Your questions answered.

What Happens During a Sports Massage Session?

How to prepare for your appointment:

• It is advisable to keep any make-up and scented products to a minimum (perfume/aftershave/deodorants).
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing (ideally shorts and a vest) or bring those with you if you are coming from work to change into.
• Professional draping is used throughout the treatment to ensure your comfort, privacy and dignity at all times.
• Painkillers should NOT be taken prior to any treatment as it masks the pain threshold and complicates any response to pressure.
• If you must take painkillers on the day, do so at least 4 hours prior to your appointment.
• Eating a light meal up to an hour before treatment is advised.
• Hydrate well by drinking water throughout the day and after your session.
• Do not take any alcohol prior to any treatment and keep alcohol consumption to a minimum after the treatment.

What does the initial consultation involve?

During the initial consultation I may ask you more details about your current and past health that I haven't asked in your intake or medical screening forms. 

Sports massage therapy and remedial work involves looking at the whole person, not just the immediate symptoms, so some of my questions may seem odd but they are important. 

Remember, you do not have to share any information you don't feel comfortable sharing.

What happens during a sports massage physical assessment?

Before starting any treatment, I'll carry out an initial physical assessment to help identify areas of restriction, discomfort or altered movement.

Depending on your presenting symptoms, this may include checking your range of movement, observing how you move and assessing the affected area.

If your symptoms suggest possible nerve involvement or another condition requiring further investigation, I'll carry out appropriate additional assessment procedures within my scope of practice. 

Your safety always comes first. If I feel that sports massage or soft tissue therapy isn't the most appropriate approach for your current complaint, I'll explain why and recommend that you seek further assessment from the appropriate healthcare professional before proceeding with treatment. 

The aim is to understand what's happening, identify whether treatment is appropriate and ensure that the approach we take is suitable for your individual needs.

Is sports massage painful?

Most of my clients describe it as "a good pain that helps ease the bad pain". 

However, sports massage shouldn't be something you have to endure! Pressure is always adjusted to your comfort levels, so communication between us is key. 

If something feels too intense, just let me know. Your treatment should never feel overwhelming. I also encourage gentle, relaxed breathing throughout the session. This is your time to switch off from everyday distractions, focus on your body and give yourself permission to slow down.

The immediate goal is to help manage discomfort and muscle tension. The longer-term goal is to support recovery, improve movement and help you feel more comfortable in your body. Not to cause more pain.

What's the timing of each session like?

The initial consultation and assessment usually take around 5–15 minutes, depending on how much we need to discuss and assess. 

The remaining time is dedicated to your treatment. Based on what we've discussed, I'll plan and agree a personalised approach with you, prioritising the areas that need the most attention.

Depending on your individual needs and the time available, we may address one specific problem area or work across several areas during the same session.

The aim is to make the best use of your appointment time while ensuring your treatment is appropriate, focused and tailored to you.

How about frequency of treatments?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal frequency depends on your individual needs, activity levels, general health and what you're hoping to achieve from treatment.

Some people benefit from more regular sessions, particularly when managing ongoing discomfort or working towards specific recovery goals. Others may only need occasional treatments to maintain their mobility and manage everyday muscle tension.

Following your initial consultation, I'll be able to recommend a treatment schedule suited to your needs and lifestyle.

You are the captain of your ship. I can offer advice to facilitate your recovery plan based on my clinical findings on the day. The direction you take is up to you.

How should I look after myself after treatment? 

Everyone responds differently to treatment. You may feel lighter and more mobile straight away, while some people experience temporary tenderness or mild muscle soreness afterwards.

Give your body time to adjust and allow up to 48 hours to experience the full effects of treatment. 

I recommend keeping hydrated, getting a good night's sleep and avoiding unusually strenuous activity if you're feeling sore.

Remember, recovery is individual. Listen to your body and give it the time it needs.

How about having other types of therapy alongside sports massage?

Ideally, I recommend avoiding mixing multiple complementary therapies at the same time, particularly when you're addressing a specific issue.

Introducing several different treatments simultaneously can make it difficult to understand which approach is actually helping and how your body is responding to each one.

My preference is to take a more considered approach, allowing time to assess your progress and understand what is working for you.

If you're already receiving another form of treatment, please let me know during your consultation so we can consider how best to coordinate your care.

When is it best time to schedule my follow up appointment?

The ideal timing depends on your goals and what you'd like to achieve from your treatment.

If you're an athlete: It's worth planning your follow-up massage around lighter training days or rest days, giving your body time to recover and helping you get the most from your treatment.

If you're seeking treatment for pain or muscle discomfort: I'll discuss your individual needs during your initial consultation and recommend an appropriate treatment plan, including how frequently follow-up sessions may be beneficial.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Your treatment schedule should work around your body, your goals and your lifestyle.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Complementary therapies are not a replacement for conventional medicine or a medical diagnosis. Always speak to your doctor first.

I hope you've found these answers helpful and have a clearer idea of what to expect from your treatment.

If there's anything else you'd like to know, or a question I haven't covered, please don't hesitate to get in touch. 

I'm always happy to help!

Penny
SOMA Sessions

• Level 5 Advanced Soft Tissue Therapist
• Sports Massage Therapy
• Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
• Sports Therapy Association (STA) Active Member