Sports Therapy Untangled !
This blog will hopefully answer some questions and expel some myths about Sports Therapy.
What’s the difference between Sports and Deep Tissue Massage?
Sports Massage focuses on a particular injury. If a footballer has pulled a calf muscle, then I will work on that area. I use various techniques that will improve blood flow, flexibility and gives the soft tissue the best chance of recovery.
A Deep Tissue Massage is more general. If someone works in an office or drives for a living and they have aches and pains in their shoulders or back, then I will work on the general area to see if there’s any knock-on symptoms. For example, someone may have pains in their shoulders but the root problem may be somewhere else in the chain.
What’s the difference between therapists?
Sports therapists will look for a root cause as well as an appropriate solution for the patient. We bring manipulation, stretching, strengthening and education into our treatments.
A physio has a broader knowledge of conditions including medical, neurological and respiritory issues. A physio will be more qualified in advanced movement. Physios are the only therapists who are available through the NHS as well as privately.
A chiropractor will focus on manipulating the spine and pelvis as well as the associated neurological effects.
Massage therapists perform more relaxing treatments. However, many massage therapists are not qualified to treat more complex issues.
I don’t do any sport at all. Is Sports Massage, Deep Tissue Massage or other treatments you offer the right course of action for me?
Most likely at least one of these are good for you. Only issues that your healthcare provider has advised against using a Sports Therapist won’t be treated.
The techniques that I use can be an effective treatment to firstly eliminate, then aid recovery of soft tissue injuries and ailments.
Any activity creates a load on our soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia). So, if you run or cycle you put that load onto your legs/lower back, If you sit at a desk or drive all day you put the load through your back/shoulder muscles. If you’re a construction worker, you put load through various parts of your body depending on the type of work you’re doing. These are just a few examples. I see patients from every walk of life.
I also work with clients with various conditions like Fibromyalgia, Scoliosis, Sciatica, arthritis, muscle and joint aches. The list is not quite endless but it's getting there !
Why should I come to you instead of waiting for an NHS therapist?
The main reason is time. With NHS waiting lists so long you could be waiting months, possibly over a year, to get an appointment. I will go the extra yard to help you with your condition and if I can’t help you, I will be completely honest with you and try to point you in the right direction of someone who can.
What do I wear for my appointment?
I always advise you to wear loose clothing, especially around the area being worked on. It is best to also wear underwear which allows easy access to the area of the body which is being worked on.
How often should I receive a treatment?
This really depends on the circumstances and needs of the individual.
Some clients require weekly visits short term to recover quickly from a sports injury. This is to give the affected area the best and quickest chance of recovery.
Once an injury has improved, many clients choose to follow a maintenance programme of sessions.
My advice is that everyone should try and get treatments as regularly as possible from whichever type of therapist they choose. I firmly believe in prevention over cure and that there is less chance of injury recurring if the body is kept in as optimal condition as possible.
What happens during the physical therapy treatment?
I always advise that you book in for at least 60 minutes for your first session. Before we start with the treatment we will go through your medical history as well as details of the problem you are presenting. This will be followed by a postural assessment to establish the extent of your injury.
After this will be the actual treatment. We use various techniques as an alternative to Sports Massage and Deep Tissue Massage including Cupping Therapy, Myofascial Release and Muscle Scraping (not as horrific as it sounds). We will decide at the time if any or none of these are appropriate.
After the treatment you may feel some soreness and the area that has been treated may bruise somewhat. This is perfectly normal and in most cases is a very short-term effect (usually 24hrs). You should feel increased movement immediately.
Are there any age restrictions for treatments?
No, there’s no restriction on age but anyone under 18 will require a parent/guardian to be present
Anyone is also welcome to bring a chaperone with them if they so require.
Aren’t physical therapy treatments expensive?
I am fully aware that private physical therapy treatments are a cost that not everyone can afford on a regular basis. There is also the flip side of what price can you put on your own health? I offer payment options that may be able to help you out a little with three appointment time slots available. I also accept most major credit/debit cards. If you have health insurance, I can provide a receipt so you can claim all or some of your money back through them (please check with your insurance company before booking). I also frequently run discount offers through our website.
Is it guaranteed that I will recover with treatment?
Unfortunately, nothing is guaranteed as far as health and wellbeing. What I can guarantee is that I will give my 100% best to get to the root of your issue. Providing the client follows any exercises given and realises that an issue won’t be sorted out overnight, we will have a good chance of success. If I feel that no progress is being made, I will always be completely honest with you and refer you to an appropriate alternative medical professional.
Can I speak with you before I book?
Absolutely! If you have any questions at all regarding this blog or anything else please call/text/whats app on 07912754088 or you can email me at matt@mh-st.co.uk
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