Sports Massage at bodytonic clinic, London

Our sports massage therapists perform a range of techniques which are always tailored to our clients’ physical needs and situation. Through application of these bodywork techniques, we aim to reduce the risk of injury, ease muscle tension and get you back to regular physical activity effectively and efficiently – getting you better, quicker!

• Neuromuscular techniques
• Myofascial release
• Soft tissue therapy and manipulation
• Trigger point therapy
• Deep tissue massage
• Lymphatic drainage
• Reflexology
• Promotion of muscle growth and development
• Rehabilitation and stretching advice for the home

• The physical benefits of sports massage make it a valuable training aid, as well as a much needed boost to your overall health and well-being. A course of therapy can augment and enhance a regular training schedule and brings the following benefits:
• Increased blood flow
• Reduction in muscle soreness
• Increased supply of nutrients to the muscles and surrounding tissues
• Improved joint range of motion
• Breaks down scar tissue which can occur as a result of training
• Pre-event massage can invigorate the muscle in preparation fo exercise
• Post event massage can assist in the removal of waste products
• Prevents occurrence of sports injury
• Improves overall performance
• Provides a clearer understanding of muscles and stretching

Before booking a course of  therapy, it’s worth bearing in mind whether it’s the right treatment for you. We also offer deep tissue massage as a service at Bodytonic, and there are similarities between the two services.

A good course of remedial massage and deep tissue therapy can help to alleviate chronic pain, stiffness or tension. Deep  massage treatment will often seek to simply relieve muscle pain, tightness and abnormality as well as relieve stress and promote overall wellbeing. However, it also has rehabilitation benefits for people who are seeking relief from sports-related injuries.

By contrast sports massage therapy is more carefully tailored to treating the common muscle injuries, strains and weaknesses brought about by regular sporting or athletic activity. However, it is worth mentioning that you do not have to be a professional athlete to benefit from sports massage therapy.

• Both sports massage and deep tissue therapy use firm pressure to release reduce muscle tension, improve circulation and promote overall flexibility.
• Both therapies are helpful in improving overall physical and physiological wellbeing, as well as reducing overall stress and anxiety.
• Deep tissue and sports massage are both treatments which can help the body recover from physical injury.
• During a sports massage however, the massage therapist might utilise a wider range of techniques, including active and passive stretching to help realign and loosen muscle fibres.

“What is the difference between Swedish Massage and Sports Massage?”

Swedish massage techniques are typically long, slow and gentle massage strokes. It is used to promote psychological and emotional well-being. It also reduces stress and creates a state of relaxation. The techniques used in Swedish massage are very similar to those used during a sports massage, however, the main difference being that sports massage tends to focus on a particular muscle group and involves greater pressure to work deeper into the tissues, which in turn produces greater effects.

“I don’t play sports – can I still have a Sports Massage”?

Overuse injuries can occur in everyday life through repetitive everyday actions. This can include reaching for high shelves. Tension and tightness can also build up through poor posture whilst driving or sitting at a desk (this can result in back pain). Therefore, following consultation and treatment, we will try to identify what day to day activities could be the cause of any particular issues you are having. Will give you simple solutions to help with this. Making a few small alterations can have a huge effect.

“What is a ‘knot’?”

Knots are small, bump-like sections of muscle which occur in a specific area. They can be painful to the touch. they are medically defined as myofascial trigger points. They occur when muscle fibres or the bands of tissue (fascia) underneath them tense, which can result in tight muscles. The neck and shoulders can a common problem area. They can occur through:

• Stress and tension
• Acute injuries related to strenuous exercise
• Chronic injuries resulting from overuse
• Poor posture
• Prolonged bed rest or sitting without stretching