Sports Therapy: incorporates; sports massage, muscle stretches, cupping therapy, kinesio taping and exercise rehabilitation plus prescribed Pilates.
In combination, these elements are used to; diagnose and treat injuries, aid a return to activity following an accident, improve sporting performance and can also help non sports orientated individuals with their mobility issues and rehabilitation requirements. Sports Therapists regularly help patients manage a range of health conditions and injuries, such as:
Injuries to muscles, ligaments and tendons,
Repetitive strain injuries, like tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow,
Traumatic injuries, Postural problems,
Muscular imbalances, Joint pain and stiffness.
This combined approach is by it’s nature adaptable for any circumstances or limitations which makes it suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
Initially it is important to address any pain experienced, then attention can be turned to increasing mobility and improving stability by toning the surrounding musculature, so in addition to deep tissue massage, stretching and taping, generally some degree of strengthening or stretching is required in order to help a patient reach their potential. Whilst many patients decide to complete their case specific prescribed exercise rehab at home between massage appointments, others prefer a practitioner supervised approach on a one-to-one basis.
Sports Massage: may be applied manually via deep tissue techniques, or be enhanced, where stronger approaches are required by the addition of cupping devices, massage guns and assisted muscle stretching. Your practitioner will advise you on topical applications, such as; hot packs, hot and cold or cold packs to help you reduce your symptoms.
Muscle Stretches: may be applied actively, passively or via practitioner led resistance to promote increased flexibility, reduced injury risk, improved blood flow, and alleviate muscle soreness, plus relieve muscle tension, encourage area specific relaxation and support better posture.
Cupping Therapy: is a technique that utilises gliding silicone pods which can be used dynamically to create suction, plus promote increased blood flow & myofascial release, with a view to reducing pain & muscle tension, improving circulation, and enhancing injury recovery. This approach can be beneficial for individuals with chronic pain or mobility concerns.
Kinesio Taping: is applied topically to specific areas of concern in order to support muscle and joint function, therefore easing pain, improving circulation and lymphatic drainage plus enhancing proprioception, which aids healing, body awareness, physical performance and also reduces injury risk.
Exercise Rehab: may consist of prescribed muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, possibly with the addition of theraband or light weight work, as well as Pilates exercises. Your practitioner will advise you on taping, whether or not to avoid training and how often it would be beneficial for you to undertake these exercises between appointments.
Prescribed Pilates: is a highly effective form of exercise that focuses on strengthening the core muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall body postural alignment via controlled movements, proper breathing techniques, and mental concentration to promote physical well-being. (Not available with all Sports Therapy practitioners).
Sports Therapy sessions are not just for acute injuries though, they can also be advantageous on a maintenance or a preventative basis; whilst most patients visit us with a painful or recent injury, a proportion will visit for ongoing or preventative care, especially if they have a history of a recurring problem, or want to enhance their musculo-skeletal health. This might include a regular top up treatment with a gradually evolving prescribed exercise rehabilitation regime to be undertaken between appointments.
So by undertaking a Sports Therapy approach and committing to your prescribed exercise regime you will be taking a positive step towards rehabilitating your injuries, alleviating your chronic pain, and potentially preventing future musculo-skeletal injuries. As an Osteopathic clinic, we often recommend Sports Massage, Exercise Rehab and Pilates as a complementary approach to support our patients in achieving optimal musculo-skeletal health and function.
If you are interested in finding out more about how Sports Therapy could help you please click on the image below to visit our dedicated Sports Injuries and Repetitive Strains information page:
https://romneymarshosteopaths-co-uk.stackstaging.com/conditions/sports-injuries-and-repetitive-strains/
