Massage is an ancient form of treatment which has stood the test of time. Some of the oldest records from China and Egypt show basic massage techniques, and massage in Europe had a renaissance in the early 1900’s with the formation of the more scientific (at the time) Swedish massage schools. The term ‘massage’ is really an umbrella for a number of different types such as Swedish massage (traditional), aromatherapy (using special oils), lymphatic drainage massage (targeting swelling), connective tissue massage (addressing scars and scar tissue) and sports massage described here. 
Although massage has been used for many years as part of physiotherapy, Sports Massage is a more recent development. Sports massage as the name suggests of often used in those who exercise regularly, whether young or old. The aim of this type of massage is to assist the natural body processes of recovery from exercise (post event massage), or to prepare the body for activity (pre event massage). Generally similar techniques to general massage are used initially, but then these progress to firmer actions which focus on muscle and tissue placed more deeply in the body. On some occasions the focus is deeper still, and Sports Massage (SM) can be progressed to Deep Tissue Massage (DTM) if required, where massage tools are often used as well.
Regular Sports massage can be a useful part of a general health regime, and at Norris Health to add value to this treatment we offer it as part of our loyalty card programme.
Regular Sports massage can be a useful part of a general health regime
What to expect
For massage you should wear shorts so that we can access your skin. We will use a towel to cover the parts of your body not being treated and it is best if you bring your old towel. You will normally be lying face down on one of our special treatment couches which are height adjustable and have a breathing hole and adjustable sections for comfort. Typically we work on the back of your legs (hamstring muscles), and then cover your legs to keep them warm. Next would be your back, neck and shoulder muscles – often the site of tight painful trigger areas. You then turn onto your back and we work on the front of your legs and may again target your neck and shoulders.
Where there are very tight and sore areas be may use a massage tool to focus on these and sometimes we may perform some tissue stretching techniques. Clients often say they feel more relaxed and their muscles feel softer and lighter.
Learn more about the science of Sports Massage by reading our Sports massage – saint or sinner blog here http://www.norrishealth.co.uk/smt/