About Sports and Deep Tissue Massage

Sports massage and deep tissue massage largely overlap in their techniques. Sports massage is generally faster and more specifically aimed at athletes during different stages of training and competition. Deep tissue massage consists of slower, stronger massage that stimulates deep into muscles. Both types of massage are especially helpful for individuals who expose their muscles to daily stresses on their bodies. Deep tissue massage will noticeably loosen muscles, alleviate pain, and increase mobility – all significant benefits for an individual. Remember, you don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy the benefits of deep tissue massage.

In many cases, a deep tissue massage has replaced the classic Swedish massage in terms of frequency of use. Whereas visitors to any spa around the country may have traditionally sought out a massage that simply relaxed, now they are seeking a massage that also stimulates, conditions, and heals.

Those suffering from certain conditions may also find deep tissue massage to be quite therapeutic.  Sufferers of chronic pain, fibromyalgia, oedema, muscle cramping, and postural misalignments may find significant relief from deep tissue massage. The pressure exerted on different groups of muscle tissue stimulates circulation in areas of pain.

Deep tissue massage, however, is not for everyone. There can be mild to moderate discomfort during the massage as tight muscles are worked. And there can be a day or two of soreness following the deep tissue massage – similar to after you complete a rigorous workout.

How does Massage work?

When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, the body handles this trauma in the only way it knows how.  It forms a layer of very dense, very sticky fibrous adhesion, better known as scar tissue.  Scar tissue is poorly vascularised and less elastic than muscle. These adhesions block circulation and cause pain, limited strength and movement, and cause continued inflammation.??Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles.

During the first treatment a brief consultation is undertaken to determine the main problem areas.  Each treatment is tailored to suit the needs of the individual.  A course of treatments is normally recommended to completely remove all layers of fibrous adhesion and restore normal joint patterns. 

As well as the basic techniques, the therapists at Lilliput are skilled in advanced forms of massage, which include:

• Active Release Technique
• Myofascial Technique
• Neuromuscular Re-education

Problems we treat include:

• Sports injuries
• Muscular tension and stiffness
• Back, neck and shoulder pain
• Shin splints
• Runners knee
• Housemaid’s knee
• Achilles tendon pain
• Tennis and Golfer’s elbow
• Frozen shoulder
• Knee problems
• Iliotibial tract pain
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Pre and post event treatments
• Symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression
• Headaches

Benefits include:

• An effective way to treat occupational, recreational or sporting injuries
• Helps reduce recovery time after injury
• Alleviates muscular tension and stiffness 
• Rectifies imbalances
• Increases fitness capabilities
• Enhance performance
• Promotes joint flexibility
• Helps combat stress   
• Softens scar tissue
• Boosts circulation and lymph flow         
• Reduces pain
• Aids removal of toxins
• Prevents future injury by identifying problem areas

The Practitioners

Mark Avern
Mark’s driving ambition for Lilliput Health is to change common perceptions about complementary healthcare and demonst... READ MORE »

Manjula Coté
For many years Manjula worked in the media industry in London. Her work, although rewarding, gave a definite insight in... READ MORE »

Elle Lempriere
Elle Lemprière graduated with honours as a Sports Therapist and is an insured member of the Society of Sports Therapist... READ MORE »