Further Information About Sports Therapy

Benefits and Effects
 There are three areas where sports massage is used:

Maintenance Massage:
Maintenance A regular massage treatment programme that is based on the therapist’s understanding of anatomy and of the muscles used in a given sport or activity.

By concentrating on particular muscle groups the therapist can help maintain or improve range of motion and muscle flexibility, thus helping to maintain health, improve performance and prevent injury.

Event Massage:
Pre-event and post-event treatments are tailored for distinct purposes. Pre-event treatment is used as a supplement to an athlete’s warm-up to enhance circulation and reduce excess muscle and mental tension prior to competition. It is tailored to the needs of the participant and his/her event and can be relaxing or stimulating as appropriate. Post-event massage, on the other hand, is geared towards reducing the muscle spasms and metabolic build-up that occur with rigorous exercise. Various sports techniques enhance the body’s own recovery process improving the ability to return to quickly to training, and reducing the risk of injury.

Rehabilitation:
Even with preventative maintenance, muscles cramp, tear, bruise, and ache. Sports therapy can speed healing and reduce discomfort during the rehabilitation process.

Soft tissue techniques employed by sports massage therapists are effective in the management of both acute and chronic injuries.

Trigger point techniques reduce the spasm and pain that occur both in the injured and "compensation" muscles.

Cross-fibre friction techniques can help with healing by improved formation of strong and flexible repair tissue, which is vital in maintaining full pain-free range of motion during rehabilitation.


Other Techniques That Are Often Employed
 The use of therapeutic devices such as: Infrasonic, infrared heat treatment, electro-muscular stimulation and so on will often be used to speed up the recovery process.

The use of acupuncture may be considered as an adjunct therapy, or used in combination with other treatment modalities, as it has been shown to be very effective in the prevention and treatment of muscular-skeletal problems, but as importantly, to maintain a healthy body and mind.

At the Mind Body Centre we can provide clients with tailor-made self development programs that are designed around you and your particular needs. These programs are all about helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, focussed mind as well as a healthy body. To achieve maximum performance and results in your chosen activity requires a strong mind.

We work in close collaboration with other appropriate health professionals. We see ourselves as complementary, rather than, alternative therapists.