Paul Atkins

Techniques used

Sports Massage uses a number of techniques and unashamedly borrows those from other disciplines which are seen to work and achieve the results needed for clients. These include direct manipulation of muscles and limbs in order to achieve better alignment of muscle fibres and improve body posture. Deep tissue work and the application of friction are also well known techniques. A sports massage should not be painful. Some of the the techniques involve applying firm pressure into muscle tissue. Some this pressure needs to be firm to be effective and may be little uncomfortable for a few seconds, however the degree of pressure is keep under the control of the client.

Sports Massage also includes a number of more gentle and subtle techniques which are also effective in offering significant benefits. For example, connective tissue work is particularly useful when a client experiences chronic stress and tension across the muscles of the neck, back and shoulders. When applying these techniques and others such as Reciprocal Inhibition or Post Isometric Relaxation, sports massage requires the active participation of the client and involves frequent changes in position and movement under direction from the therapist, as a result, unlike holistic massage a client is unlikely to fall asleep; although the effect of the treatment is that as the muscles of the body relax and feeling of profound relaxation and well-being is produced.