WHAT IS SPORTS MASSAGE?
Sports massage is typically used before, during, and after athletic events. The purpose of the massage is to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. Sports massage is rapidly becoming a widely accepted component of any high performance sports training programme.

THE BENEFITS OF SPORTS MASSAGE
- Pre-event massage stimulates circulation, calms nervous tension, and prepares the athlete for optimal performance while minimising the chances of muscular and/or tendon injury.
- Post-event massage relieves soreness and assists in the removal of waste products such as lactic acid.
- Reduces the strain and discomfort of training and chronic strain patterns, enabling a quicker return to maximum training levels.
- Enables the athlete to recover more rapidly from myofascial injury, lessening the chance of reoccurring chronic problems.
- Psychologically boosts the athlete, supporting his or her commitment to high performance.
- Enhances a preventive approach to athletic training whereby soft tissues are free of trigger points and adhesions, thus contributing toward the improvement of peak neuromuscular functioning.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM SPORTS MASSAGE?
You don't have to be an athlete to enjoy the benefits. Muscular tension, stress and fatigue can affect everyone; whether we are competitive or recreational athletes, DIY fanatics, gardeners, busy housewives, or stressed executives. Active or sedentary - you should find massage relaxing and therapeutic. Many people appreciate the deep treatment offered by a sports massage therapist as they are able to feel the results immediately. They also become increasingly aware of how their bodies react and tense up under stress and by heeding those warning signs, they can then take early action to reduce their stress levels.