Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Soft Tissue Therapy at Sports Massage?
Sports massage is a targeted treatment aimed at those who take part in regular sport or exercise and is tailored to the specific needs of the client and their particular activity. Sports massage is just one aspect of Soft Tissue Therapy (STT). STT is aimed at everyone, whether you are active or not. It uses a combination of hands on treatment including massage and other advanced techniques (when appropriate) to help with musculoskeletal pain, chronic pain, postural imbalances, activity related injuries as well as prevention of injuries. It helps to relieve pain, improve range of motion and restore muscle function. As a level 5 Soft Tissue Therapist, we will assess, treat based on your individual needs and when required offer advice on remedial exercises to help you get back to your full potential.
What additional techniques do you use in Soft Tissue Therapy (STT)?
STT can incorporate additional techniques as well as massage within the treatment session. Not all techniques will be required in a session and the use of these will be on an individual basis, based on the therapists assessment and the needs of the client. The additional techniques can include:
Muscle Energy Techniques (MET)
Soft Tissue Release (STR)
Neuromuscular Techniques (NMT)
Positional Release
Myofascial Release
Friction
What is Muscle Energy Technique (MET)?
Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a manual therapy where muscles are engaged in a controlled and specific direction against the counterforce of the therapist. It uses the muscles own energy through a gentle isometric contraction, either through Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) or Reciprocal inhibition (RI) to allow the muscle to be stretched and lengthened safely. MET involves the clients active participation. MET aims to restore normal joint function, improve flexibility, and alleviate pain.
What is Soft Tissue Release (STR)?
Soft Tissue Release (STR) is a manual therapy where the therapist applies a focused pressure to the soft tissues (referred to as a lock) while simultaneously guiding the affected muscle through a range of motion. This can be done passively (the therapist guides the muscle) or actively (the client makes the movement). This technique can help break down fibre adhesions in the muscles as very specific areas can be targeted. It also helps to increase range of motion, alleviate pain and restore muscle function.
What is Neuromuscular Technique (NMT)?
Trigger points are specific points in the body that cause more pain than would be expected when pressure is applied, cause referring pain elsewhere in the body, or trigger a local twitch response. Injured or stressed tissues can cause muscles to become overly tense because the central nervous system tells them to contract, with the aim to relieve tension. This tense state can become the new normal for the muscle. Neuromuscular Technique (NMT) applies deep, controlled pressure to these trigger points to reduce pain and tension, aiming to reset the neuromuscular reflex system and restore normal function.
What is Positional Release?
Positional release (also known as Strain Counterstrain) is a manual therapy technique designed to alleviate muscle and joint pain. When a tender point in the body is identified, the therapist will gently move the joint into a position of minimal strain until the pain has reduced - referred to as position of ease. This position is then held for approximately 90 seconds, allowing the muscle to relax and the nervous system to reset.
What do I wear?
Loose fitting shorts are ideal but not essential as we will use towels to cover you. Females please avoid sports bras if working on the back.
Who is suitable for treatment?
Soft Tissue Therapy (STT) is generally suitable for everyone, whether you are are physically active or live a more sedentary lifestyle. Modern life impacts us all differently so whatever the cause of your musculoskeletal aches and pains, STT can be beneficial to all.
Is there anyone you can't treat?
If you have sustained an acute soft tissue injury, e.g. strain, treatment can not be applied to the affected area until any swelling, redness and signs of inflammation have subsided (this can take up to 5 days). There are few circumstances where treatment may not be able to take place. On your first appointment you will be asked to fill in a consultation form which includes medical history. If you are unsure whether treatment would be suitable for you, please enquire when booking your appointment. There may be instances where we require confirmation from your GP that treatment is suitable.
How long is the treatment?
Treatment sessions are 60 minutes in length. Please allow an additional 15mins if it a first appointment.
Does treatment hurt?
Treatment should not be painful but some techniques can cause discomfort during or after. We will communicate with you throughout the treatment but it is also important you communicate with the therapist if you are experiencing any pain. Everyone is different and can tolerate different pressures of massage/treatment.
What oil do you use and what's in it?
We use Chemodol massage cream which is suitable for all skin types. Ingredients: Paraffinum Liquidum, Aqua, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Aminomethyl, Propanol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexyl Glycerin
What if I can't make my appointment?
Please inform us as soon as you are able to. There is no charge for appointments cancelled before 24 hours. Please refer to our Terms and conditions at the bottom of the page for full details.
