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Unlocking Peak Performance: Why Choose Sports Massage in Camberley and How Often Should You Get One?

Unlocking Peak Performance: Why Choose Sports Massage in Camberley and How Often Should You Get One?

In busy towns like Camberley, where the demands of daily life can take a toll on both body and mind, prioritising self-care becomes paramount. For those seeking a holistic approach to physical well-being, sports massage at Physica Health stands out as a beacon of rejuvenation and recovery. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons why choosing sports massage in Camberley is a game-changer for your overall health and explore the optimal frequency for reaping its benefits.

The Power of Sports Massage in Camberley

1. Enhanced Performance and Recovery:

Sports massage is not just for elite athletes; it’s for anyone aiming to optimise their physical performance. Whether you’re an avid gym-goer, a weekend warrior, or someone dealing with the strains of daily life, a tailored sports massage at Physica Health can unlock your body’s full potential. By targeting specific muscle groups, reducing muscle tension, and improving flexibility, sports massage enhances your body’s ability to recover post-exercise, reducing the risk of injury and promoting overall well-being.

2. Pain Relief and Rehabilitation:

If you’re dealing with chronic pain or recovering from an injury, sports massage can be a crucial component of your rehabilitation journey. The skilled therapists at Physica Health specialise in identifying and addressing areas of discomfort, using targeted techniques to alleviate pain and expedite the healing process. This personalised approach ensures that each session is tailored to your unique needs, promoting a faster return to your daily activities.

3. Stress Reduction and Mental Well-being:

Beyond its physical benefits, sports massage at Physica Health offers a sanctuary for mental rejuvenation. The therapeutic touch and focused techniques employed during a session not only release physical tension but also alleviate mental stress. As the mind and body are intricately connected, a relaxed body contributes to a calmer mind, fostering a sense of balance and well-being.

4. Improved Circulation:

Sports massage promotes enhanced blood circulation, facilitating the efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles and tissues. This not only accelerates the healing process but also helps in flushing out toxins, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall cardiovascular health.

How Often Should You Get a Sports Massage in Camberley?

Determining the frequency of sports massage sessions depends on various factors, including your lifestyle, activity level, and specific health goals. Here are some guidelines to help you decide how often you should indulge in a sports massage at Physica Health:

1. Regular Maintenance:

For those looking to maintain overall well-being and prevent muscle tightness or imbalances, scheduling a sports massage once a month is a good starting point. This frequency helps in proactively addressing minor issues before they escalate, keeping your body in optimal condition.

2. Active Lifestyle:

If you engage in regular physical activities, such as running, weightlifting, or team sports, consider increasing the frequency of your sports massage sessions. Bi-weekly or even weekly appointments can provide targeted relief to overworked muscles, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance your performance.

3. Recovery and Rehabilitation:

If you’re recovering from an injury or undergoing rehabilitation with our Physiotherapists, a more frequent schedule may be necessary. In consultation with the experts at Physica Health, a personalised plan can be devised to accelerate your recovery and ensure a safe return to your regular activities.

4. Listen to Your Body:

Ultimately, the best guide for how often you should get a sports massage is your own body. Pay attention to how your muscles feel after different activities, and communicate openly with your therapist at Physica Health. They can provide insights and recommendations based on your unique needs and goals.

In conclusion, choosing sports massage in Camberley at Physica Health is an investment in your physical and mental well-being. The personalised approach, combined with expert techniques, ensures that each session is tailored to address your specific concerns and goals. By incorporating sports massage into your self-care routine, you’re not just pampering yourself – you’re unlocking the full potential of your body and mind.

Book your sports massage at Physica Health in Camberley today and experience the transformative power of targeted therapeutic care. Your body will thank you for it.

To book online, just head to www.physicahealth.co.uk.

Alternatively give us a call on 01276916346 or email info@physicahealth.co.uk. We would be delighted to help.

