Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is sports massage therapy?
It can help with muscle tightness, pain, restricted movement and recovery from physical activity — whether you are an athlete or simply dealing with everyday aches and pains. The kind of massage technique I administer is commonly thought of as "deep tissue massage".
Do I need to be 'sporty' to benefit from sports therapy message?
Not at all. Sports therapy massage is beneficial for athletes especially, but it is equally effective for anyone experiencing muscle tension, discomfort or mobility issues caused by daily life, work or general activity (or often, the lack of).
What happens during my first Sports Therapy Massage appointment?
Your first session will begin with a short consultation to discuss your medical history, lifestyle and any areas that might be triggers for your concern. This is followed by an assessment and hands-on treatment tailored to your needs. You will also receive aftercare advice to support your recovery. A more detailed discussion of that can be found HERE
What should I wear to my appointment?
Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Depending on the area being treated, you may be asked to remove or adjust clothing to allow access for the treatment, but your comfort and modesty will always be respected.
Does sports therapy massage hurt?
Some techniques may cause mild discomfort, particularly when working on tight or sensitive areas. However, treatment should not be excessively painful. Communication is encouraged from me to you throughout so pressure can be adjusted to suit your comfort level.
How long does a treatment last?
Regular appointments typically last between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on the type of treatment and your individual needs. Initial sessions are typically about 1.5 hours.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on your condition, lifestyle and goals. Some clients feel improvement after one session, while others may benefit from a short course of treatments. This will be discussed with you after your assessment.
Is sports massage therapy safe?
Yes, sports therapy is generally very safe when carried out by a qualified practitioner. The industry is regulated ensuring qualified practitioners meet a minimum standard. A full consultation is completed before treatment to identify any contraindications (issues that may prevent treatment) and ensure the treatment is appropriate for you.
Are there any reasons I shouldn’t have treatment?
Certain conditions may prevent treatment or require it to be adapted. These include :
- Fever or high temperature
- Infectious or contagious illnesses (e.g. flu, COVID-19)
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Cancer (unless medically approved)
- Severe cardiovascular conditions (e.g. uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart conditions)
- Recent major surgery (without medical clearance)
- Acute inflammation
- Severe skin conditions or infections
- Open wounds, cuts or abrasions
- Severe bruising
- Varicose veins (in affected areas)
- Fractures or broken bones
- Severe muscle tears or acute injuries
- Neurological conditions affecting sensation or pain response
- Under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Before booking check with your GP or medical expert (if you are currently under medical supervision) whether Sports Massage Therapy treatment is safe for you. If you are unsure whether treatment is suitable for you, please get in touch before booking. In some cases, treatment may still be possible with appropriate adaptations or medical approval.
What should I expect after treatment?
It is common to feel some mild soreness or tenderness for 24–48 hours after treatment, similar to post-exercise discomfort. You may also feel more relaxed and experience improved movement.
What is the difference between a Sports Massage Therapist and a Sports Therapist?
A Sports Massage Therapist specialises in hands-on soft tissue treatment, using techniques such as massage, stretching, and muscle release to help reduce tension, improve mobility, aid recovery, and support injury prevention.
A Sports Therapist has a broader scope of practice, combining soft tissue treatment with injury assessment, rehabilitation programmes, exercise prescription, and return-to-sport planning. While sports massage is often one of the tools a Sports Therapist uses, their role extends beyond massage alone.
What is the difference between a Sports Massage Therapist and a Physiotherapist?
Both professions aim to help people move better and reduce pain, but they have different areas of focus.
A Sports Massage Therapist specialises in treating muscles and soft tissues through hands-on techniques designed to relieve tension, improve flexibility, support recovery, and help prevent injuries.
A Physiotherapist is trained to assess, diagnose, and treat a wider range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and medical conditions. Treatment may include rehabilitation exercises, movement analysis, education, and manual therapy.
Many clients choose sports massage for muscle tightness, aches, stiffness, and recovery, while physiotherapy is often appropriate for more complex injuries, ongoing rehabilitation, or conditions requiring clinical assessment and diagnosis.
Can I exercise after a session?
It is usually recommended to avoid intense exercise for at least 24 hours after treatment to allow your body time to recover. Light activity such as walking is generally fine.
Do you offer other Sports Massage Therapy treatments such as Acupuncture, Cupping etc?
Not currently. But if that changes, this section will be updated.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Try to stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals immediately before your session, and try to avoid being rushed, so try to avoid making commitments to be somewhere immediately after the session, as the stress of that can impede the benefits of the treatment. You should endeavour to arrive with appropriate levels of cleanliness too, in the interests of the clinical area and your treating therapist.
Arriving a few minutes early will allow time to relax and complete any necessary paperwork.
Do you offer treatment for specific injuries?
Treatment can be tailored to address a wide range of issues including muscle strains, tension, postural problems and mild sports-related injuries. You will be referred to a fellow specialist if your injuries are beyond my current expertise - this may include another sports therapist, GP, Hospital, physiotherapist, etc. My area of expertise covers massage treatable concerns.
How do I book an appointment?
Appointments can be booked online via the website. If you have any questions before booking, you are welcome to get in touch.
What is your cancellation policy?
Only a very small number of slots are made available, each week. They are at a premium, and in demand. Refunds are not therefore offered. So please book only if you are sure you can make your chosen time slot.
If I have to cancel the session due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances, you will be refunded in full.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to get in touch — I’ll be happy to help.