What is sports massage and how can it help me?

A sports massage is a deep tissue massage to enhance tissue elasticity and reduce muscle retention. It can provide more flexibility and mobility for all from athletes to the elderly.

There are many benefits to sports massage therapy. For athletes it is used during training to enhance their performance and maintain their strength. Some athletes use this massage technique before and after an event to support their recovery.

Sports massage is also suitable for any work or activity related injury, such as lower back pain, as well as the elderly seeking support in their flexibility and mobility.

Sports massage is not a holistic treatment and does not involve hot stones. Sports massage is a deep tissue technique that incudes stretches and manipulation of the arms and legs.

Staffs Sports Massage specialises with adults, those aged 18 and over, to the elderly of all abilities and needs.

Zoe has achieved a Level 3 diploma in sports massage therapy. She studied at University Centre of Burton and South Derbyshire and qualified in July 2024.

As a Level 3 sports massage therapist Zoe aims to plan, provide and evaluate sports massage treatments for all ages and abilities. Treatments can be carried out for pre-, post- and inter-event maintenance and restorative purposes, using a range of massage techniques.

Within the qualification, Zoe learnt about anatomy and physiology for sports massage, the principles of health and fitness, professional practice in sports massage, the principles of soft tissue dysfunction and the fundamentals of sports massage treatments.

The qualification was developed collaboratively with input from the industry through the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) and the General Council for Massage Therapies (GCMT).

As part of completing the diploma, Zoe gained experience working on running athletes and those in physically demanding jobs that have sustained an injury or in paid. She provided treatment on their dysfunctional tissue allowing them to achieve their goals, recover and be relieved of pain. Zoe is a passionate therapist who finds it rewarding to help people.

Zoe is accredited with the Sports Massage Association (SMA). The aims of the SMA are to:

• Establish and maintain minimum standards for soft tissue therapy training.

• Give confidence to the general and sporting public, the medical profession and government agencies that Soft Tissue Therapists are suitably trained to provide a quality service.

• Hold a National Register for Soft Tissue Therapists.

• Establish and maintain the ethical, professional and educational standards for Soft Tissue Therapists.

• Support and promote our members and their profession.

• Ensure the best possible Soft Tissue Therapy is available to sports and non-sports people who use our practitioners.

There are many injuries that sports massage can help treat. One of the most common injuries is back pain due to lifting heavy loads incorrectly as well as neck and shoulder pain from poor posture working at a desk or unsuitable position.

Athletes may have hamstring or quad injuries from poor preparation or lack of stretching after exercise. Other injuries may be sustained from work, activity or hobby such as whiplash.

If you’d like to ask Zoe a question before booking an appointment please email info@staffssportsmassage.co.uk. Please complete the pre-assessment questionnaire when booking your appointment.

No. The qualification Zoe has achieved excludes any recent acute injuries or pre-existing conditions.

Before you arrive for your sports massage, you’ll need to complete a pre-assessment questionnaire to capture your details, medical history and reason of why you’re booking a sports massage. At your first appointment, Zoe will complete a physical assessment and discuss your symptoms and needs. Zoe will then treat accordingly – for example, sometimes where you may experience pain, may not be the cause of the issue. At the end of the appointment, Zoe will discuss after care and any necessary follow up appointments.

Please wear loose fitted clothing – preferably shorts and a t-shirt. You may be asked to remove the top half if you require treatment on your back. Privacy and dignity will be provided at all times.

Your treatment will be discussed with you during the pre-assessment with Zoe. This will include what treatment will take place and how it may feel. At the end of the treatment, Zoe will conduct a post-assessment and discuss how you feel. You will also be provided with after care advice – such as information on your posture before and after treatment.

During your pre assessment, first treatment and post assessment, Zoe will discuss a treatment plan and what is best for your needs and injury.

Staffs Sports Massage is based at Ann Clark Hair Salon in Armitage. A mobile service is also available to people living in or near Rugeley, Cannock, Lichfield, Stafford. and the surrounding area.

If you’d like sports massage facilities at your event or club, please contact Zoe to discuss in further detail. Find contact details here.