Swedish massage with a firmer pressure that works deeply into the muscles and connective tissues to release chronic aches and plans. It also help prevent
athletic injury, keep the body flexible and assist in the recovery process.

Sports massage is a form of massage which is growing in popularity. It is used by athletes, both professional and amateur, as well as many non-sporting individuals due to its many benefits.

A regular sports massage can help prevent injury by improving the condition of the muscles . A good massage therapist can identify muscle tightness, trigger points and scar tissue which if left untreated may lead to injury. Therapists should have a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, in order to provide an effective treatment. Most have undertaken a sports massage qualification, although it is also a skill taught in courses such as sports therapy, physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation.

Sports massage can be used in the treatment of specific injuries, such as hamstring strains, as well as to help correct muscle imbalances, overuse and postural issues. It is these issues which should be corrected in order to prevent future injuries and improve the efficiency of our muscles and so enhance our performance.

Here we demonstrate a number of simple sports massage techniques for various areas of the body....massage video

Benefits of Sports Massage
Sports massage should play an important part in the life of any sportsman or woman whether they are injured or not. Massage is essential for optimum treatment of certain injuries, as well as preventing future injuries.

Physical effects of massage
Pumping - The stroking movements in massage suck fluid through blood vessels and lymph vessels. By increasing the pressure in front of the stroke, a vacuum is created behind. This is especially important in tight or damaged muscle tissue as a tight muscle will squeeze blood out like a sponge, depriving the tissues of vital nutrients and energy to repair.

Increased tissue permeability - Deep massage causes the pores in tissue membranes to open, enabling fluids and nutrients to pass through. This helps remove waste products such as lactic acid and encourage the muscles to take up oxygen and nutrients which help them recover quicker.

Stretching - Massage can stretch tissues that could not be stretched in the usual methods. Bundles of muscle fibres are stretched lengthwise as well as sideways. Massage can also stretch the sheath or fascia that surrounds the muscle, so releasing any tension or pressure build up.

Break down scar tissue - Scar tissue is the result of previous injuries or trauma and can effect muscle, tendons and ligaments. This can lead to inflexible tissues that are prone to injury and pain.

Improve tissue elasticity - Hard training can make tissues hard and inelastic. This is one reason why hard training may not result in improvements. Massage helps reverse this by stretching the tissues.

Opens micro-circulation - Massage does increase blood flow to tissues, but so does exercise. What massage also does is open or dilate the blood vessels and by stretching them this enables nutrients to pass through more easily.
Physiological effects of sports massage
Pain reduction - Tension and waste products in muscles can often cause pain. Massage helps reduce this in many ways including releasing the bodies endorphins.

Relaxation - Muscles relax through heat generated, circulation and stretching. Mechanoreceptors which sense touch, pressure, tissue length and warmth are stimulated causing a reflex relaxation.
Psychological effects of massage
Anxiety reduction - through the effects mentioned above relaxation is induced and so reduces anxiety levels.

Invigorating - if massage is done with brisk movements such as what would be done before an event then this can produces an invigorating feeling.

30 Minutes $50
45 Minutes $60
60 Minutes $80
90 Minutes $115
120 Minutes $135