by Rosie Dixon, Sports Massage Therapist
I often hear there is nothing better than the feeling of relief after an intense sports massage!
Commonly associated with Elite athletes as an unmissable part of their physical conditioning regime, to improve performance and boost recovery, sports massage Is a deep and effective way to reduce tension in the muscles and improve or prevent injury. However, it is not only athletes that would benefit from sports massage treatment. Whether you’re off to compete at the Olympics, are a regular gym goer or simply work in an office, everyone’s likely to experience discomfort or tight muscular pain at some point. This is where sports massage can help. An ancient tradition; massage has been used to promote healthy blood flow and ease tired muscles for thousands of years. We now know massage can do much more.
Massage aims to stimulate the body through the skin, the body’s largest sensory organ. Any area of the body can be treated to heal injury or post-operative tightness, relieve psychological stress and tension, improve circulation, manage pain, relax muscle spasms and eliminate waste and toxins from the body.
There are many different massage techniques. Some are gentle, aiming to trigger the release of endorphins (the body’s own painkillers) and promote a sense of relaxation and wellbeing. Other techniques are more vigorous to help stretch uncomfortable muscles, ease stiff joints and so improve mobility and flexibility.
Here are my top five reasons for massage treatment:
- MORE FLEXIBILITY / MOBILITY: post-surgery, training in the gym or general daily posture can tighten and shorten muscles; the focused strokes of soft tissue, both longitudinally and laterally, will improve muscular length and mobility and can correct imbalances.
- EASE KNOTS:specific techniques can be used to separate muscle fibres that have either become adhered to one and another, or to other soft tissues structures around them, and even to bones. This again will increase length and mobility of the muscle fibres.
- STRONGER FLOW OF BLOOD/NUTRIENTS:Its true that massage increases blood flow, and this is really vital to help healing of tissue. Better Circulation improves the supply of nutrients to tissues improving their health and aiding in healing and repair. This also helps to flush away any toxins or metabolic waste produced by the damaged or tight tissue.
- PROMOTES RELAXATION: Sports massage stimulates your sensory receptors which respond to touch, and as your body relaxes, endorphins are released which lift the mood and de-stress the body, minimising anxiety
- BOOSTS PERFORMANCE: More oxygen flowing to muscle tissues which are mobile, nourished and free from toxins and knotted tension, is going to lead to a higher quality and more sustainable level of activity and prevention of injury.
Book your Sports Massage by calling our Reservations Team on 01707 44 33 33.
Physiotherapy at One Hatfield Hospital
One Hatfield offers out-patient physiotherapy assessment and treatments for a variety of conditions. Our private physiotherapy team are highly experienced, chartered physiotherapists that practice in a modern and fully equipped physiotherapy suite.
Our aim is to provide you with fast, easy access to specialist practitioners who can help you achieve your rehabilitation goals – however big or small.
Our friendly and dynamic team will assess, diagnose and treat your condition using a holistic approach encompassing education and support, the latest equipment, techniques and evidence based on best practice so that you can swiftly return to your normal activities, work or sports.
One Hatfield Hospital’s team specialise in sports injuries and musculo-skeletal disorders and hand therapy, but cover all areas of physio, and offer a care service that is tailored specifically for your individual needs.
Conditions that we frequently treat at One Hatfield Hospital include:
- Neck and back pain
- Nerve pain
- Arthritis
- Rehabilitation
- Sports injuries
We also provide after-care for all our patients that have undergone surgery at the hospital, and can liaise closely and directly with your team of specialists to ensure your ongoing care is delivered to the highest standard.
Our private hospital is located in Hatfield, Hertfordshire but is ideally placed to see patients in St Albans, Stevenage, Watford, North London, Welwyn, throughout Bedfordshire and all nearby areas.
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