as much as you can. ICE, 2 to three times a day if you can for 10 - 15 mins. Compression, Put a support on for compression to restrict the swelling. Elevation. Elevate the injury above the level of the heart whenever you can, this will help to drain away any excess fluids and reduce the inflamation.
I do a lot of sport, would it be beneficial to have a massage even though I do not have an injury ?
Yes. Sports massage especially. Massage is very good as a prevention aswell as to help recovery. Massage helps to keep the muscles tension free and flexible which then makes them less susceptible to injury. .
