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Sports and Remedial Massage - What is it?

Massage is a "hands-on" treatment in which a therapist manipulates muscles and other soft tissues of the body to improve health and well-being. Varieties of massage range from gentle stroking and kneading of muscles and other soft tissues to deeper manual techniques. Massage has been practiced as a healing therapy for centuries in nearly every culture around the world. It helps relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and evoke feelings of calmness. Although massage affects the body as a whole, it particularly influences the activity of the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems.

For the professional or recreational athlete, sports and remedial massage can be used within a regular training programme to detect faulty technique, avoid overuse syndrome and ensure more rapid recovery from injury. The therapist will also give advice on stretching techniques, nutrition and posture where appropriate, for a complete and balanced regime of body care.

Supportive care, in cooperation with consultants and GPs and with patients' consent, is available for  for a range of conditions. Programmes of treatment can be individually designed. Referrals to other practitioners are also made in appropriate cases.

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photo © Mike Harrison