Who is Sports Massage for?

Sports Massage is beneficial to all. Although it is a key complement to any physical activities it is not exclusive to sportspeople. Among my clientele I treat everyone from high level athletes to occasional gym goers or busy professionals tense from long working hours.

Do I need to have specific injuries to book for this treatment?

Not necessarily. Sports Massage accelerates the recovery process following soft tissue injuries, but its main function is to prevent them from occurring. Regular treatments will help prevent injuries. If you start feeling knots and tension, come and see me before it becomes too serious. Some of my clients are referred by GPs, physiotherapists and osteopaths and you are welcome to book a session even if you don't have any specific problem.

How does Medical Acupuncture work?

Thin single-use sterile needles are used to treat specific points of tension known as Myofascial Trigger Points. The action of the needles deactivates these points and further reduce muscular tension. When a needle stimulates a Trigger point, you will feel a little twitch in your muscle. The twitch is an involuntary spinal cord reflex in which some fibres of the tense muscle contract. This reaction is related with the release and activation of natural painkillers (endorphins) that are in your body. Therefore Medical Acupuncture works very well in reducing muscular pain and tension. It also reduces inflamation. In addition, the action of the needles stimulates the blood flow and therefore optimises the nutrient and oxygen supply in the affected area. It is a very safe and effective technique. Some people feel the benefit directly after the treatment and with some others it can take up to 48hrs to feel a reduction in pain.

Is Medical Acupuncture painful?

The needles are so thin that people barely feel their insertions. However, once the needle hits the trigger point, you will experience a local twitch response which often feels like a quick muscle cramp. It is not painful but could be surprising the first time. Following this technique a light muscle soreness can be felt up to 24-48 hrs.

Is Medical Acupuncture the same as Traditional Chinese Acupuncture?

Medical Acupuncture is based on Western medical principles and therefore differs from Traditional Chinese Acupuncture. It treats Myofascial Trigger Points whereas Traditional Chinese Acupuncture works on rebalancing the energy along electromagnetic body lines called Meridians. Although there may be some overlap in Myofascial Trigger Points and Traditional Acupuncture Points, they are not equivalent.

Can I book a treatment without Medical Acupuncture?

Yes, I will use Medical Acupuncture only if you are comfortable with it. My approach is primarily based on releasing the tension stored in Myofascial Trigger Points (muscular 'sore knots'). During the massage I treat these points with some massage and pressure point techniques. When appropriate, I use Medical Acupuncture as an extra technique to make you feel better. There is no extra fees for the use of Medical Acupuncture.

I'm not sure which treatment I should book, Sports or Holistic Deep Tissue Massage?

During a Sports Massage treatment I will concentrate on some specific body areas that cause you problem (e.g. shoulder pain, hamstring injury, or lower back pain). I'll treat precise trigger points with massage, stretching techniques and (optional) Medical Acupuncture. On the other hand, the intention of the Holistic Deep Tissue Massage is to give your entire body a deep, firm and relaxing treatment as sometimes the best massage approach is the overall body massage to get you fully revitilised.

Should I book a 60min or 90min treatment?

During 1h treatment I'll have the time to work on one (or two) specific areas you need to get fixed. If you want a treatment for upper body (back, neck, shoulders, arms) and lower body (hips, legs, ankles, feet) I would recommend booking a 90min appointment.