City Sports Massage FAQ’s

What is sports massage?

Sports massage is a no-nonsense massage technique that deals directly with the body’s soft tissue. It has developed over the years to deal with the specific conditions that the human body experiences before and after being ‘pushed to the max’. It utilises such techniques as MET (muscle energy technique), Soft Tissue Release and NMT (neuromuscular technique).

When injury to muscle tissue occurs the muscle fibres will often misalign themselves whilst healing. Our muscles are covered by a layer connective tissue called fascia. This fascia covers all the individual muscle fibres, the larger bundles of muscles, and the whole muscle groups. It is one continuous piece of tissue that never stops growing and covers our whole body. 

Normally, when covering healthy, moving muscle it is a soft, gel like substance. However, when our muscle movement is restricted (such as in the case of injury or postural misalignment), tissue fluids cannot reach the areas they need to in order to lubricate the fascia. The fascia hardens and scar tissue forms, further trapping toxins and waste materials, such as lactic acid. This causes pain and dysfunction as the body tries to remedy the situation by setting up a series of structural compensations - leading to further pain and more problems.

So sports massage is often combined with remedial massage, which uses the same techniques, to assist the healing and rehabilitation of injuries and dysfunction and to facilitate movement.

In this way a sports and remedial massage becomes just as relevant to an office worker, crippled by an unsuitable desk arrangement as it is to an Olympic athlete suffering a torn hamstring!

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I’m not sporty at all – is sports massage for me?

Yes, quite possibly! Sports massage is a no-nonsense massage that deals directly and efficiently with the muscles. Sports massage is so-called simply because it is a style of massage popular with sports people. Like sports people we all have challenges – physical, mental and emotional, so it is entirely appropriate that we give our bodies the same quality of treatment!

Whether you’re a bodybuilder, a pregnant mum or a stressed out, desk bound office worker, the treatment is designed around your specific needs. You can expect a tailor made session everytime.

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Do I need to choose what sort of massage treatment I’m going to have?

No. You are unique and so is your treatment. Your therapist will ask you questions every time you visit City Sports Massage and the treatment process is led by what you communicate, both verbally and through your physicality.

And you needn’t worry, we’re very good at spotting discomfort — if you’re one of those people that’s very good at hiding it, we'll encourage you to *always* speak out! We want you to feel fantastic and spread the word about us!

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What conditions do your massage therapists treat?

Here’s just a few conditions that we see at our sports massage clinics in London;

• Muscular pain
• Stress
• Sore Shoulders
• Headaches
• Stiff neck
• Sciatica
• Sports injuries
• Tendonitis
• Work-related overuse injuries
• Pregnancy related discomfort
• Frozen shoulder
• Accidental injuries e.g. whiplash
• Breathlessness/tightness in chest
• Back, Neck & Shoulder pain
• Postural strain & imbalance
• Painful disorders of joints & muscles
• Hip & Knee pain
• Pain of chronic illness & disability
• Arthritic pain & Rheumatism

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Are your sports massage clinics near where I live/work in London?

All of our sports massage/pregnancy massage clinics are located very centrally, near to tube stations in Islington/Upper St/Holloway Road area, Mayfair/Oxford St/Marble Arch area, and London Bridge/Southwark/Borough High St/Borough Market area. The Healthy Living Centre is a 3 minute stroll from Highbury & Islington tube on the Victoria Line (and National Rail North London Line/Northern City Line). Natureworks is located 3 minutes from Bond St. tube (Central/Jubilee Lines), and Snowsfields is a 6 minute stroll from London Bridge tube (Bank Branch of the Northern Line/Jubilee Line/National Rail) a major transport hub for South London.

All of our clinics are served by several buses, which stop either directly outside or very close by.

Full maps, directions, parking details and transport links can be found on the contact page.

Due to the central location of our clinics clients travel from all across London (and the bordering areas) for treatment. Here s a selection of postcodes and areas that our clients travel from:

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Can I get a sports massage in the evening after work?

Yes, but book early if you can! Evening clinic appointments are the most popular, with those between 6 and 8pm filling out the fastest. However, it’s ALWAYS worth calling up for a last minute sports massage as occasionally there are spaces or last minute cancellations. (please note that cancellations giving less than 24 hours notice incur the full charge).

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Are men better than women at sports massage?

With the correct training it makes no difference whatsoever. Our therapists know how to use their bodyweight. This means that they don't have to be ‘heavyweight’, to give a ‘heavyweight’ the massage they need.

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Should I choose a male or female sports massage therapist?

Some people may choose a therapist of their own sex for reasons of faith, religion or personal preference. Otherwise it will make no difference to the quality of your treatment.†

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Do you do sports massage home visits?

Yes. There is a minimum charge of £200 to cover travelling/setting up times. Maybe you and a friend or partner could make a pleasant Saturday afternoon of it?

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Apart from Sports massage what other types of massage therapy do you do?

Please see treatments.

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Do I need to choose what sort of massage treatment I’m going to have?

No. You are unique and so is your treatment. Your therapist will ask you questions every time you visit City Sports Massage and the treatment process is led by what you communicate, both verbally and through your physicality. And you needn’t worry, we’re very good at spotting discomfort - if you’re one of those people that’s very good at hiding it, we’ll encourage you to always speak out! We want you to feel fantastic and spread the word about us!

