What is the difference between sports massage therapy and physiotherapy/sports therapy?
Sports massage therapy covers the knowledge and skills relating to specific soft tissues, their functions and the effects of manual therapy/exercise on normal and damaged tissue. It addresses the prevention of injury and performance enhancement, injuries and conditions that are commonly suffered in sport or other regular activities, plus a range of interventions aimed at promoting repair and recovery.
Physiotherapy has a broader scope of practice addressing a range of conditions that are not solely related to increased physical activity. These may include degenerative and medical disorders.
Sports therapy is more focused on the prevention, rehabilitation and treatment of a client back to optimum occupational and/or sport specific fitness. The knowledge and training is more sports-focused.
Regardless of background it is important to find a therapist that you trust and feel comfortable with. A good therapist will be positive, understanding, encouraging and will look to build a relationship, with you at the centre. They will empower and encourage you to actively manage your condition as best you can and will educate you on the best way to do this.
What is the difference between sports/deep tissue massage and a normal massage?
A sports/deep tissue massage should always be adapted to your needs so that you get the most out of the session. A sports/deep tissue massage takes advantage of more advanced techniques to assess and treat the soft tissue compared to a standard relaxation massage.
Do I need to be sporty to benefit from a sports/deep tissue massage?
The short answer is no. You can injure yourself or get aches and pains from any of your daily tasks. More and more people are appreciating the benefits of sports/deep tissue massage, which can include helping with persistent pain, anxiety and depression.
What are the benefits or a sports/deep tissue massage?
The benefits of a massage are very individual, especially as the treatment is always adapted to your own needs. Manual therapy is most beneficial when used as part of a bigger treatment plan, which is why taking an active role in your recovery is important. Simply put, having a treatment can reduce your symptoms and make you feel better. If you feel better, you will move better and if you move better you are likely to perform better.
What should I wear for a sports massage?
Shorts are fine and ladies should wear a normal bra and vest top as well.
What happens during the treatment?
Your first appointment starts with a detailed consultation and assessment. An assessment of your posture, joints and range of motion is done to determine the likely cause of your pain. The treatment is then adapted to your specific needs. Each subsequent visit includes a discussion on how you feel things are progressing.
Is getting a sports/deep tissue massage painful?
In my opinion it should not be painful. Gone are the days when a sports/deep tissue massage had to be painful to be considered beneficial. There may be some discomfort at times but I communicate regularly with you to make sure that the pressure is always within your pain tolerance. If your brain likes the input from the treatment it will turn down the volume on pain and tension.
Mark took the time to understand the history of my problem and advised practical ways to reduce the tension and discomfort. Would highly recommend, Excellent work.
Damian Orritt
I've had two sessions with Mark. I chose him because of his running background as I'm looking to return to running and then saw him for a second time to look at a shoulder injury from the gym. A good guy. Knowledgeable and takes time to learn your training history. Easy to talk to and good value. Spends a little time at the end to talk through things you can do at home/the gym to rehab and avoid a repeat of the issue.
Tom Burr
I went to Mark yesterday with shin splints down the inside of one leg. It’s already remarkably better after Mark’s treatment. Definitely money well spent.
Sam Tomkins
I had a stabbing headache stemming from neck and back problems for around a year and a half. Had seen multiple specialists in Cheltenham and spent hundreds to no avail. I don't know how he did it, but Mark was the only one that made a lasting difference. I have now been pain free for months!
Stuart Fieldhouse
Great session, Mark was knowledgable and able to help me with my issues and concerns.\
Nick James
Visited Mark for an assessment and treatment for neck and shoulder pain. Very thorough diagnosis to ascertain any structure and movement issues, before starting any manipulation and massage procedures. Eased the tight spots in the trapezoid muscles , (a definite improvement), and he advised a series of stretching exercises for ongoing physical maintenance. Highly recommend if you require advice and treatment.
Glen
I have been coming a few months and Mark is great, has a great understanding of the muscular and skeletal frame, the sore paints are targeted and sorted out, and seeing him regularly has become a great addition to my sports well being.
Christina McKenzie
Mark was highly recommended to me, and so I went to see him when a rotator cuff injury was taking a long time to heal. I found Mark to be highly competent, also very sensitive and professional. He was very attuned to my condition, and perceptive. The massage was excellent, just the right amount of pressure and I felt considerable benefit afterwards. I would also highly recommend him.
Marilyn Miller
Top Man, loosened my shoulders up and gave me the tools to get a gold in the British Ice Swimming Nationals in my age group. Extremally nice guy came away feeling ready to take on GB challenge 10/10 don't think just go...you will not regret it.
Jonathan Coe
I went to see Mark for long-term issues with tightness in my back, shoulders and neck. Our initial discussion was thorough and wide-ranging and highlighted the possible causes of my issues. The treatment was comprehensive and Mark gave detailed advice on a range of exercises and stretches to follow-up with at home. He also emailed instructions for each of the post-treatment stretches we discussed. I would thoroughly recommend Mark.
Griff P
Had a great session with Mark, he is very thorough when going through symptoms and treatments. Would definitely recommend.
Matt Walford
I recently started using Mark and I was very impressed by his knowledge and service. I felt totally at ease and that the treatment really helped. I have already recommended Mark to others.
Nutrition X (James)
Feel a lot better after seeing Mark for a massage. Mark took the time to understand the issue I was having with my upper back, was very thorough and attentive. Gave great advice in relation to stretches and aftercare. Highly recommended. Thank you!
