At seventy9 Sports Therapy in Guildford, we’re passionate about helping both athletes and non-athletes maintain peak physical health and recover from injuries effectively and safely. One of the most versatile and effective therapies we offer at our sports injury clinic in Guildford is sports massage. Are you a dedicated athlete, or simply seeking relief from daily muscle tension? Sports massage can be a powerful tool for enhancing performance, aiding recovery and helping to prevent injuries. In this guide we’ll explore the benefits of sports massage for the population of Guildford, discuss common techniques and explain what you can expect from a session at seventy9 Sports Therapy.
What is Sports Massage?
Sports massage is a form of deep tissue massage therapy tailored specifically to address the needs of active individuals. Unlike general relaxation-style massages, sports massage can target deeper layers of muscle with increased pressure and tissue specificity to help reduce muscle spasm, improve movement and support muscle recovery post-injury. Techniques include a combination of stretching, trigger point therapy and deep tissue massage, all of which aim to address muscle spasm and alleviate tension that can hinder performance in all aspects of your day to day function as well as sports and exercise output.
Who Can Benefit from Sports Massage?
While sports massage is well-known for its benefits among athletes, it is equally valuable for non-athletes dealing with muscle tension, soreness or injuries.
- Athletes – Athletes benefit from sports massage because it helps to prepare muscles for optimal performance as part of a holistic physical preparation protocol, reduces fatigue and helps in preventing injuries.
- Individuals Recovering from Injuries – Sports massage can complement our other sports therapy and rehabilitation practices at seventy9 Sports Therapy in Guildford by reducing passive muscle spasm, managing inflammation and promoting healing.
- People with Sedentary Lifestyles – Those who sit for extended periods during the day, including those who have desk jobs, can benefit from sports massage as it helps to promote and encourage movement.
- General Wellness Enthusiasts – Sports massage can help improve mobility, relieve pain and promote relaxation, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking to improve their physical well-being.
The Benefits of Sports Massage
- Improved Circulation
Sports massage can help to stimulate blood flow to the muscle, which is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients that muscles need to recover and repair. Sports massage can also help to remove the metabolic waste of intense physical activity. - Enhanced Muscle Recovery
By targeting deep and specific muscle structures, sports massage in Guildford can help to reduce passive muscle spasm. Sports massage can also help to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and accelerate our natural healing process, especially valuable for those with intense training schedules. - Increased Flexibility and Range of Movement
Stiffness and tightness in muscles caused by hyperactivity of the neural system can lead to a reduced range of movement, increasing the risk of injuries. Sports massage in Guildford focuses on releasing this muscular tension, allowing for greater flexibility and ease of movement. - Injury Prevention
A tailored sports massage programme can identify and address muscle imbalances and spasm before they become problematic. Routine sports massage at seventy9 Sports Therapy in Guildford can help prevent injuries by keeping muscles and joints in a good window for loading and dealing with everyday life, reducing the likelihood of some common sports injuries. Routine sports massage can also help athletes to manage their weekly training volume, helping to improve their performance as part of a holistic sports performance protocol. - Pain Relief
For those dealing with chronic pain or acute injuries, sports massage can be part of a holistic protocol to alleviate pain by reducing muscle tension and spasm. This is particularly beneficial for patients dealing with issues such as lower back pain and chronic headaches. - Stress Reduction
Sports massage isn’t just about physical benefits. At seventy9 Sports Therapy in Guildford, we are very aware of the profound impact sports massage can have on mental well-being. Regular sports massages can help to reduce cortisol levels (cortisol is our stress hormone) and promote relaxation by releasing muscular tension. Additionally, the benefits of regular exercise on our mental well-being cannot be overlooked. Regular sports massage in Guildford – alongside our other sports therapy and rehabilitation practices at seventy9 Sports Therapy – can help facilitate a return to full time sport and exercise participation.
