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Massage – Sports, Swedish & Lymphatic Drainage

At the Carlton Clinic, we offer sports massage and therapy for the management and prevention of injury.

What is Sports Massage?

Sports massage therapy is a specialised massage technique designed to benefit anyone who engages in physical activity, not just athletes. This therapy focuses on manipulating the soft tissues of the body – muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia – to address various concerns.

Here are some key benefits of sports massage:

  • Injury Recovery: It aids in the healing process following injuries.
  • Performance Enhancement: Sports massage can improve physical performance and increase endurance.
  • Injury Prevention: By targeting areas prone to issues, it helps prevent future injuries.
  • Increased Flexibility: This massage technique can improve flexibility and range of motion.
  • Stress and Tension Relief: It helps release stress, elevate mood, relax muscles, and reduce muscle tension.

These five benefits are among the most frequently sought-after reasons for choosing a sports massage.

Sports massage therapy can be administered before, during, or after physical activity, with sessions typically ranging from 15 minutes to almost an hour. A variety of techniques are employed, including kneading, wringing, hacking, effleurage, and trigger point therapy.

It’s common to experience some soreness for a few days after a sports massage. Staying well-hydrated and taking a warm bath can help alleviate this soreness. However, it’s crucial to avoid sports massage if you have a viral infection. The massage can stimulate your circulation and lymphatic system, potentially spreading the virus.

What is Sports Therapy?

 

Sports Therapy concentrates on injury prevention, injury assessment and rehabilitation after an injury has occurred, to bring patients back to full functional fitness.

When treating injuries, the main focus is to get patients back to normal function, in as little time as possible.   We take a detailed history of the injury, the effects it is having on daily life, and then carry out orthopaedic and neurological testing. Once a diagnosis has been formed, a treatment and rehabilitation plan will be discussed.

We will assess the injury at each appointment, to ensure recovery is progressing optimally and that the correct treatment is being given.

Sports therapy is a combination of deep and soft tissue massage, stretching, mobilisation and electrotherapy, to improve the range of joint movement and general joint function.  The session will also include recommended stretches and exercises that can be done at home, and advice on different methods of pain relief.  We will also discuss any further stages of the rehabilitation, to enable the patient to regain full function where the injury occurred.

Hands massaging female abdomen.Therapist applying pressure on belly.
sports and Swedish massage therapy - upper back massage

What is Swedish Massage?

You likely have a general idea of what a Swedish massage entails. It’s the quintessential massage, often depicted in movies and advertisements, even if you haven’t experienced it firsthand.

Swedish massage incorporates several techniques, all working together to create a deeply relaxing experience. The core of the massage involves the therapist’s hands applying gentle circular pressure, a technique known professionally as ‘friction’.

Beyond this, other essential techniques include:

  • Effleurage: This involves gentle, long strokes that glide over the body.
  • Petrissage: This is the kneading of muscles that many people associate with massage.
  • Vibration: Light tapping and similar motions are used to produce gentle shaking or vibrations in the body.
  • Hacking: This includes the karate-like "chops" sometimes seen in massage.

Swedish massage is immensely enjoyable, promoting relaxation and restoration. By working on muscles and soft tissues, it helps to induce a sense of calm and balance, positively influencing overall well-being.

Due to its classic status, Swedish massage frequently serves as a base for other massage treatments and is often confused with them. The two most commonly mistaken techniques are aromatherapy massage and Thai massage.

What is Lymphatic Drainage?

A lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle massage that helps move excess fluid from tissues into lymph vessels and lymph nodes. This process helps the body get rid of toxins. 

How it works

  • The massage uses light pressure to move fluid through the lymphatic system, which is located directly under the skin.
  • The massage starts with the main lymph nodes in the neck, groin, and
    armpits.
  • The massage helps move fluid away from tissues and toward lymph nodes and vessels. 

What are the benefits?

  • Can help relieve swelling caused by illness or medical treatment
  • Can help boost the immune system
  • Can help reduce inflammation
  • Can help improve digestion
  • Can help decrease bloating
  • Can help increase energy levels
  • Normally recommended after cosmetic surgery.

What our patients say

“Really impressed with my treatment. Not only was my therapist kind and gentle, she is very thorough and explains everything nicely. I also enjoyed the fact that she covered nutrition with me, giving me advice on what foods could be causing inflammation.”

Mrs Brown, Horley

 

Price list

For sports massage & therapy appointments

30 minute treatment

£40

45 minute treatment

£50

60 minute treatment

£60

Book here

All osteopaths in the UK are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Osteopaths are required to renew their registration each year for an annual licence to practice. As part of this process, GOsC checks that osteopaths have current professional indemnity insurance, remain in good health and character, and meet the mandatory continuing professional development requirements.
The title ‘osteopath’ is protected by law. It is against the law for anyone to call themselves an osteopath unless they are registered by the GOsC, which sets and promotes high standards of competency, conduct and safety. The GOsC can and will prosecute those who practise as osteopaths when they are not on the GOsC register.

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