Catherine Hardy (BSc, MSc)
Hi, I'm Catherine, the sports massage therapist behind CT Precision Recovery. I graduated from Cardiff Metropolitan University with a BSc Sport and Exercise Science and MSc Sport and Exercise Biomechanics in 2019 and 2021, respectively. As part of my studies, the human body, sports physiology, and sport and injury biomechanics was extensively researched enabling identification of movement mechanics, mechanisms of injuries, and the human structure and function. More recently, I completed a Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy where I engaged in extensive theoretical and practical learning, passing four examinations to become a qualified sports massage therapist.
As an ex-athlete competing in athletics, I have experienced my fair share of sports massages, and through knowledge and experience, know exactly how an effective sports massage should feel and support the human body.
The skills I have learnt and developed over the years allow me to support my clients through manual methods, including manipulation, soft tissue massage, and active and passive stretching for recovery. I pride myself on my professionalism and flow of treatment. Drop me a message for more information!
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What is sports massage and how can it help you?
What is sports massage?
Sports massage is performed through manual manipulation and the physical therapy of the body's soft tissues, which includes the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. It is a physical method used to support the function and ability of the body during sporting activities to enhance performance and reduce injury risk by introducing blood flow to the area and stretching the muscles.
Sports massage is different from other health and physical therapies. It is not possible to diagnose an injury with sports massage therapy, however therapists can assess movement patterns, range of movement, flexibility, and muscle pliability through physical observation and touch. With reduced flexibility or range of motion, sporting performance can be affected, reducing the body's ability to function optimally.
it is the role of the sports massage therapist to assess the needs of the client and to use a variety of techniques to perform an effective and efficient massage treatment.
Benefits of Sports Massage
Sports massage therapy has numerous benefits, including improved circulation and blood flow, reduced muscle tension, injury prevention, pain relief, stress relief, mental relaxation, increased flexibility, and enhanced recovery. For sporting individuals and teams, sports massage is used to prepare for and recover from events, and to maintain optimal physical health.
Do I need a sports massage?
Anybody can have a sports massage, whether you participate or compete in a sport or not, it is not inclusive to merely sporting clients. Sports massage provides multiple benefits as stated above, including mental relaxation and stress relief.
At CT Precision Recovery, we listen to your needs and focus on meeting your expectations for the treatment, involving deep tissue massage and improving blood circulation. The goal is to reduce your symptoms using manual therapy, soft tissue work, manipulation and mobilisation to reduce any tension in the areas. We will also prescribe you with some stretches to improve your range of movement in the area.
When you visit us, you will be required to complete a health & medical questionnaire to determine whether there are any health concerns or other contraindications to massage. You will also complete an informed consent form to give your consent to the treatment.
Signs that you may need a sports massage
- Reduced joint range of movement with the feeling of increased muscle tension (reduced muscle extension).
- Tension or discomfort in your muscle tissues (calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, upper back, lower back, glutes).
- Reduced mobility causing pain or restrictive movement.
- You have an active lifestyle - if you love exercising or are active for most of the day, your body may be subject to added pressure and tension. Visiting a sports massage therapist will help to maintain your active lifestyle for optimum health.
- Nature of your occupation - where your job requires you to stand, sit, or lean over a desk for prolonged periods of time, you are more likely to have aches and pains due to poor posture. This creates tension and pressure on your shoulders, upper back and neck, potentially leading to more chronic issues unless addressed.
- Professional/elite sporting individual - when you are training to compete at any level, whether that be beginner, amateur, or professional, your body is going to experience large amounts of tension and stress when training the same muscles and tissues regularly. Sports massage helps to stretch the muscles, improve blood circulation, and active recovery through stretching and deep tissue work.