Natascia Leonardis
I had a great experience in my session with Mark, he was very attentive and tailored the session towards my particular situation - I finished feeling very relaxed and with reduced symptoms of the problem I came to him with. He also gave me some specific exercises to do in my own time which was useful.
Rafi Forrester
My experience of the service that MS provided was very good. Mark asked clear questions and I felt that my problem was fully understood and this was confirmed following the treatment because I recovered quickly from my injury. Much quicker than when I had similar problems before.
David Davey
After overhearing about Mark and how good he was from a group of runners, I decided to try him out as I had lower back pain. It was so easy to book an appointment online, he is easy to find and very professional when you meet him. He asks lots of questions about you, to gain an understanding of the situation before he starts the treatment. He sent a follow up email with recommended exercises to do and a link to book a follow up session if I so wish. I can only say good things about the experience and would definitely recommend him.
Claire Cook
Mark is a true professional - I felt totally understood during the assessment and at ease during the treatment. He is calm, courteous and takes your needs seriously while maintaining a light touch. Highly recommend.
Madison Briggs
After several months with a niggly knee, Mark helped me run without pain within a couple of weeks. This was all the more impressive as I'd already seen a couple of physios with this problem. Mark is very professional, respectful and considerate and I have no hesitation in recommending him to others.
David Garnett
Following a fall whilst out training before a marathon, I struggled to recover. Mark was recommended to me by a fellow runner. After a few treatments I have made great progress. I found Mark to be attentive, professional and very skilled in his work. I would highly recommend him.
Kieran Keating
I developed a knee injury in my right leg earlier in the year, this was almost better when I developed a very painful problem in my left hamstring, which made walking very painful, so help was essential. I decided to consult Mark, because I had met two people, completely independently who had both used exactly the same words to me. “If it wasn’t for Mark I wouldn’t be back running” After consulting Mark, I can now echo that statement. I liked Mark’s approach, he was very professional and very thorough. I am very grateful to him.
Virginia Pawlyn - Abbott WMM Age Group Winner 2021
I've just had my first appointment with Mark, and I couldn’t be more happy to have found him. Mark was so friendly, professional and calm, he was also extremely thorough, and we seemed to cover a huge amount in one session. I came away with detailed stretches and exercises to help strengthen my knee, as well as the confidence to get past the situation mentally, and I am already feeling less pain! Mark was very sensitive to how the treatment was for me, and continually checked in with me as he worked with my knee. I did feel very listened to, something which is really important to me, and something I have rarely experienced in a practitioner. I think Mark has a real gift, a huge amount of knowledge, and I couldn’t recommend him more highly.
Beth Forrester
I had gone to see Mark with neck and shoulder pain and I could not fault his professionalism, he was very thorough throughout the consultation and Mark completely alleviated my pain through manual therapy and a structured exercise program. I thoroughly recommend Mark to anyone. Thanks Mark for giving me back full movement/mobility in my neck and shoulder.
Anj Tailor
Mark is an excellent sports massage therapist! I went to see him with a reduced range of motion in my neck following an exercise injury; he was highly accommodating and provided me with exercises to alleviate tension in the area after the treatment. I strongly recommend him.
Lou Brisbane
Like to thank Mark for been very help towards my inner knee pain and neck/ shoulder pain. He carried out thorough examination of the above Issues and emailed me stretching excises to carry out. And carry out deep tissue massage to the affected area. Many thanks.
Zul Tejrar
I went to see Mark to get some help with tight shoulders/neck. He listened carefully and provided targeted treatment to ease the tension in my shoulders, neck and related areas. He went out of his way to provide additional support with an Achilles injury I've been suffering with. Following the treatment, Mark sent a clear and detailed email containing recommended stretches/exercises. Would highly recommend.
Tim Dixon
I went to Mark with a really sore back & a history of sore hips, which no previous physio or osteopathy had helped. Mark really listened to me, working through all the connecting muscle groups, finding out where the problem stemmed from, checking in with me through the whole process. Mark made me feel at ease through each session with his knowledge and professionalism. I am astounded, after just 3 sessions the difference is incredible & my pain is gone. I can’t recommend Mark enough.
Laure Filho
Mark was very thorough in his examination and treatment and gave great advice on exercises I was able to do outside of the treatment room. His follow up was also first class, I would definitely recommend.
Wesley Floyd
I went to see Mark for some relief of tired muscles from training. Mark spent time finding out my weaknesses and was extremely professional and knowledgeable about how he could help. I felt so much better after seeing Mark, I can thoroughly recommend him to anyone who needs a sports massage. He even gave me numerous exercises to do at home, and was happy to help with after care. Thank you Mark for a first class service, I will be back.
Domonique Hillier
At the end of June I couldn’t run round a football pitch without pulling up owing to leg strains and pains. Within 3 months and after 3 sessions with Mark, and doing my homework exercises I was able to run a half marathon. Amazing! Mark cares, is dedicated, professional and knows his stuff.
Kevin Devaney
I went to Mark seeking some help with a broken femur which has left my left leg very weak with pain around the knee and limited mobility. His hands-on treatment has been excellent and with the home exercises I feel that I am moving in the right direction to be able to become more mobile again. He is empathetic and understanding of my concerns. I am very confident in seeing Mark for future treatments.
Trevor Wood