Remedial and Sports Massage

In Remedial and Sports Massage, the aim is to treat common muscle and joint complaints. These include muscle imbalance/dysfunction and joint mobility problems that affect our ability to do daily activities and sports.

This can be achieved through postural assessment, muscle testing and massage.

It is a type of treatment where the focus is on a specific area of the body that requires rehabilitation.

What does it involve?

Treatment incorporates basic massage techniques and stretching, together with more advanced methods. These include muscle-energy technique, soft-tissue release, neuromuscular technique and myofascial release work.

Remedial massage is restorative and the focus is on rehabilitation. The sports massage part of the treatment includes muscle testing and targets the problem that occurs during activity.

Muscle testing is useful to determine the treatment aims and strategies. Tests include range-of-movement testing for joints, active-resisted-movement testing, and several advanced tests if needed.

What conditions can it help with?

Remedial and Sports Massage is beneficial for sports injuries, for those who are recovering from an injury, as well as for those with a chronic muscle problem.

It can help to lower the risk of re-injury as well as provide support for those with a range of medical conditions. These include chronic pain, asthma, chronic destructive pulmonary disease (COPD), arthritis, and irritable bowl syndrome (IBS).

What should I expect from a treatment?

It is best to wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind being exposed to massage oil/wax.

Treatment starts with a postural assessment followed by appropriate muscle tests. It is useful for the client to wear shorts and a T-shirt/vest at this point of the treatment.

Massage is done on the couch and usually with a wax-based ointment on the skin. Some techniques can also be done through clothing. Aftercare includes stretching and exercise advice.

How long are the sessions?

The first treatment is 75 minutes, and includes taking a medical case history and a thorough consultation about your needs. Follow-up treatments are 60 minutes.

How many sessions do I need?

Generally, this depends on your lifestyle, activity levels, and what you want out of the treatment. Clients are seen initially on a weekly and fortnightly basis. Monthly treatments are useful for maintenance.

It is beneficial to have up to six weekly treatments for a specific injury or condition to initiate the recovery process, but this can vary on a case-by-case basis. You will be advised at your initial consultation on the potential number of treatments you may need to bring about improvement.