iPS provides Sports Massage Therapy in Cardiff, Carmarthen, Bridgend, Newport and Porthcawl to relieve pain, reduce muscle spasm, reduce swelling, increase warmth and flexibility, promote relaxation or to stimulate the body and mind ready for action.
Sports massage is one of many treatment options that our musculoskeletal physiotherapists are able to offer during their physiotherapy sessions. Following comprehensive assessment of your injury / condition , massage is often used alongside other treatments including acupuncture, manipulation/mobilisation of joints, electrotherapy and exercise guidance.
We also have Sport Massage Therapists who offer Sports Massage as a stand-alone treatment option. If you wish to have a sports massage without a comprehensive injury assessment or other treatment options that our physiotherapists can provide, you can book a more cost-effective option of a Sports Massage with one of our sports Massage Therapists.
*If you are looking to book a massage or sports massage appointment as a stand-alone treatment purely for aches and pains, you can choose if you want 30mins, 45mins or 60mins sports massage appointment. If you have an undiagnosed injury or condition we recommend that you arrange an ‘MSK Initial Assessment Appointment’ for a comprehensive assessment with one of our physiotherapists. They will then advise on the most appropriate treatment option.
Sports massage is the focused manipulation of the specific muscles. It uses a number of techniques to decrease muscle pain and improve recovery, as well as improve overall range of motion and flexibility to support safe, effective movement. IPS provides sports massage treatment for individuals who require massage to aid recovery following sports and strenuous exercise or as a treatment to aid recovery from an injury. It can also be beneficial for ongoing maintenance to minimise stress and fatigue in the tissues and reduce muscle tension.
Various techniques and movements are used to try to help an individuals body achieve maximum performance and physical conditioning, with a decreased chance of injury or pain and a quicker recovery. A sports massage session is specifically tailored to an individuals needs.
Prior to joining iPS as a Physiotherapy Assistant in 2021, Jaden completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Strength conditioning, Rehabilitation and Massage for 3 years at Cardiff Met University. During this time Jaden developed an interest in the field of treatment and rehabilitation of people following severe injury and resulting disability. His degree provided him with an excellent grounding in health and fitness, nutrition, sport and exercise science, as well as the prioritised and focused subjects of strength and conditioning, rehabilitation and massage.
Massage therapy involves the manipulation of the muscles, fascia, and soft tissues of the body to relieve tension, improve mobility, and reduce pain. Various techniques, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and trigger point therapy, may be used depending on the condition being treated. The goal is to improve blood flow, release muscle knots, and encourage relaxation to promote healing and reduce discomfort.
A moderate pressure "kneading" massage is what most people would refer to as a "massage". This is used to reduce soreness and muscle spasm and promote relaxation. Deep friction massage is often used to treat chronic tendon or ligament injury. It involves deep rubbing of the injured area. This form massage can be quite uncomfortable, but is very successful at settling persistent tendon or ligament injuries - as the saying goes "no-pain, no-gain".
Trigger point release (TPR) is a deep sustained pressure. This is used to relax "trigger points", which are commonly referred to by patients as "knots" in the muscle. Trigger points are particularly common around the shoulder, neck and hip regions and often respond extremely well to a few session of TPR.
A sports massage tends to be a deeper pressure and the strokes are faster. This has the effect of significantly increasing blood flow and heat of the muscles and stimulating the mind ready for action. It is a technique used within our physiotherapy departments to help with very tight and sore muscles. This technique can be used anywhere in the body from the feet to the neck. Even though the treatment can be a little uncomfortable, you are likely to feel significantly better a couple of days later. Effleurage massage is the superficial stroking of an area of the body. It is commonly used to reduce swelling. Our physiotherapists will tailor the type of massage to your needs and your personal preference.
Massage therapy should not be painful, although some discomfort may occur if you have muscle knots or tension. Your therapist will adjust the pressure to suit your comfort level. Deep tissue massage, for example, may feel intense but should not cause pain.
Sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the area being treated and the severity of the condition. Your physiotherapist will recommend the appropriate session length based on your needs.
Yes, massage therapy is highly effective in reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It helps to lower cortisol (the stress hormone) levels while boosting endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.
We want to ensure that all of our patients receive the information they need to make an informed decision about their treatment. If you have any questions or if you require assistance with anything, please let us know.
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