WHAT TO EXPECT

During a sports massage therapy appointment at our Guildford clinic, you can generally expect the following:

1. Consultation: Your therapist will begin by discussing your activity level, any specific sports you participate in, areas of pain or stiffness, and your goals for the massage (e.g., injury recovery, performance enhancement, general muscle tension relief). They may also ask about your medical history.

2. Assessment: The therapist might observe your posture and may ask you to perform some movements to assess your range of motion and identify any muscle imbalances or areas of restriction.

3. Treatment: The massage itself will involve various techniques tailored to your needs. These can include deep tissue work, kneading, stretching, compression, friction, and trigger point therapy. The pressure can be firm and may sometimes feel intense as the therapist works on deeper muscle layers, but it should ideally remain within your tolerance. Communication is key, so please inform your therapist if the pressure is too much.

4. Focus Areas: Depending on your sport or issues, the therapist will focus on specific muscle groups that are relevant. This might include legs for runners, shoulders and arms for swimmers, or back and shoulders for cyclists.

5. Aftercare Advice: Following the massage, your therapist may provide advice on stretching, exercises, or other self-care techniques to help maintain the benefits of the treatment and prevent future issues. They will also likely recommend drinking plenty of water.

The aim is to address muscle imbalances, reduce tension, improve flexibility, and promote recovery, ultimately helping you to perform better and prevent injuries. You might feel some soreness afterwards, similar to a workout, but this usually subsides within a day or two.