Understanding Anterior Knee Pain and Effective Treatment

Understanding Anterior Knee Pain and Effective Treatment

Do you suffer from persistent knee pain, especially in the front of your knee? You may be dealing with anterior knee pain, a common condition that can impact your daily life. Let’s dive into the potential causes and explore effective treatment options, including working with a knee pain physiotherapist for knee rehabilitation.

Causes of Anterior Knee Pain

Numerous factors have been linked to the development of anterior knee pain, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). It’s important to note that while some have more concrete evidence than others, understanding these factors can help guide your treatment. Here are some key factors associated with anterior knee pain:

  1. Muscle Activation and Reflex Response: One important aspect is the activation and reflex response time of the vastus medialis (VM) in relation to the vastus lateralis (VL). Recent research has shown that individuals with PFPS may exhibit decreased electromyographic activity, small delays in muscle firing, or a combination of both. This can lead to abnormal patellar tracking and, subsequently, pain.
  2. Tightness in Muscles: Tightness in various leg muscles, including the gastrocnemius, hamstring, quadriceps, and iliotibial band, can also contribute to abnormal patellar tracking. These tight muscles can create biomechanical force vectors that result in lateral glide or other tracking issues, potentially causing knee pain.
  3. Quadriceps Strength: Weakness in the quadriceps, especially the vastus medialis compared to the vastus lateralis, has been identified as a potential factor in lateral patellar tracking.
  4. Hip Musculature Strength: Hip musculature plays a significant role in knee stability and patellar tracking. Weakness in the hip abductors and iliopsoas can lead to an anterior tilt of the pelvis and internal hip rotation, both of which can increase the Q angle and stress on the patellofemoral joint.
  5. Q Angle: A naturally large Q angle can lead to maltracking of the patella. This angle tends to be slightly higher in females, either due to differences in pelvis width or decreased height.

Effective Treatment for Knee Pain

If you’re dealing with anterior knee pain, it’s essential to explore effective treatment options. Working with a knee pain physiotherapist can be particularly beneficial. They can provide tailored knee rehabilitation strategies to address your specific condition. Here are some treatment approaches that can help:

  1. Muscle Strengthening: Our elite level Physiotherapists can guide you through exercises to strengthen the relevant muscles, such as the quadriceps, hip abductors, and iliopsoas, to improve knee stability.
  2. Sports Massage and Stretching: Targeted Sports Massage combined with stretching exercises for the gastrocnemius, hamstrings, quadriceps, and iliotibial band can alleviate tightness and reduce the potential for abnormal tracking.
  3. Patellar Taping: Taping techniques can be used to encourage proper patellar alignment during activities.
  4. Biomechanical Analysis: A knee pain physiotherapist can conduct a thorough biomechanical analysis to identify any contributing factors and develop a personalised treatment plan.
  5. Orthotic Support: In some cases, orthotic devices may be recommended to provide additional support and alleviate stress on the knee joint.

In conclusion, anterior knee pain can be a challenging condition, but with the right treatment, you can find relief and get back to enjoying an active lifestyle. If you’re experiencing knee pain, especially if it’s related to abnormal patellar tracking, consider consulting one of our expert knee pain physiotherapists at Physica Health in Bagshot for tailored knee rehabilitation and treatment for knee pain. Don’t let knee pain hold you back from the activities you love.

Book an appointment at Physica Health now to get on top of your knee pain. Call us on 01276916346 or Email info@physicahealth.co.uk

 

References:

Connelly et al 2009 Differences in patellofemoral contact mechanics associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Journal of Biomechanics. Volume 42, Issue 16, 2802-2807

Waryasz GR, McDermott AY 2008 Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS): a systematic review of anatomy and potential risk factors. Dynamic Medicine.7:9:1-14

Running a marathon for Charity? We’ll Donate!!

Running a marathon for Charity? We’ll Donate!!

Physica Health are delighted to announce a new initiative for this marathon training season. If a patient sees us as part of their preparation to run a marathon for charity we will to donate 10% of their total spend with us to their chosen organisation *.

