Having covered some potential questions already throughout my site, I thought it best to have a specific section covering some of the more common questions I am asked.

What to expect on your first visit:-

Your initial consultation at RMH Sports Therapy will include the completion of a client details form, including medical history and the reason for you seeking treatment.  Followed by an assessment and a treatment plan we both agree on.

How does sports and remedial massage differ from a normal massage?

Sports and remedial massage is applied with your goals in mind, meaning we look at what you need to reach them and then apply the relevant technique(s) to help you achieve your goals.  These techniques vary from: finding muscle imbalances which may be the cause of your current issue and offering remedial exercises to correct them; along with treating the tissues which are crying out for attention.  Your goals may vary depending on whether you are carrying an injury or are just needing to bring a muscle group back to life for your next training session.

Is it painful?

Yes and no. 

If you envisage crawling off the couch trying to get out from under the therapist's elbows, then NO it should not feel like that.  So when should it hurt? Pain is a personal emotion, everyone tolerates pain differently, a therapist should be sensitive to this and regulate their techniques to get the tissue to respond to the treatment.  In some instances to get that tissue to respond it may be a little sensitive, but it should not be unbearable.  A comfort scale will be established and we will work to your tolerance level.

When should I have a sports massage?

There is no "best" time to have a sports massage, everyone differs in their needs and responds differently to treatment.  As a sports person my general rule of thumb is this: if you have an injury which needs treating, it is best to leave it a few days after your heavy sessions so we can drop into the tissue without you leaving the couch.  Muscles are very lively after interval sessions or heavy training loads, because the tissue is over-sensitive at this point we can't sink into the muscles to relieve the injured tissue.  If you are not injured and your muscles are sore post a hard session, then this is a good time to have a recovery treatment to keep you on track with your training plan.  If you are treating yourself to a massage for the first time before an event, give yourself a few days for your muscles to settle after the treatment.  Regular massage goers know how their bodies respond to a treatment, some bounce off the couch ready for the 100m, others take a few days to bounce back. 

If time and budget were not an issue, I'd treat myself to a massage every week.  But the reality is they are. So if you are on a budget and treating yourself to a massage, then (as a sports person) I would suggest having the treatment prior to your event so you are ready to compete.  If you receive regular massage, then keep your goals in mind, if you are unsure, please don't hesitate to get in touch to discuss what may work best for you.  Using my experience as a therapist and having a diverse client base (both sporting and non-sporting backgrounds) I can offer some advice.

What should I wear?

Either be wearing a pair of shorts or have a pair to change into -especially if we are working into those all important leg muscles.

When using Neuromuscular Activation leggings or tracksuit bottoms are fine.

Towels will be used throughout your treatment to keep you warm and comfortable.

What is your cancellation policy?  

It's quite simple, you need to give me 24 hours notice if you want to avoid paying for a session you can't make.  Why do I do this? For two reasons, firstly there are others who may be desperate to get in to see me, this period allows me to get them in for a session.  The second is my livelihood, when I can't fill a slot I still have overheads to pay, I lose money and other potential new clients.  This notice period is an industry standard for doctors, physios and most other medical practices.