For physical fitness, sport, competitions & events ….

The prime purpose of Sports Massage Therapy is to help alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the body’s soft tissues during physical activity. Where minor injuries and lesions occur, due to overexertion and/or overuse, massage can break them down quickly and effectively. Above all, it can help prevent those niggling injuries that so often get in the way of performance and achievement, whether you are an athlete, ardent keep-fitter or a once a week jogger.

This treatment is not just for the sports person: anyone can benefit from Sports Massage, including people in physically demanding jobs and those not quite so obvious (occupational, emotional and postural stress may produce many similar characteristics to sports injuries).

Sports Massage tends to be deeper and more intense. It is based on the various elements of Swedish massage and often incorporates a combination of other techniques involving stretching, compression, friction, toning, and trigger point response techniques. Orla brings together a blend of techniques, knowledge and advice during treatment, to work effectively with you to bring about optimum performance and to provide injury-free training and minimise post-event injuries.

Benefits & Effects

There are three areas where Sports Massage is used to benefit you.

Maintenance Massage:

A regular massage treatment programme can be designed based on Orla's understanding of anatomy and of the muscles used in a given sport. By concentrating on particular muscle groups Orla can help you maintain or improve range of motion and muscle flexibility.

Event Massage:

Pre-event and post-event massage therapies are tailored for distinct purposes. Pre-event treatment is used as a supplement to your warm-up to enhance circulation and reduce excess muscle and mental tension prior to competition. It is tailored to your needs and your event and can be relaxing or stimulating as appropriate. Post-event massage, on the other hand, is geared towards reducing the muscle spasms and metabolic build-up that occur with rigorous exercise. Various Sports Massage techniques enhance the body’s own recovery process improving your ability to return to training and competition, and reducing the risk of injury.

Rehabilitation:

Even with preventative maintenance, muscles cramp, tear, bruise, and ache. Sports Massage can speed healing and reduce discomfort during the rehabilitation process. Soft tissue techniques employed are effective in the management of both acute and chronic injuries. Trigger point techniques reduce the spasm and pain that occur both in the injured and “compensation” muscles. Cross-fibre friction techniques can help with healing by improving the formation of strong and flexible repair tissue, which is vital in maintaining full pain-free range of motion.

In all cases, such massage techniques are employed in collaboration with other appropriate medical practitioners.

Orla holds a Diploma in Sports & Remedial Massage with the Advanced Massage Techniques School in Edinburgh. Sports Massage is available with Orla at The Althos Clinic, Perth & at her home treatment room near Kinross. See the Clinics page for more details. Gift vouchers are also available.

To book an appointment please contact Orla on 07854 196 955 or email info@orla-beaton.co.uk