About Sports Massage
What is sports massage?
Sports massage is the application of manipulation and stretch methods to the muscles and connective tissues of the body to enhance athletic performance.
It was originally developed to help athletes maximise performance by working on specific muscles and connective tissues (eg tendons, ligaments and fascia) before, during and after sporting activity. Now, however, it is recognised as popular and effective for just about everybody.
Why use sports massage?
It helps muscles prepare for action and aids their recovery afterwards. It can also help speed recovery from injury and help alleviate long-term muscular conditions and postural problems as well as simply helping healthy muscles to stay healthy. Niggles and injuries are a fact of life for athletes (and anyone, in fact), but a timely sports massage can be all that is needed to get you back training again. Properly-qualified practitioners have an excellent knowledge of anatomy, physiology and bio-mechanics which allows them to adjust their techniques to achieve specific, targeted affects. If a visit to the physiotherapist or osteopath is called for, a qualified practitioner will be able to refer you.
Sports massage is based on Swedish massage techniques but also uses other methods which are probably less familiar to most people than the stroking movements of a relaxing spa-type massage. These other techniques include compression, friction, stretch and vibration and can be applied using hands, forearm, fist, knuckles, elbow, thumbs or fingers. Combined, these techniques could be referred to as ‘deep tissue massage’ but sometimes slow, gentle techniques are needed to coax the tissues to respond in the best way. A responsible practitioner will use their judgement and communication skills to work out what’s best for each client. Sports massage can be slow and relaxing or fast and invigorating, superficial or deep, and can take five minutes or longer than an hour.
Sports massage vs physiotherapy
Important! The relationship between sports massage, physiotherapy and other healthcare professions
Sports massage therapists are not qualified to treat new or acute injuries and they cannot diagnose. For that, you would need to see a state registered physio, osteopath, podiatrist or GP. However, a sports massage therapist can make a clinical assessment as to what the problem may or may not be and can refer you to another qualified health professional.
So if, during your initial assessment, it appears that your problem or injury is related to hard tissue (bone or cartilage) or could be neurological, I will refer you to an appropriate healthcare practitioner. I have links with some superb practitioners and you’ll be in good hands. The main thing for both of us is that you get a good outcome as soon as possible.
Clinic hours
Daytime: Monday to Friday, from 7am
Last appointment: 5pm
Price
From 1st Feb 2025
£55 per one hour session
(£50 for members of WADAC and Winchester Running Club)
Enquiries and appointments
Phone or WhatsApp
What people are saying
Lou was brilliant. She really focused on the areas I was feeling the tension in – stretching and massaging and checking in to see how things were feeling for me. After treatment I felt a lot looser, lighter and more relaxed. Thank you!
I am so happy Lou is round the corner. She is fabulous: kind, strong, knowledgeable and an early riser so I can go to her before work. I have had lots of massages/masseurs – she is the most effective so far by far
I’ve been having massages with Lou for 8 years and always felt better as a result, both before and after racing. She’s a very friendly expert and you can always guarantee restored legs and spirits after a session.
