Sports Massage

Sports massage is not just for athletes. Anyone can benefit. Sports massage is targeted massage working on the soft tissues and may involve some stretches. Regular sports massage can help with recovery following injury, it can improve our range of motion and can help break down troublesome scar tissue. Much of the difference between Sports & Deep Tissue massage is in the types of techniques used.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage works on the underlying muscles and fascia (connective tissue).  Areas often become tight and troublesome and pain can be referred to other areas of the body. Imagine a piece of webbing being tied in one corner. The rest of the sheet will begin to be pulled out of alignment. This can happen to our own internal webbing when we have injuries, scar tissue, and constrictions. Deep tissue is a slightly slower but firm massage allowing for a gentle, yet effective treatment. Lots of clients like this type of massage. Especially for the shoulders.

Myofascial Release Massage

Myofascial Release is a gentle, but effective treatment which stretches and frees up tight and constricted areas of fascia (the connective tissue which surrounds every cell, organ, bone and muscle in the body). By using specific techniques these areas can be eased to allow for greater flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients which can aid in healing and healthy function. I either offer this as a stand alone treatment targeting specific areas. Or as part of a massage treatment.

Cupping Massage

This is a very old therapy which dates back centuries. Hippocrates used cupping in his practice to address the four humours - yellow bile, black bile, blood and phlegm.  Plastic (or glass) cups are placed on the body and a vacuum is created which draws the skin up, allowing for the movement of energy, fluids and tissue. It is very often used for increasing circulation. There may be some circular marks temporarily left on the skin but these fade quickly. Cupping is popular in Chinese medicine and it is known as Hiijama, in Islamic medicine.