What Can I Expect

So what can you expect from a Sports Massage session?

Initially your therapist will ask you to fill in a brief questionnaire which may highlight specific areas of concern and deal with the likelihood of any contraindications. Details of any injuries, past or present are taken.
- Based on this feedback a musculo-skeletal assessment will be performed.
- Your overall symmetry will be evaluated. This will highlight any postural concerns or muscle imbalances.
- Range of movement tests will be performed on relevant joints to assess flexibility, muscle tension and pain free movement
- The area will be palpated (touched) to assess areas of tenderness, deformation, spasm, tightness
- Special tests may be performed allowing the therapist to pinpoint areas that require therapy.

This whole process can take up to 20 minutes at the first consultation. However, it is vital that a thorough diagnosis is reached prior to commencing treatment.

The treatment itself can consist of both light and deep stroking movements, soft tissue release which stretches specific areas of the affected muscle, frictions to break down adhesions and scar tissue, muscle energy techniques to encourage flexibility and trigger pointing to pinpoint an area of muscle tension. Combined, these techniques are powerful tools in aiding soft tissue recovery.

Ray giving rugby legend Martin Johnson a pre-game massage