FAQS

What do I wear when coming for treatment?

Generally comfortable loose fitting clothes, shorts and a T-shirt are ideal. The treatment room is kept warm at all times and areas not being worked on, will be covered with towels and blankets.

What is the difference between a Sports Massage and a Swedish massage?

Swedish massage is used to promote psychological and emotional well-being through stress reduction and relaxation by applying long, slow and gentle massage strokes. The application of Swedish massage can stimulate the release of the body’s natural endorphins which are known as our “feel good” hormones. Different types of techniques used include: effleurage, petrissage, vibration and friction. Evidence shows that Swedish massage is very beneficial for stress reduction. 

What is a Sports Massage?

The techniques used in Swedish massage are very similar to those used during a sports massage, however, the main difference being that sports massage tends to focus on a particular muscle group and involves greater pressure to work deeper into the tissues, which in turn produces greater effects. One of the main benefits of sports massage is that it helps reduce muscle tightness by breaking down adhesions and scar tissue, which is achieved through the breakdown of cross-fibre connections within the muscle. Other benefits include:

• • • • Relief of muscle tension and stiffness
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      • Faster healing of strained and sprained muscles or ligaments by increasing blood flow
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      • Reduced muscle pain
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      • Greater range of motion

Even though sports massage is portrayed as being more suitable for athletes, this type of massage is also great for those who experience stress-related muscle tension from work or day to day life events.

Which is more effective?

People often ask which form of massage is better. Unfortunately, the answer is not so simple as it varies from person to person depending on their needs. There is no ‘superior’ massage technique, each has their own benefits and advantages. Swedish massage would be more suited to individuals who suffer from high stress levels to help them unwind and relax. Sports massage would benefit those who are either recovering from an injury, preparing for a sporting event, or just want to get rid of those horrible knots!

Do massages hurt?

The discomfort you feel during and after a massage is completely normal and, on the whole, it means it is working. But a sports massage should never cause you so much pain that you feel the need to tense up in order to bear it. If your muscles are tense then they won't be getting much of a benefit from the massage.

What happens to your body after a sports massage?

It's normal to feel sore after a massage. The technique carries blood and nutrients to your muscles while eliminating toxins. After stimulating muscles that you may not usually use, you might experience delayed onset muscle soreness. This is a physical response to the inflammation as your body heals. You would also be encouraged to drink more water than normal for the next 24 hours post massage treatment to rehydrate and help eliminate any toxins that have built up.

 Do you use hypoallergenic oils?

I only use natural Bees wax or hypoallergenic oil as a massage medium which is easily absorbed and can be left on the skin.