Helping you to reach your potential through massage
Fit For Purpose with Penny
Sports and remedial massage is a series of techniques that help improve the body’s movements used for many sports injuries and postural problems.
About me
I have trained and competed at a high level enabling me to appreciate the benefits of regular massage treatments. The benefits of which I felt so passionately about, I decided to learn the skills so I could better understand the body, how it moves, functions and recovers.
In 2013 I found the North London School of Sports Massage, their course based at the City of Westminster University sounded head and shoulders above others I had researched. Despite having to travel into London I feel it was definitely the best decision! I qualified as a Professional Sports Massage and Remedial Therapist with a BTEC Level 5 Diploma
Since qualifying I have continued my learning journey through Professional Development Courses enabling me to offer the cocktail of beneficial techniques that I use today. I feel it is important to keep up to date as science improves, so I am always studying and reading to achieve this. Presently I am on a three year course with movement therapy.
Where is my clinic?
I am based at the Bungalow, Fordbrook Business Centre, Pewsey, Wiltshire. I also offer a limited mobile massage where I come to you if you are unable to visit the clinic, usually within a 6 mile radius of Pewsey.
What is sports massage?
Sports massage aims to stretch tight muscles, stimulate inactive muscles and improve soft tissue conditions. The treatment enables you to move your body more freely and in time will help to improve your posture. As the name suggests it is popular with sports people, as it enhances performance, assists recovery and aids in injury prevention, but these are benefits that we can all enjoy especially improved movement and posture.
What are remedial techniques?
Remedial techniques are those which have developed from traditional massage or similar to other disciplines such as physiotherapy or osteopathy. They are used to free up tight tissues and stimulate the repair process. By combining these techniques with massage I can find the most effective treatment for your body. Some examples of the remedial techniques that I use are:
- Soft Tissue and Fascia Release – a mechanical lock and stretch technique which can be used in many different ways to stretch and unstick congested tissues and increase functional movements.
- Muscle Energy Technique – this stimulates the nervous system enabling me to stretch your muscles or encourage inactive ones to get working.
- Myofascia trigger Release - hypersensitive points within muscles that give rise to referral pain.
- Neural entrapment - pressure on nerves by muscles and other soft tissues, nerve compression, pressure on nerves by other tissues, such as cartilage or discs.
- Postural assessment - assessment of the position of the body as a whole including dysfunctional gait patterns manner of movement when walking with constant consideration for many other perpetuating factors, such as hydration, nutrition, breathing patterns and stress.
- Positional Release – a gentle, but effective technique used for relaxing hyperactive muscles.
- Kinesiology Taping - a technique that is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion as well as providing extended soft tissue manipulation to prolong the benefits of manual therapy administered. Latex-free and wearable for days at a time, Kinesio Tape is safe for populations ranging from pediatric to geriatric, and successfully treats a variety of medical conditions.
- Rehabilitation & Injury assistance.
Other Considerations
Sports and Remedial Massage also considers other aspects which may be playing a part in your condition. These include your medical history, diet, lifestyle, work, hobbies and your emotions.
I am not an athlete – is sports massage suitable for me?
You don’t have to be a top-flight athlete or even remotely sporty to appreciate the benefits of a good massage treatment. Spending time sat at a desk can cause muscular tension and over use, which can be freed very effectively by sports massage.
Are the treatments painful?
When tight or overworked muscles are worked on they can transmit pain sensations. During treatment I am guided by your feedback. Often you will feel ‘good’ pain, which responds to the technique I apply, but other times pain may feel ‘bad’ and may indicate that treatment is not currently suitable. Always tell me how you feel so I can ensure your treatment is effective at reducing or removing muscular pain.
During treatment will I have to do anything?
Yes, expect to be fully involved in your treatment! This means you may be asked to move into different positions, push against me or move a limb in a specific direction. I will also ask you to provide me with feedback about how you are feeling. We will communicate quite a lot during your session but please don’t feel that you have to chat if you would rather have some quiet time.
What should I wear during treatment?
During assessment it is best to wear comfortable underwear or some people prefer to wear shorts. During treatment I use couch roll for modesty, but does help with warmth although room temperature is always warm.
I am under 18 years old – can I have Sports Massage?
Yes. Under 18 year olds must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at each treatment. Sports massage can be very helpful for young people who take part in a lot of sporting activities. It can prevent injury and support recovery from training at a time when their bodies are changing fast. Or help them to relax or posture correction especially at exam time.
I have an injury – is sports massage appropriate for me?
It might be. Many soft tissue injuries benefit greatly from sports massage, but it is best to contact me and check first. You might need to wait for a few days if your injury is very new. If after assessing your injury I am not able to provide you with suitable treatment then I will recommend that you see a doctor, physiotherapist, or other medical professional for a diagnosis. After diagnosis I may be able to help you recover, so please keep in touch.
I have a medical condition – can I have sports massage treatment and how will it effect me?
Sports massage can be very helpful for many medical conditions. The treatment techniques, duration or positioning can all be modified to ensure they are suitable for your condition. People with conditions such as diabetes, asthma, arthritis, Fibromyalgia and stress can all benefit. There are some conditions for which sports massage is not suitable. Contagious diseases, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, acute pain, kidney disease, a history of thrombosis or the early stages of a cold. If you are unsure please contact me.
I am taking medications – can I still receive sports massage?
Most likely yes, but please tell me about your medications when you book. If you are taking pain medication you may need to stop taking them before your session so we can correctly assess your pain levels.
How will I feel after my treatment?
You should feel more relaxed after your treatment. Some people feel cold and thirsty, so having warm clothes with you is a good idea. It is advisable to drink plenty of water after treatment and try to keep moving a bit. Depending on your condition and the techniques used you may feel a little soreness, but this should ease within 24/48 hours. Some people feel tired, energised or even emotional after receiving sports massage treatment. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you experience any surprising effects.
How often should I have Sports Massage Treatment?
This will depend on the reasons why you are having treatment. Some problems respond best to short, frequent treatments, for example 30 minutes every three to five days. Those people wishing to support their body during training may find one hour each week, fortnight or monthly best for them. After your first session I will be able to provide clearer advice as to when your next treatment should be. Once we have you feeling better you may wish to go to a routine maintenance programme of 4 to 6 weeks.
Is there anything I can do to prolong the benefits of my treatment?
Yes stretch! Many people find stretching dull and time consuming but it really can help to prolong the benefits of your treatment. I will provide you with focused home care advice, which will be explained, demonstrated and practiced during your treatment. Please contact me if you are unsure, finding your stretches difficult or experiencing pain, there are always alternatives.
I have further questions about Sports and Remedial Massage?
Please feel free to contact me by phone, email or even text.
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