We know first hand the work and training that goes into training for a marathon and understand there will be aches and pains along the way. Many runners need a little help from time to time… whether that be some physio, massage, advice or pilates and strengthening for running, we at Physica Health aim to be your one stop shop to help to get you to that marathon finish line.

Our experience in pro sport is second to none, helping us to advise you on your running preparation, planning and strength regime. Our Physio and director Vanesha has gone on the same journey by training for and completing her first London Marathon also. We feel this combination of expertise and experience together with an open door and availability to call in and chat about your preparation, excitement and any worries make us a great partner to have on your side for the journey.

If you need to spend money on physio or training to help you get through your journey then why not make sure some of it goes to your chosen charity.

Here is an overview of what we offer:

  • Physiotherapy – sporting and non sporting injuries

  • Pilates – We offer classes including Pilates for Runners. We also offer 1-1 sessions for Matwork and Reformer Pilates.

  • Rehabilitation – We have extensive experience of rehab in pro sport as well as rehab studio with equipment on site.
  • Women’s Health – Therapeutic treatment of all disorders affecting the pelvis and pelvic floor, including pregnancy related problems.

  • Occupational Health – We can work with companies to provide wellness workshops as well as pilates and flexibility classes.

  • Athletic Screening – We use our pro-sport experience to screen for flexibility and strength imbalances that can be targeted to reduce injury risk.

  • Performance – Our strength and conditioning experience means we can put bespoke programmes together to assist with running performance and injury reduction.

We pride ourselves in offering:

  • A local ‘go to’ service that can offer treatment and advice with the same community feel as your running club or friends.

  • Quick service: we can usually get your clients seen within 48 hours.

  • We are covered by all major health insurers (*5% donated to your charity if using these)

Should you require any more info don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01276 916 346 or email us at info@physicahealth.co.uk

Feel free to take a sneak peak at our website www.physicahealth.co.uk

Wishing you the best of luck with your training

The Physica Health Team

#running #marathon #injury #physiotherapy #sportsphysio #charity

Just roll with it…

Just roll with it…

How to get the best out of your foam roller this marathon training season….

With the marathon season drawing ever closer, high volumes of training will be starting to lead to better times and improved performance. However, with this increased training load comes a build‐up of stress on the body, muscles and joints.

Very simply put, physios and soft tissue therapists use their hands to apply mechanical forces to the muscle tissues. The aim of this is to promote tissue health, improve flexibility, clear waste products, and breakdown and improve the alignment of scar tissue. This mechanical force can also be used to ease tight nodules in the muscles known as ‘trigger points’ or ‘knots’ that can often be a source of local or referred pain in the musculoskeletal system.

While many people may have the resources to get this treatment done by a professional, the rest of us weekend warriors do have another effective option at our disposal…… ‘Self Myofascial Release’ better known as, ‘Foam Rolling’.

Foam rolling has quickly become a staple in training programs worldwide, from elite sports teams who use it as part of their warm‐up before training sessions, to individuals who just want to use it to improve flexibility or relieve pain from high volumes of training or being desk bound at work. Unfortunately there is still a dearth of research in existence to back up its effects but its wide use in professional sport is testament to the benefits it can have in a real clinical setting.

What should I use?

Rollers of various densities and diameters are available today. Beginners will generally need to start with the softer, larger diameter foam roller as this will be more tolerable at first. Having used this for a while and as your tissue quality improves; denser, firmer options will be needed to continue to be as effective. These can be hollow rollers such as The Grid TM (below) with a tough plastic tubing covered by a softer foam. As some of these options can be expensive, the DIY crowd can make their own by getting some PVC piping from their local hardware store and wrapping it in a Pilates style matt!!

One final option for targeting very specific areas such as the underside of the foot or the glute is a tennis ball. When this becomes easy then it can be progressed to using a cricket ball as it is denser and will increase the force applied to the tissue.

How long do I spend rolling?