Techniques Used in Sports Massage
At seventy9 Sports Therapy in Guildford, we tailor each sports massage appointment to the needs of our patients, combining various techniques to ensure the most effective treatment. Some of the primary techniques we use are:
- Effleurage
Effleurage is a series of long, gliding strokes typically performed at the beginning of a massage to both enhance circulation and prepare the muscles for deeper soft tissue therapy. - Petrissage
Petrissage involves kneading, squeezing and lifting muscles to reduce the neural hyperactivity of a muscle. It can therefore help to reduce tension, as well as promoting relaxation deep in the muscle. - Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger points (sometimes referred to as “knots”) are areas of a muscle that are over stimulated by the brain. These trigger points can cause pain and reduce available range of movement. Trigger point therapy involves applying pressure to these points to reduce the neural stimulation, allowing muscles space to function appropriately. - Myofascial Release
Myofascial release focuses on providing a mechanical stimulus to the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding the all the structures of the body. This technique can help to alleviate stiffness and improve range of movement, especially in the case of post-surgery scars. - Stretching
Incorporating passive and active stretching into a sports massage appointment can help to compliment the sports massage techniques that we employ at seventy9 Sports Therapy in Guildford. Combined, this can help to improve flexibility and support good joint range of movement.
What to Expect During Your Sports Massage in Guildford
Your sports massage appointment at seventy9 Sports Therapy in Guildford will begin with a chat to discuss why you’re visiting us, your goals for your journey with us, any existing injuries as well as your general health. Our experienced soft tissue therapists will tailor the session based on your unique needs and use techniques that address specific muscle groups and movement patterns.
During the sports massage, you may experience both relaxing and intense sensations, particularly if deep tissue or trigger point therapy techniques are used. Our therapists at seventy9 Sports Therapy in Guildford will ensure your comfort throughout the session, adjusting pressure as required to ensure a beneficial yet comfortable experience.
Following your sports massage appointment you may feel immediate relief, though some muscle soreness is normal as the body adjusts to the sensations of soft tissue massage therapy. Moving through good and normal ranges of movement regularly in the hours and days after your sports massage appointment can help alleviate any residual soreness.
How Sports Massage Fits into Your Overall Wellness Plan
Regular sports massage appointments are an excellent addition to your overall wellness and fitness routine. For athletes, scheduling sports massage appointments at seventy9 Sports Therapy in Guildford around training and competitions can help manage training load and maintain peak performance. For non-athletes or those with chronic issues, incorporating sports massage in Guildford into your monthly routine can help reduce pain and promote mental well-being.
Our team of experienced therapists at seventy9 Sports Therapy in Guildford is here to guide you on how often you may benefit from sports massage, depending on your goals, activity level and any current or previous injuries. We also offer complementary services, such as sports therapy and personalised rehabilitation programmes, to support your overall recovery and health journey.
Why Choose seventy9 Sports Therapy for Sports Massage in Guildford?
At seventy9 Sports Therapy, our team is dedicated to providing a comprehensive, patient-centred approach to sports massage and injury management. Here’s why our patients choose us for sports massage in Guildford:
- Expertise and Experience – Our highly experienced therapists are trained in advanced sports massage techniques and have experience working with a wide range of patients, from professional athletes to individuals seeking relief from everyday stress and muscle tension.
- Personalised Treatment Plans – We understand that each patient is unique, therefore we take the time to create tailored treatment and rehabilitation plans based on individual goals and needs.
- Holistic Approach – Our sports injury and sports massage clinic in Guildford offers a variety of services, including injury assessments, sports therapy and rehabilitation programmes, allowing us to create a holistic plan for your recovery and well-being. Additionally, we work closely with the strength coaches at Advance Performance where we are based to provide multi-disciplinary sports performance services to support your journey beyond your return from injury.
- Convenient Location in Guildford – Conveniently located at Advance Performance, Merrist Wood College, Guildford, our clinic is accessible to patients throughout Surrey, making it easy to incorporate sports massage into your wellness routine.
Book Your Sports Massage in Guildford Today
Whether you’re dealing with muscle tension, training for a big event, or recovering from an injury, sports massage in Guildford at seventy9 Sports Therapy can be a transformative part of your journey to optimal health. Our experienced therapists are here to help support you with customised individual patient care and professional guidance, helping you to perform at your best and stay injury free.
Book your sports massage in Guildford with seventy9 Sports Therapy today to experience the benefits of tailored, expert care. Visit our online booking system or drop us an email to schedule your first appointment and take the next step towards enhanced performance, recovery and well-being.