What should I wear to a sports massage appointment?
You will usually be asked to remove your outer clothes before a massage begins, so choose something that’s easy to slip in and out of (though if you come for a massage straight from work, that’s OK too). You will always be covered up, for both privacy and warmth, with the only area exposed being the area that is being massaged - and that will never involve private areas. Your therapist will tell you what they are doing at each stage.
How often should I have a sports massage?
For maximum benefit, you should have sports massage regularly. Your therapist will generally suggest a treatment plan that may cover several sessions. After that, it is recommended that clients have a "maintenance" massage once a month, to help keep the body flexible and maintain optimum performance.
Is it safe to have a sports message while I am pregnant?
It is safe to have a sports massage during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, as long as high-risk areas are avoided. Massage involves different strokes and techniques, so always discuss these with your therapist in advance. We offer special pre-natal massage, but if you have a specific sports or accident-related injury for which you require deep tissue massage, this can be done too, within appropriate safety parameters.
How long does a deep tissue or sports massage session last?
A typical sports massage session usually lasts between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the treatment required. An hour is considered the standard for a full body massage; however, some therapists may offer shorter or longer sessions depending on the area to be treated. Your first appointment will take slightly longer, as your masseur will take a medical history and discuss any recent injury and related pain issues with you in detail.
Does a sports massage hurt?
Sports massage generally causes a degree of discomfort, as the therapist is working at breaking down muscle scarring, adhesions or ‘knots’. Some areas will be more sensitive than others, depending on what's happening with the muscle, so it's important that you give regular feedback to your therapist with regards to the pressure being applied. The discomfort should never be unbearable. You may feel some soreness after the massage, and this can be alleviated by applying either ice or a heat pack. Your therapist will advise you on this.