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What do I wear for a sports massage?

Generally you should wear as little as possible during your treatment — it is easier for us if you wear nothing at all, especially when working on glutes (buttocks) or hips. During the session you will be covered with a towel to retain your modesty, which is removed only to allow access to the area of the body that is being worked on. 

Some clients wear just light, stretchy underwear on the lower body, which is also fine. More restrictive undergarments such as men's long cotton boxer shorts — the type with no stretch, can make getting access to the hamstring/adductor attachments very difficult, and so work would then be carried out through a towel. Although this towel technique is just as effective, it can also be quite painful afterwards as it is not so easy to warm up the areas in preparation for heavier work. 

The most important thing for us, is that you feel comfortable during your massage — whether you remain fully clothed or decide on wearing your birthday suit.

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Does sports massage hurt?

Sometimes sports massage can be a little uncomfortable, but it is only ever a ‘good’ pain – that is you will instinctively know it is doing good. Please remember that you are always in charge, so if you’re uncomfortable in anyway please say and we’ll try a different approach! Often clients will report having gone for a massage treatment with other styles of massage therapist and found it unsatisfactory, as it was far too light and not deep enough. There is certainly a place for this type of massage but it is not something we find our clients request very often here. Of course if you want it light, or lighter, please say – we aim to give a massage you want, not a massage that we deem ‘appropriate’.

It is not unusual to feel a little post massage soreness for a day or two after a deep tissue massage. This is normal and shows that useful work was done – and that the body is healing! Common post massage advice includes warming the area with a hot bath or a hot water bottle, drinking LOTS of water, gentle but progressive stretching and maybe even a little Traumeel ointment.

If you are worried in any way about being sore, or have an important event the next day or two, please do communicate this, it really is no problem to work around.

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Why is chest massage so important for eradicating shoulder and back pain?

Shoulder pain is a common complaint—and can be relieved by working into the chest, and even armpit areas! This makes the chest feel more ‘open’ and releases the shoulders, allowing the back and shoulders to strengthen and reclaim their correct position. Should you find these areas too sensitive however, they will not be worked on. And don't worry, armpit massage is generally not ticklish at all!

Whenever you have a massage at City Sports Massage, you will be actively encouraged to take part in your own treatment—including giving frequent feedback as to whether the techniques being used/areas being worked on feel helpful, relevant and not too painful! Part of our massage treatment is helping you to know your body a little better—so that you can improve things yourself in your own time.

Our aim is to give you an efficient, comfortable-as-possible, value-for-money treatment that you will tell your friends and loved ones about!

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Do you do deep tissue massage in London?

Yes! Our therapists are trained to the highest sports massage standards recognised in the UK and our techniques *are* deep tissue techniques, we just have *many* more tools in our box!

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Do you do pregnancy massage (prenatal massage) in London?

We are often asked ‘can i have massage when I’m pregnant?’ or ‘is it safe to have massage during pregnancy?’ The answer is yes. During pregnancy a pregnant woman might have aching hips, lower back pain, slumped and sore shoulders and swollen legs and ankles. Massage helps all of these things!

We use special, soothing pillows to make sure you are comfortable during your prenatal massage. By communicating with you effectively we will make sure we get right to the heart of the issue, and will ensure you and your baby are safe, happy and comfortable!

Please note: If there are any complications with your pregnancy please ensure your doctor has given you the go-ahead for a massage, prior to your massage appointment!

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I’m a new Mum and can’t find a babysitter, but I need a postnatal massage in London!

You’ve probably got sore arms and a tight chest from picking up the family’s new addition. Although you’re overjoyed, you might also feel exhausted, overweight and overburdened. 

Most new mums usually *prefer* to come and get a bit of peace and quiet alone, but there are times, we know, that getting a babysitter is difficult. That’s why we say, during the months before your baby starts crawling we’re happy for you to bring him/her into the room whilst you're enjoying your postnatal massage. We can keep an eye on your bundle-of-joy during the treatment. If you can bring some of your nipper’s favourite distractions all the better! Just let the receptionist know you’ll be arriving with your baby when you book your appointment.

If you’ve had a Caesarean section, then once your stiches are out you may like to think about getting your scar tissue massaged in order to minimalise scar tissue build up and potentially uncomfortable adhesions. Your therapist can show you how to do this effectively—just ask!

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Will you offer follow up support or advice after my sports massage treatment?

Yes. All clients are invited to remain in touch via email or telephone. Even if you only ever come for one treatment you are very welcome to get in touch for advice or referrals to other practitioners at any point in the future. You may wish to go over what was discussed during the session – to revise stretching procedures for example. The best time to get in touch by phone is weekday mornings – by email anytime.

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What sort of massage lotion do you use and why?

Fractionated coconut oil is used. It is an odourless, colourless, light, non-staining oil that washes easily out of fabric. It soaks into the skin and will not leave you feeling greasy; rather it has a pleasant moisturising effect, leaving skin feeling silky smooth. That means if you choose to come for a massage dressed elegantly, en route to a fabulous party, you won’t leave feeling greasy and smelling like a hippy’s handbag.

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