Sports Therapy
What is Sports Therapy?
Sports Therapy is a form of Healthcare practice specialising in aiding musculoskeletal injuries and dysfunctions. Sports Therapists are highly trained in assessing, diagnosing and rehabilitating individuals to their full fitness and optimal function. It is a therapy that can help everyone, whatever their fitness levels – its not just for “sporty” people!
Sports Therapy uses a combination of hands- on manual therapy and bespoke exercise programming based on patient goals. Our Sports Therapist uses a variety of manual therapy techniques to release muscular tension, increase flexibility, aid in stress release and relaxation, help with better posture and reduce muscular imbalances. These techniques include:
- Sports Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Mobilisations of peripheral joints
- Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Massage (IASTM)
- Clinical Dry Cupping
- Taping Modalities (inc. Kinesiology Taping)
Sports Massage
Sports Massage is a more targeted form of massage in comparison to other types of massage. It’s aim is to release muscular tension and discomfort by manipulating specific soft tissues (i.e. muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and scar tissue) via specialised techniques.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Massage (IASTM)
Another form of massage which uses a medical grade stainless steel instrument to influence mechanical and neurological changes such as reducing facial adhesions, improving tissue and joint mobility and pain reduction. IASTM derives from the traditional Chinese medicine Gua-Sha.
Clinical Dry Cupping
Clinical Dry cupping uses specialised silicone or plastic “cups” which are applied directly onto the skin, creating a vacuum seal under the “cup”. The soft tissues directly underneath the “cup” undergoes decompression to reduce tissue tension. The tensile stress put on the tissues, also stretches, stresses and dilates the capillaries cause some red markings and discolouration to occur under the “cup”. Benefits of Clinical Dry Cupping includes pain reducing effects, increase in range of motion and encouragement of the parasympathetic nervous system, relaxation response.
Taping Modalities
There are various different taping techniques that can be used alongside your care here at The Cotswold Chiropractor. Taping can be used as a postural aid, to decompress painful areas, to stabilise weaker areas, to lengthen muscles and promote lymphatic drainage, helping with the healing of bruising.
Exercise Prescription
What to expect?
Pre – Appointment:
Prior to your visit you will be sent an online form to complete. We ask you to please take 10-15minutes to fill this in honestly and as accurately as possible – all the questions on the form are relevant and help us decide if Sports Therapy is an appropriate treatment option for you right now.
Sports Therapy Initial Consultation:
In this visit we will start with a full thorough history taking, allowing us to discuss your chief area of complaint(s) in depth to fully understand how it is affecting all aspects of your life. We then complete a thorough physical examination of your muscles and soft tissues of the site of pain and the surrounding – due to the nature of the body compensating for painful regions.
If deemed appropriate by the practitioner, there is also time for you to receive some treatment, which may include massage therapy, IASTM, cupping, taping modalities and a detailed exercise plan that is bespoke to you. We will then recommend the best plan of care for you based upon all of the findings, your age and your personal health aims and goals. You can ask any questions and we are happy to explain everything. We’ll also go through costing options too. Please allow 45 minutes for this visit.
Ready To Book?
If you’re ready to book an appointment or you have any questions then please get in touch! You can email us on admin@thecotswoldchiropractor.co.uk or phone 01242 437970.