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Activate Clinical Sport and Remedial Massage Therapy

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What happens during a session?

All initial consultations will include the completion of a detailed case history which includes full details of any current conditions and your past medical history. Should you require remedial therapy for an injury or postural condition, a thorough assessment will follow which will help to identify possible causes. This is an essential element of the initial consultation as it will determine subsequent treatment and will be tailored to your own personal needs.

If massage alone cannot help with your condition, referral to another healthcare professional may be recommended such as a Physiotherapist or Osteopath. We will discuss a treatment plan which will include an estimate of the number of sessions necessary. Each individual responds differently to treatment and it is very unlikely that one session will resolve any problems that are identified therefore it may take a second or third visit to discover the most effective technique.

Is sport and remedial massage the same as physiotherapy?

No, they are 2 distinct practices. Remedial Massage therapy is not a substitute for Physiotherapy and a Remedial Massage Therapist is not a Physiotherapist.

Physiotherapists are qualified to degree level assessing, diagnosing and treating serious conditions with a variety of methods that may include electro and hydro therapies underpinned with rehabilitation and exercise programmes. Although manual or massage therapy falls within their remit very little time is generally available to concentrate on minor soft tissue conditions using massage and patients may be referred to a Remedial Massage Therapist as their time is solely dedicated to the treatment of muscle and soft tissue.

The two disciplines work very well together and Remedial Massage today is dealing quickly and effectively with many minor and chronic muscular problems which respond to the time proven Remedial Massage better than anything else.

What should I wear?

During treatment towels are used to cover you and will be moved to allow access to the area of the body receiving treatment. Normally, clients wear their underwear however, if you wish sports shorts are a suitable alternative and for ladies, a bikini is also appropriate.

How can I be sure that you are competent?

There are many sport massage therapists that offer treatment however many are unregulated and very few are fully qualified to offer remedial therapy. Regardless whether or not the practitioner is a coach, personal trainer or an experienced athlete, if they are not a member of the Institute of Sport and Remedial Massage (ISRM), Sports Massage Association (SMA) or Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), you cannot be sure that you are getting an effective or appropriate treatment.

With therapists that have trained with an ISRM or SMC accredited college and are registered with either organisation, you can be confident that they have received the very best training from leaders in the field, are fully insured and are required to adhere to a strict code of practice. Moreover they are also required to provide evidence of continual professional development (CPD) annually to ensure that they maintain their skills and remain up to date with current practice and regulations in order to renew their membership. You may ask to see their qualifications and membership at any time.

How often should I receive therapy?

This is entirely dependent on the individual and their goals. Clients with specific conditions that require remedial attention are likely to benefit from a series of treatments to address a problem whereas individuals that are involved in a high degree of activity or wish to control their stress levels may find that a weekly or monthly maintenance massage is a suitable alternative.

Are there any reasons why I shouldn't receive Massage therapy?

A contraindication is a condition or a reason that may result in the prevention of treatment however there are very few medical conditions that are likely to result in the complete prevention of massage therapy. Guidance is provided below detailing the main contraindications.

  • Absolute contraindication

  • Massage therapy is contraindicated for the treatment of a soft tissue injury within the first 24 hrs of sustaining it as it's still in its acute phase. The application of friction is likely to be counter productive at this stage as it may increase bleeding therefore, during this period the R.I.C.E. regimen should be adopted to promote recovery.

  • Additionally if you are suffering from haemophilia, any communicable diseases such as influenza, tuberculosis, chicken pox or have any severe widespread skin complaints such as psoriasis, eczema or dermatitis, massage therapy will be withheld.

  • GP approval

  • Not all conditions are absolutely contraindicated. Diabetes mellitus, a history of thrombosis, tumours, post operative or post natal, heart conditions or significant blood pressure variations and serious localised skin complaints just require the approval of your family GP.