Massage was used in the first Olympic Games by The Greeks and The Romans. The Greeks had a saying for it 'Massage can never be fully appreciated by the common man'. The common man to whom they referred was not judged by wealth or social class but a man who lacked athletic grace!. An athlete was a representation of all the best characteristics of the Greek culture. He was a man who willingly pushed himself time and time again to the very limits of his endurance in order to achieve his goals.   

Others may use massage for relaxation or to relieve muscular problems to reduce pain and DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness).

Sports Massage sessions can help avoid overuse injuries and traumas.

Through massage, I can remove the build up of general aches and pains and explore the problem areas and deal with them accordingly.

Synchronisation must occur within muscle group's "Reciprocal Inhibition" to allow the co-ordination and freedom of movement. Muscle fatigue and lack of flexibility and technique may result in muscular strain. After the initial inflammatory stage of a sprain, sports massage therapy is a superb form of treatment simply because it works with the body's own healing processes. Improving the circulation and manipulation of the injured tissues will result in preventing adhesions forming, realigning scar tissue and a much faster return to activity.

A muscle spasm is nothing more than a contraction that has failed to release. Muscles normally spasm to protect other damaged tissues, the more damage the more spasm. Sports massage induces a relaxation and desensitisation of the muscle spindles that will lead to a release of spasm and improved joint mobility as well as lowering the stress levels placed upon the body.

Clinical Massage Treatments

The purpose of a clinical massage treatment is to help restore function back to the damaged tissues following injury or trauma. I will carry out a subjective consultation form and objective examination to include postural assessment prior to treatment. This may include observation for any asymmetry, bruising, swelling, scars and muscle tension. Range or Movement testing (active, passive and resisted) and functional assessments will help to clarify which structure may be damaged or shortened and palpation of the tissues may identify areas of pain, tension etc., 

A Clinical massage treatment should not exceed 30 minutes. Research carried out over the years has pointed toward two shorter sessions rather than one marathon session. When dealing with chronic and severe conditions, we must accept that the condition will take time to heal.

There are 6 basic techniques involved in sports massage:

To Contact Hayley Shilson FHT, IIHHT, IIST -

Telephone 0780 1815738 or Email: Enquiry@reflexologymassage.co.uk