Information about your first appointment

Hello and thank you for booking sports massage with Generate Sports Massage Therapy. I am based at the Darcy Fitness Studio, Bawden Lodge Farm, Nanpantan, Rd, near Loughborough, LE12 9YE. (Charley Rd entrance).

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When you arrive, just pull up to the large brown gate press 5 then the call button on the keypad and I will open the gate for you. During the day, you can use the visitor car park opposite the farm shop though bear in mind that this is locked after 4.30pm. Any issues then you can call me directly on 07403743060.

Information about your massage appointment.

Depending on the area to be treated, it is advised that females wear a bra / sports bra (upper body treatment) or shorts (lower body treatment) for sports massage. This is to allow the therapist to have as much access to the areas to be treated as possible. Males are advised to wear shorts (if lower body is being treated) and will generally be expected to remove upper clothes if comfortable to do so. Again, this is dependent on the part of the body to be treated. If you have long hair, I would also advise that if the neck and shoulders are to be treated that you bring something to tie up your hair such as a band or bobble.

Your dignity will be respected and it is of the utmost importance that you feel comfortable at all times.

Grape oil, massage lotion or massage wax will be used as they are hypoallergenic, nut free and good for the skin.

A medical questionnaire will be completed prior to treatment. This is so that the therapist knows of your relevant medical history so that they can advise on the correct treatment and whether you are suitable for massage. The questionnaire is mainly a yes / no form and does not take long to complete.

There is also an informed consent document that must be read and signed. This document is giving the therapist permission to perform sports massage as it is a hands-on procedure. These documents are important although do not worry as I will talk you through them on the day. This is procedural and does not form part of your treatment time. All personal information will be retained under data protection and will not be disclosed to anyone without your express permission.

Once this has been completed and you are happy to proceed, I may then conduct a physical visual assessment and may ask you to do some simple range of movement exercises. These are conducted so that I can see key areas that may be required to focus on.

It is advised that you bring a bottle of water with you so that you can start to hydrate after you have been massaged. Please also refer to “aftercare following massage” so that you are informed of how to look after yourself post treatment.

Finally, enjoy your massage. It is a great way improve sports performance, ease stress, reduce injuries, relieve muscular aches, pains, tension, stiffness as well as a multitude of other advantages. It’s not just for sports people, but also for anybody wanting a better sense of wellbeing.

Sports Massage Aftercare Advice

Following sports massage, some people may experience after effects which are generally normal due to the effects that sports massage has on the body. Common ones that can develop within 24 to 48 hours are:

Muscle soreness

Fatigue

Cold-like symptoms (i.e. stuffy, runny nose)

Increased thirst

Headaches

My advice is as follows:

· Drink plenty of water / fluids / herbal teas.

This is very important as massage works fluid away from the soft tissues to the kidneys. Many people experience the need to go to the bathroom after massage. Therefore, plenty of fluid should be consumed to prevent dehydration.

Plus, drinking plenty of fluid helps the body to detoxify, recover and oxygenate the muscle cells.

· Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Whilst water and other fluids are beneficial, you should avoid alcohol and caffeine following a massage. This is because they are diuretics, which means they promote water loss through urine and can lead to dehydration.

· Avoid intense exercise

It is advised to avoid any strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours after massage. Sports massage is intended to reduce muscle soreness, so intense exercise could prove counterproductive to the aims of the massage. It is important to let your body rest before hitting the gym again.

· Keep active and moving.

This is not a contradiction to the above point. It simply means that you should try not to stay still for too long. Try stretching and walking. If you have a desk job. Get up and walk for a short time periodically just to stretch your legs.

· Avoid eating a large meal straight after massage.

This can result in you feeling nauseous. Better to have a light meal made up of wholesome foods and fruit.

· Get plenty of sleep

Sleep helps the body to recover. Your muscles need the time to recover properly, therefore good rest is important.

· Avoid having a very hot bath or shower after massage.

Massage stimulates your blood circulation so a hot bath can excessively dilate blood vessels causing dizziness or light-headedness.

If you have any concerns, please contact me on GenerateSMT@gmail.com or 07403743060

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Regards

Glen

GeneRate Sports Massage Therapy