Sports Massage at Reflex-18 Sports Injury Hub in Colchester

A sports massage is a form hands on treatment, whereby a variety of massage strokes at differing pressures stimulate the bodies muscles and tissues. A sports massage encourages blood flow which reduces muscle and tissue tightness and also increases tissue flexibility. This enables the body to relax and can aid recovery from high intensity exercise. 

After a sports massage you may experience slight muscle soreness, therefore, you should try and avoid intense exercise up to 24 hours and allow the body time to recover.  

Pregnant women should avoid having a deep tissue massage as they can experience adverse effects, however, a light massage is ok for relaxation purposes. 

During a deep tissue massage an increased pressure is utilised by the practitioner which may be slightly more uncomfortable at times, however, a sports massage should not hurt. 

A sports massage can be used prior to performance to prepare the individual for performance. The massage technique effleurage consisting of light fast strokes increases tissue circulation and stimulates muscles. This provides a warm up effect to the body’s muscles and tissues and can be beneficial for performance. Massage can also have a positive psychological effect on individuals, providing a sense of readiness for performance. 

A sports massage can be performed alongside other treatments to optimise the bodies ability to recover and enable a quicker recovery process.

A sports massage provides physiological effects to the body; including increased muscle circulation, increased flexibility, and reduced muscle tightness to elevate aches and pain. The psychological effects of a sports massage include relaxation and increased endorphin levels to help alleviate stress. 

The length of a sports massage depends on the treatment you need. Our suggestion is 30 minutes to focus on one area, for example legs, 45 minutes for 2-3 areas and 60 minutes for a full body.

The cost of a sports massage varies deepening on the length of a session. From £25 - £60.

The cost of a sports massage varies deepening on the length of a session. From £25 - £60.

If you are doing regular intense exercise or experience a high level of stress or tension, a sports massage every couple of weeks can be beneficial to reduce muscle soreness and help with recovery. 

Make sure you come wearing the right clothing, make sure you are not rushed and have plenty of time either side, ensure you are well hydrated. 

A sports massage can help relieve lower back pain. By treating the lower back and surrounding muscles you can improve mobility of the lower back. 

Improves tissue circulation, relaxes muscles, reduces tension, and improves muscle flexibility.

Make sure you are wearing clothes that are not restrictive and allow access to the area of the body you want treatment. Or bring a change of clothes if needed such as shorts to put on.

Deep tissue massage consists of increased pressure used by the practitioner to target a specific muscle to relieve an area of increased tightness/tension. A sports massage can be a general all over body massage and a lighter pressure utilised to ‘flush muscles’ to aid recovery.  

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