ABOUT the Treatment
WHAT TO EXPECT
A Level 4 sports therapist appointment provides a high level of
expertise and specialised care tailored to athletic performance, injury
prevention, soft tissue dysfunction and rehabilitation.
There are a range of treatments and approaches available in a sports massage therapists 'tool box'. However, throughout your treatment there are two overarching components Heal and Flow work to; communication and taking a holistic approach.
Open lines of communication are crucial in connecting with the client, identifying issues, discussing any changes in symptoms, the experiences during your treatment, or any questions or concerns you may have.
Taking a holistic approach involves considering your overall well-being, including nutrition, mental health (particularly stress levels), and recovery strategies.
Here's what you can typically expect during a sports massage therapy appointment:
Pre-Appointment Preparation
1. Medical and Injury History Review.
- Completion of a medical and injury history form.
- Collect information on current and past injuries, medical conditions, and any treatments or medications.
2. Initial Consultation:
- Discuss your sports involvement, goals, and any specific concerns or symptoms.
- Outline expectations and goals for the therapy sessions.
During the Appointment
1. Assessment: (This will vary depending on your needs)
- Postural Analysis:** Examine your posture to identify imbalances or areas of concern.
- Gait Analysis: Observe your walking or running pattern to detect irregularities.
- Range of Motion and Flexibility Tests:** Assess the flexibility and mobility of joints and muscles.
- Strength Testing: Evaluate the strength of specific muscle groups.
- Palpation: Physically examine the affected areas to identify tenderness, tightness, or other issues.
- Functional Movement Screening: Perform specific movements to assess how your body functions in action.
2. Diagnosis:
- Provide a diagnosis based on the assessment findings.
- Discuss the likely causes of any pain or dysfunction.
3. Treatment Plan:
- Develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.
- Explain the treatment methods and techniques that will be used.
4. Treatment:
- Manual Therapy: Techniques such as massage, joint mobilisation, and manipulation to alleviate pain and improve function.
- Exercise Prescription: Customised exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and overall function.
- Rehabilitation Exercises: Guided exercises focusing on recovery and prevention of further injury.
- Education and Advice: Guidance on injury prevention, proper techniques, and lifestyle modifications.
Post-Appointment
1. Homework:
- You might be given exercises to perform at home to aid in your recovery and strengthen specific areas.
- Advice on lifestyle changes or modifications to training routines.
2. Follow-Up:
- Schedule follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
- Continuous re-assessment to ensure the treatment plan remains effective and aligned with your goals.
3. Monitoring:
- Ongoing monitoring of your condition and performance to prevent future injuries and ensure long-term health.
