Sports Massage is a style of massage that addresses the particular needs of athletes. It is typically used before, during, and after athletic/ sporting events, as well as during regular maintenance treatments. The purpose of the sports massage can vary, depending on the circumstances under which it is given (i.e. a pre-event massage will aim to warm and stimulate muscles, whereas a post event treatment will aim to aid recovery and promote drainage of waste products). However, the overall impact of sports massage is to prepare the athlete for peak performance, aid fatigue, reduce muscle tension, promote flexibility and to prevent injuries.

However, sports massage can also be useful for non-athletes – after all, everyone could benefit from a reduction in tension and fatigue! For example, sports massage can be particularly good for back pain caused by poor posture or sitting at a desk all day, and at relieving that persistent tension that so many of us hold in our shoulders.

Anyone can benefit from a sports massage. Muscle tension often develops through incorrect posture or repetitive movements that have nothing to do with sport but are simply part of our everyday life.

Sports massage aims to aid fatigue, reduce muscle tension and promote flexibility – all obviously important for an athlete, but also of measurable benefit to just about anyone! Sports massage can be particularly good for back pain, poor posture, and relieving persistent tension, aches and pains.

You may experience some discomfort with some deeper techniques, however, treatment is always performed within your own pain threshold. This varies from person to person, so during a session your therapist will check in with you on the pressure and your comfort to ensure that you can relax throughout the session. After all, this is your time – we want you to make the most of it (which won’t be easy if you’re in pain!).

Whatever you feel comfortable in. Treatments are provided in private therapy rooms* and you will be covered with a towel throughout the whole session – only the part of your body being worked on will be exposed. Even so, some people feel more comfortable wearing shorts, whereas others are happy to just wear their underwear.

*not applicable to event or mobile treatments.

Sports massage is a non-invasive and low-risk therapy, but certain conditions or circumstances preclude treatment. These include:

• Any contagious condition
• Fever, vomiting, diarrhoea
• Cancer
• Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Other conditions may require permission from your doctor before receiving a treatment. If you are unsure whether you will need medical permission prior to receiving a sports massage, please do get in touch and we will be more than happy to discuss with you. However, please note, Nomo is unable to provide medical or healthcare advice – if in doubt, please speak with your GP.

Massage is not recommended within the first trimester of pregnancy. However, beyond this, many women find massage during pregnancy an enjoyable experience. Despite this, unfortunately, at Nomo we are currently unable to offer pregnancy massage.

Your appointment will begin with a thorough consultation – this will involve filling out a medical form, a one to one conversation with your therapist who will seek to understand your needs and requirements, and a postural assessment.

Once the consultation is concluded and you have agreed the treatment with your therapist, your massage can begin! Your therapist will check in with you to ensure you are comfortable throughout the course of your treatment. However, you are encouraged at any point to let your therapist know if you are uncomfortable or would like firmer/ softer pressure. Client comfort and wellbeing is our utmost priority and there is no ‘right’ pressure – we are always happy to work with your preferences and comfort zones.

After your massage, you will be given time to recollect yourself and your therapist will provide you with any relevant aftercare advice.

Please note: medical information is only collected in order to plan a safe and appropriate treatment. All information collected during your consultation, including medical and personal details, will be kept confidential.

We recommend you book a minimum of 60 minutes for your first appointment to ensure there is plenty of time for a thorough consultation. This consultation time is important as it allows your therapist to gain the information necessary to plan a safe and appropriate treatment, as well as gives you the chance to tell the therapist what you want!