Sports massage

[Ajs07]

I have finally made an appointment with a sport massage therapist for the first time. Partly because I want a second opinion about my back and partly because as my training runs are getting longer in preparation for my half marathon, I’m getting more niggles which I would like ironed out. Would anybody mind explaining what will happen/ what’s to be expected? Will I have to strip down for a better assessment?

[Realfoodieclub Marathon]

I go in tracksuit bottoms and strip down to shorts when I get there for any niggles waist down. Waist up just a cross back top. First appointment usually starts with history. They know exactly the right questions to ask to identify particular injuries. So sometimes the questions don’t seem relevant but they are. They will probably then get you to do certain movements so they can watch if you are moving correctly and holding yourself differently to help an injury and then they might do a little sports massage. This helps to break down the muscles so they can build up stronger in the correct way.

I love sports physio because

1) they understand you and exercise.

2) you can ask them questions while having a massage, they are a wonderful mine of information

3) they usually give you exercises just for you and these will keep you going long after the sessions have finished. I still use some from 12 years ago.

Hope they get to the bottom of everything for you.

[mrrun Ultramarathon]

I went for months for various self inflicted reasons, i.e. lower back, knee, ankle.

Osteopath stretched me on the table and made me pray before braking me like a dry straw. I sweated, prayed for the Lord to take me, weeping openly. Dress code - my running gear, no shoes

Physio massaged me to the point of pain then made me do exercises which were the mix of medieval and plain uncomfortable. Dress code - shorts, no socks, t-shirt

Massage lady relaxed me into false security before cracking my back open with her elbows. Then did the similar when probing my shoulder blades with her pointy fingers. I was covered in rose oil. Dress code - just a thing covering my mid section which they presumably incinerated right after.

I completed all my runs including HM.

[TedG Half Marathon]

I’ve been seeing a Physio for a few weeks and I go wearing T and shorts 😊

My first appointment was for a hour of which half hour was an assessment. Follow up appointments were half hour.

They sorted me out really quickly and wouldn’t hesitate recommending the treatment 😊

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

You're talking about a massage, not a physio, right?

[benwill Marathon]

When I have been to the osteopath I cyxle and it was winter so I took my cycling stuff and then stripped down to my boxer shorts. It was very nice and they sorted my issues out (from not stretching at all)

[Mike1942]

I am a once a week physio massage health nut. But I do require massage for ailments other than running injuries. Advice given above is obviously from people who have " been there , done it and still wear the same T shirt". All I can add is " if you have any x-rays. ( or written report s) of your back take them with you". Yes sometimes it will be painful. But we'll worth every penny ( poss should edit that bit to read pounds) you spend . Re clothing. If you're a man under pants are a must. If you're into pain ( for other reasonss) a good physio will cover you discreetly with a towel .

P S my physio is gorgeous. Good luck and I hope it works well for you. Mike