SPORTS PERFORMANCE NUTRITION

Remedial Massage combines a deeper form of soft tissue massage with an understanding of pathology and injuries. It involves a combination of techniques including myofascial work, trigger point release and muscle energy techniques. This form of massage can help increase flexibility and joint mobility, stimulate the nervous system and improve circulation and lymphatic flow. This promotes the repair of body tissues and removal of toxins and metabolic waste products, reducing muscles fatigue and soreness. Acute and chronic injuries can be treated, such as back spasm, muscle strain, ligament sprain, joint immobility and ‘whiplash’ type injuries. Remedial Massage can also provide early identification of potential problems which, if left untreated, may develop into more serious injuries.

In every sport, the aim is nearly always to increase the level of training, subjecting the body to gradual and controlled over-use, in order to become fitter, stronger, faster or more agile. This over-use may create excessive muscular tension, imbalances in the soft tissue and stress to the joints. Sports Massage is the most effective therapy for identifying and treating these problems before they develop into chronic injuries, which not only hinder the rate of training improvement but also compromise or impede performance. Sports Massage helps to enhance performance by facilitating an increase in the quality and quantity of injury-free training. So, whether you aim to be the best you can be, or simply enjoy the health benefits of exercise, Sports Massage should be part of your regular training regime.

Joints can become misaligned, stiff or locked for a number of reasons: lifting a heavy load, repetitive work in a fixed position, twisting, stumbling or falling. This dysfunction then affects the surrounding soft tissues, which can lead to further compensatory injuries, including excessive muscular tension or spasm, muscle weakness, inappropriate ligament loading and joint capsule inflammation. Mobilisations and Manipulative Therapy are used to re-align joints, stimulate ligament tension and re-balance the surrounding muscles in order to stabilize the joint effectively. ​

Western or medical acupuncture is a more recent development whereby acupuncture techniques are used on the basis of a Western medical diagnosis. Extremely fine gauge needles are inserted at selected homeostatic points, which stimulate and activate the body’s natural healing abilities. It is a safe and effective form of treatment, particularly in the management of pain, reduction of muscular spasm and neurological symptoms. 'Battlefield Acupuncture' a really useful tool for pain relief, as used on the battlefield to allow soldiers to continue their job without the debilitating and often brain-changing effects of high-dose morphine. It's a quick and effective treatment taking around 15 minutes and can be added as an adjunct to treatment, or if treatment is too painful to be given, used to reduce pain until you're able to receive full treatment. The so-called 'needles' are actually like tiny studs which are put around the earlobe, can barely be felt and kept in for 3-5 days. Pain relief is likely to be immediate.

A structured, progressive plan of exercises will be explained and demonstrated, with instructions and diagrams to take home. These may include stretches to improve flexibility, strengthening exercises, information about the injury and home care advice. This ensures that you gain the maximum benefit from the treatment sessions, with injury rehabilitation continuing outside the treatment room to help a speedier recovery. ​

If we can’t get the fundamentals of every-day movement correct, we can hardly expect to move efficiently, with power, speed and agility, when we’re involved in physical activity or compete in our chosen sport! Technical weaknesses tell us what is going wrong with a certain movement but not why they’re happening. If the cause isn’t addressed, compensatory movements develop which not only lead to a loss of power, efficiency and repeatability, but ultimately to injury. Biomechanical assessment determines whether individual muscles are able to work appropriately and the synchronisation of these muscles in movement. Neural firing patterns, flexibility, co-ordination and centre of gravity management are all considered in order to maximise performance without injury. A conditioning programme will then be prepared in order to address these modifiable biomechanical dysfunctions.

If you’re under the guidance of another healthcare provider, GP or Consultant, written communication will be given when appropriate. If you work with a coach or personal trainer they will also be consulted and an appropriate plan devised to address your specific needs. I also have a network of medical consultants, trainers, coaches, yoga and pilates instructors for referral if needed.

Due to the individualised nature of your training, sport and dietary needs, other bespoke plans can be developed specifically for you. These might include any of the following elements: Physical therapy treatments to compliment your training, reduce the risk of, or treat injuries Consideration of your training plan including physiological elements (cardio-vascular, strength, flexibility, proprioception) and psychological needs (emotional and mental tenacity), in liaison with your coaches or trainer and within the context of your lifestyle demands. Detailed dietary analysis. TANITA body composition analysis. Professional genotype analysis using a specialist Athlete Nutrigenomics DNA Test Panel. This presents elements of your unique DNA profile shown to affect athletic performance. Blood pressure and blood sugar analysis. Bespoke, one-to one sports nutrition consultations following full assessment of your health and dietary needs, over the course of your training block and leading up to your race or event Testing and assessment of any nutritional deficiencies, gut distress, food intolerances, energy production, digestion and absorption of nutrients, hormonal imbalances and inflammatory or oxidative stress levels. Functional tests can help determine any suspected underlying issues or to guide direction of your training plan. Contact me to find out more...