Massage therapy has been used for thousands of years. Many ancient cultures appreciated its benefits. The Greeks and Romans used massage in the first Olympic Games. To present day, massage has continued to be utilised to aid performance and for its therapeutic benefits.

Sports Massage Practitioners work in a range of different settings. They may have a treatment room and work alone, or along side other professionals such as physiotherapists or osteopaths. Many work with sports clubs at training and events or within gyms and leisure centres. 

Sports Massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for injury prevention and therapeutic purposes, helping to the restore normal function to the various structures of the body.
Deep tissue work is employed in conjunction with other techniques such as Trigger Point Release, Positional Release, Soft Tissue Release, Frictions and Muscle Energy Techniques. Advice may also be given on exercise and stretching for maintenance or recovery from injury. Each treatment is specifically tailored to meet the needs of the individual. 

Sports Massage should be a vital element to any Sports participants training programme. Regular sessions can identify specific problem areas and can be important in the role of injury prevention and recovery as well as being an aid to improving performance.

Event Massage

Event massage is a specific type of sports massage that is performed on site at events. This can be carried out pre, inter or post event. Each massage is different.

Pre Event

Pre event massage is fast, vigorous and is used to stimulate and invigorate the athlete prior to competition. Circulation, flexibility and range of movement are all improved. It increases the body’s, physical, physiological and psychological readiness to compete.

Post Event

Post event massage is more relaxing, using techniques to assist in the removal of excess fluid from the tissues. Muscles that are cramped or tight are released and stretched. Practitioners will also use this time to recommend further clinical treatment if needed. 

Inter Event  

Inter event massage is used when a competitor is taking part in different heats or games on the same day. Elements of post and pre event massage are used to aid recovery from one event and then in preparation for the next.