What is Sports Massage Therapy?
Sports Massage Therapy (also known as Soft Tissue Therapy) is the management, manipulation and rehabilitation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, tendons and ligaments.
It is designed to assist in correcting problems and imbalances in soft tissue that are caused from repetitive or strenuous physical activity and trauma. The application of sports massage, prior to and after exercise, may enhance performance, aid recovery and prevent injury.
You do not need to be an elite athlete to benefit from Sports Massage. In addition to treating and preventing sports injuries, it can also help relieve the many everyday problems such as repetitive strain injury, sprains, tension and fatigue that everyone experiences.
If a Sports Massage doesn't sound like what you are looking for, we also offer Deep Tissue Massage and Relaxation Massage for those wanting a lighter, less intense therapy.
Not sure what to choose, don't worry we can decide on the day which would be the most appropriate for you.
What are the benefits of massage?
✓ Improved circulation and lymphatic drainage
✓ Improved muscle length, tone and balance
✓ Improved recovery rate after exercise
✓ Improved sleep patterns
✓ Reduced pain
✓ Reduced swelling
✓ Remodelling of scar tissue
✓ Providing an overall sense of wellbeing
What we can help with
Muscle strains & injuries
Improve general muscular aches and pains.
Joint Pain
Reduce discomfort, aches and stiffness in joints
Ligament sprains
After the initial healing process, massage can help reduce inflammation, relax scar tissue and improve blood flow.
Neck, Shoulder & Chest Pain
Neck Strain, Rotator Cuff injury, Frozen Shoulder, Headaches.
Elbow and Hand pain
Golfers elbow, Tennis elbow and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (RSI injuries).
Back Pain
Upper, Mid and Lower back pain & Sacro Illiac (SI) Joint pain.
Leg & Knee Pain
Quadricep, Hamstring & Adductor strains, IT Band Syndrome, Runners knee, Calf strain, Shin Splints.
Foot & Ankle Pain
Lateral Ligament ankle sprains, Plantar Fasciitis, Tendinopathies.
Hip Pain
Piriformis Syndrome, IT Band Syndrome, Gluteus Maximus & Medius strain.
About Us
HELLO!
Having spent 28 years in sales and management working for some of the world's most coveted sports, fashion and styling brands, Melanie decided to take a break from a life on the road and joined the Active Health team based on Ecclesall Road in Sheffield back in January 2019 and retrained as a Sports Massage Therapist.
Working at Active Health alongside a multi-disciplined team of Osteopaths, Sports Therapists and Injection Therapists with a wealth of experience, Melanie is uniquely equipped to help ensure you reach your optimum functional, occupational and sports fitness.
Melanie is a qualified Level 5 Sports and Clinical Therapist offering advanced techniques, assisting in a quicker recovery for soft tissue and sports injuries. She is also trained in Kinesio-Taping (K-Taping), Dry Myofascial and Fire Cupping, Dry Needling, Electrotherapy, Sports Rehabilitation and Joint Mobilisations.
When not at work or with her three girls, Melanie's main passion is running and she can be usually be found at her local Parkrun trying to beat her PB.
She is also a member of the STO (Sports Therapy Organisation) and DBS certified.
Book Our Services
Happy Clients
I went to see Mel to seek help with my exercise related muscle soreness. She was patient in listening and understanding my issues and proposed a plan of action for the sessions, which made me feel reassured. I felt great after the sports massage session and I hope to be back again , especially as she is further qualifying in new modalities.
Karolina U.
I came in to see Mel due to acute stiffness around my neck, shoulder and back. Although it was a deep tissue massage I felt relaxed the whole hour and felt amazing afterwards. My muscle spasms have eased and I'm less tense all over. Thoroughly recommend.
Emily B.
Had the most wonderful massage with Mel, worked wonders for my tense and achy back.
Mel was warm and friendly and immediately puts you at ease. She's professional and really knows her stuff, sorting out not only my back but other tight areas around it too. Looking forward to booking back in again soon. Would highly recommend.
Emma T.
I went to Mel after hitting it a little too hard in the Sheffield half Marathon. Mel's knowledge and experience of working with "broken" runners like myself was a huge comfort when discussing things pre-massage. She instantly made me feel at ease and helped tailor the massage to my personal needs. Post massage, the recovery time has nearly halved and I've managed to get back out on the road much earlier than I usually do after a race event. See you soon Mel
Will C.
