Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
Sports Therapy is an aspect of healthcare that is specifically concerned with the prevention of injury and the rehabilitation of the patient back to optimum levels of functional, occupational and sports specific fitness, regardless of age and ability.
It utilises the principles of sport and exercise sciences incorporating physiological and pathological processes to prepare the participant for training, competition and where applicable, work.
Sport and Remedial Massage Therapy
Sport and Remedial massage therapy, also known as soft tissue therapy, is a type of massage which uses a variety of techniques which are highly effective and proven in relieving pain, rehabilitating injury, facilitating movement and releasing stress – whether as a result of sport or leisure pursuits, a demanding job or lifestyle, poor posture or certain medical conditions. It is a treatment for the whole body as well as specific areas of pain or concern. All areas related to the problem are treated including muscles, tendons, ligaments, connective tissue and joints.
The use of Myofascial Dry Cupping is very effective in breaking down tension in the fascia/connective tissue as well as increasing blood and nutrient flow to areas of tension. Kinesiology taping is used for lymph drainage as well as assisting in supporting muscles, ligaments and tendons without restricting movement.
Sports Therapy Isn’t Just For Athletes
Sports therapy brings the principles and approaches used for injury assessment, prevention and treatment of athletes to everyday individuals. It can effectively and efficiently help to bring everyone back to their own specific level of required fitness whether this be sporting, occupational or just everyday function.
A sports therapist uses……
Manual therapy: to reduce joint pain, stiffness and relieve pressure of trapped nerves by realigning joint positions and encouraging proper movement.
Sports Massage: including a large variety of specialist soft tissue techniques targeted at relieving areas of tension as well as being used to promote circulation and the healing of injuries.
Postural and Gait education: to restore proper posture and walking/running gait to remove any aches and pains brought about through dysfunction and ensure longevity of movement.
Exercise guidance and prescription: To provide strength the stability required for full dynamic function, when recovering from injuries or preventing them happening in the first instance.
Stretching and mobility guidance and prescription: to ensure the body is balanced, supple and working efficiently through full ranges allowing performance and reduced injury risks.
Sports therapy is good for back pain, joint pain, general stiffness, whether that is joint or muscle based, postural problems, trapped nerves and muscle, ligament or tendon injuries.