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Activate Clinical Sport and Remedial Massage Therapy

WHAT IS SPORT AND REMEDIAL MASSAGE?

The practice of massage has been well documented and references to it can be traced to China as far back as 1000BC. Since then the practice of massage has migrated across the world evolving into various formats and styles however the effects have remained largely unchanged and mainly relate to an improvement regarding both physiological and psychological well-being.

Sport and Remedial Massage is the modern variant of this established form of healthcare which is a proven method of providing rapid and effective therapy for musculoskeletal function and dysfunction. As the name implies there are two distinct areas to this therapy:

SPORTS MASSAGE

The term ‘sports massage’ is somewhat deceptive as it benefits people in all walks of life regardless of age, profession or occupation, not just those involved in sports.

It is a firm treatment that focuses on the maintenance of muscles and other soft tissue (tendon, ligament & fascia) in order to keep them in optimum condition by helping to avoid damage before it occurs. Potential soft tissue problems can be identified and followed up with early intervention which helps to prevent an injury that may subsequently result in the individual being unable to continue with their activity or occupation.

The treatment provided, which often involves assisted stretching to compliment the massage, will depend on various factors for example is it a routine maintenance massage to keep the muscles in prime condition? Or alternatively maybe it's for the preparation of a sports event or to aid recovery following such an event.

However, it is no coincidence that all professional athletes incorporate regular sports massage in to their training as it provides many benefits at a number of levels and for those that are actively involved with sports, massage compliments their training to enhance performance.

REMEDIAL MASSAGE

With remedial massage great emphasis is placed on identifying the source of dysfunction and to provide post treatment advice rather than just attempting to treat the problem in isolation. By applying this approach clients can expect better results and longer lasting benefits as opposed to a ‘quick fix’.

It is also used to provide relief of symptoms to individuals affected by a range of conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis or Asthma whose sufferers can benefit from a reduction of secondary effects of induced muscle tension and in the case of MS an improvement in circulation.

TECHNIQUES
 
Sport & Remedial massage combines traditional Thai & Swiss massage techniques with some of those used by Osteopaths, Chiropractors & Physiotherapists which include:

Soft Tissue Release – STR is used to isolate specific areas of congested tissue whilst the muscle is stretched to prevent healthy tissue compensating for the restricted area

Muscle Energy Technique – METs are a variety of manipulative treatments in which a patient, under guidance, actively uses their muscles to resist against a counterforce applied by the Practitioner. These techniques are used to restore shortened muscles back to their normal length

Neuro Muscular Technique – NMT is primarily employed to identify and release trigger points which are muscle fibres that remain permanently contracted and frequently refer pain to other locations. NMT involves the application of concentrated ischemic compression to de-activate these fibres

Myofascial Release – MFR is a highly successful treatment used to access and treat restrictions in the fascia relying on the application of concentrated pressure which is combined with slow movement