Had a fab sports massage with Mel. I have been struggling with a lot of tightness in my legs due to running quite a lot and Mel certainly helped with that. The pressure she used through the massage was perfect and my legs felt amazing after. She asked what my problem areas were and worked more on them. Mel is super friendly and made me feel relaxed and comfortable all the way through session. Highly recommended.
Nicola W.
Mel is very professional, friendly, puts you at ease immediately. Having worked from home since March 2020 and having to adapt to a new way of working with constant laptop usage and virtual meetings, I had built up tight tension in my neck and shoulders. She really listened to my concerns and was quickly able to identify where the problems areas were. The massage focused on these and I felt amazing afterwards and the days following. I highly recommend Mel.
Sarah S.
Went to see Mel a couple of weeks after running the London Marathon. She was super friendly and encouraging and knew exactly where to work on me. The massage was that good kind of painful and worked absolute wonders on my sore calves, hips and glutes. I felt so light going for a run today!! Thanks so much and see you after my next race! Totally recommend.
Debbie-Jo M.
I have had more massages over the last few years than I can count but this year, when I needed one most due to lockdown and wfh, I was unable to have one. With a brief break in the lockdown rules was lucky enough to get an appointment. What a difference an hour with Mel made!!! I asked Mel to concentrate on my calves and shoulders as I had a bad left leg and working on a home desk had definitely taken it's toll on my back. After my massage I could have skipped home if it hadn't been for the snow my leg was so much better and the movement in my shoulders was remarkable.
Rhiannon S.
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Have a question? We are here to help. Send us a message and we’ll be in touch.
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FAQ's
What should i expect during my massage?
Massage will always begin with lighter strokes (effleurage) to warm up and soften the tissues and help uncover any areas of tension.
With a deep tissue or sports massage we gradually work deeper using more pressure (petrissage, compressions, frictions) but will always communicate with you throughout and adjust intensity ensure that you’re comfortable.
After the treatment you may be given stretches or advice to help between massages. It is always advisable to ensure you drink plenty of water after a massage to rehydrate your muscles.
How does a deep tissue massage differ from a sports massage?
Deep tissue massage involves using a firm pressure more often over the full body or upper or lower limbs.
Sports massage tends to be focussed on specific areas of the body, working on older issues that have built up over time or been caused by postural/muscle imbalances, over training and poor biomechanics.
Not sure which to book? Don't stress, we can decide during the consultation which might be the most appropriate for you.
Is sports massage just for people who do sport?
Not at all. Sports massage techniques are suitable for both sports people and non athletes alike.
It can help with injures, chronic pain, muscle aches and range of movement in everyone.
We see a wide variety of clients with postural problems, issues related to jobs, pain from gardening, inactivity etc as well as athletes.
Is a sports massage painful?
Sports massage works on a pain scale level of 0-10.
0 being no pain and 10 being maximum pain.
During a sports massage your pain level should never be more than a 6 or 7 (tolerably uncomfortable) and this would usually only be on areas requiring remedial action.
You will always be in control and can ask to stop or reduce pressure at any point.
What should i wear?
Loose fitting clothing and shorts. For females, a normal bra is ideal for working on your back and neck as this is something that can be undone easily, alternatively a sports bra.
To get the maximum benefit from a sports massage you may be asked to undress to underwear /shorts for an initial postural assessment. This is to understand what may be causing the dysfunction. However, if you are not comfortable we can work around this.
You will keep underwear on for the duration of the appointment and a towel provided for modesty.
How often should I come for a massage?
This will largely depend on your condition but is entirely up to you.
If you are undergoing rehab for an injury once a week for the first few weeks will speed up the recovery and healing process.
For other conditions clients vary between 2 to 6 weeks depending on the severity of their pain and physical needs. For maintenance, once a month is advised to remain at optimal health.
It is worth remembering massage not only helps prevent injury, pain and tension but also de-stresses the mind and relaxes the whole body.
WHERE TO FIND US
Active Health Care Clinic
388 Ecclesall Road
Sheffield
S11 8PJ
0114 267 1901
mchempsall@gmail.com