There is no hard and fast rule for this as it largely depends on the quality of your muscle tissue to begin with. If you are just starting out there is every chance that your tissue quality will be poor or so you will need to do it more, but as this improves and you become more familiar with the techniques and targeting problem areas, the amount of time you’ll have to spend on the roller will decrease. A general guide would be to spend one or two minutes on a given area such as one calf muscle for example and just increase that if some areas are particularly tight (go easy at first as this may cause some muscle soreness initially if too much pressure is applied). Obviously the key is to spend most time on the tightest tissues.

It is worth noting that as this is a method of making the muscle tissue more supple and less dense, this is a fantastic time to get some stretching in directly after rolling to optimise tissue length and flexibility. Spending 30 seconds on each stretch will give the best chance of increasing muscle length.

So how do I target specific muscle groups?

Targeting specific areas is all about positioning and using your own body weight to create the force needed to press on certain ‘trigger points’ and to roll out adhesions and tight areas effectively. In order to expose certain knots as in the glutes for example, putting the muscle on gentle stretch will greatly improve your ability to locate and treat problem areas.

When rolling one area such as the IT band for example, you may feel some referral in other areas such as down the outside of your leg. This is normal and just means that you are rolling on an ‘active’ trigger point. If the sensation is too unpleasant, just ease off on the pressure.

Glutes and piriformis

Sit on the roller and go into a stretch position for the glute. For the right side, put your right foot up on your left knee, using your right hand to support your weight behind. Let your weight onto the roller as you roll back and forth tilting your pelvis and finding different tight areas.

IT Band

Lie with the side of your thigh resting on the foam roller with the roller perpendicular to your body. Use your hands and the non‐involved leg to support you, and adjust the amount of body weight that you can comfortably tolerate. Then roll your leg up and down the roller focusing on the upper third of the ITB, then the middle third and so on, all the while locating and targeting knots.

 

 

 

 

Quads

Perhaps one of the most simple to areas to target, simply lie on your front with your quads on the roller. Again your body weight will immediately flag up tight areas of the quad that you may not have known about before. Similar to the IT band focus on the area 1 third at a time and rotate slightly every now and then to expose the sides of the muscle also.

Hamstrings

The hamstrings tend to be a deeper group of muscles so you may have to apply more weight to target areas of this. Lie with your hamstrings on the roller, support yourself with your hands and roll and rotate on small areas at a time to effectively improve tissue density. Just cross a leg to increase the pressure.

Groin (adductors muscles)

This is the trickiest area to treat as it is difficult to apply enough pressure. As shown, try to have the roller perpendicular to the thigh, and shift your weight onto the roller.

Calves

While this can be a sensitive area at first, it can improve well with enough attention. Both calves can rest on the roller at first. When more pressure is needed, simply rest one leg on the other to increase the weight going through the target area. For more specific points a tennis ball or lacross ball can also be used.

Peroneals and Tibialis Anterior (shin muscles) Identical to rolling the IT band but just lower down. Alternatively you can also roll on a tennis/cricket ball to target more specific areas.

Plantarfascia (sole of foot)

This is where the tennis ball or golf ball comes into its own. Simply apply pressure through the underside of the foot onto the ball and roll around to expose tight areas. Again take it one bit at a time and apply as much pressure for a strong but comfortable treatment sensation. The effects of a minute or two of treatment can be felt immediately when taking a few steps with bare feet as the foot will be left feeling much looser and supple. If you think you are suffering from plantar fascitis then rolling your foot on a frozen bottle of water can provide some soothing pain relief but again only apply as much pressure as is comfortable.

So that ends this particular blog on rolling. At the end of the day, while no roller can out do the hands of a physio or other hands-on therapist, a good rolling and stretching regime can be of enormous benefit to your training overall while decreasing your chances of injury further down the line. It may not be the most comfortable at first, but it will have you feeling and moving better within weeks.

For any further info or advice don’t hesitate to give us a call or pop in for a chat.

Happy Rolling!

The Physica Health Team

www.physicahealth.co.uk

01276 916 346

info@physicahealth.co.uk