About Me
I’m Kelly and am a fully qualified and insured sports massage therapist based in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.
I trained at the Cotswold Academy in Cirencester and have completed my iTEC level 4 diploma in Sports & Remedial Massage Therapy.
I have experienced sporting injuries myself over the years (mainly through running). Sports massage was part of my recovery and helped me to return to exercising again. I know how frustrating it can be when you aren’t able to exercise, and I have learnt how important it is to look after my body by having regular maintenance massages.
I also work as an occupational therapist and have worked with many clients over the years who experience fatigue, low mood, anxiety and/or stress. Vocational rehabilitation is part of my role where I support people back to work and explore how they can continue to work whilst managing their symptoms.
I love that I am now able to use my skills from my different roles to provide clients with a truly holistic approach to manage physical, mental and emotional symptoms which will encourage a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
I am also qualified in reflexology and Indian head massage. Please see below for further information about these treatments.
What is sports and remedial massage?
Sports and remedial massage involves the manipulation of soft tissues of the body which aims to relieve pain, speed up recovery, and improve posture and range of movement.
Soft tissue dysfunction can be caused by repetitive movements, injury, poor posture, stress and lifestyle. It isn’t always sports related - many people experience pain/discomfort, reduced mobility, or muscle weakness due to many other factors. Many of my clients have desk based jobs which have resulted in neck/shoulder discomfort due to their work environment, poor posture and reduced activity.
Most people will experience some sort of repetitive strain on the body, regardless of their background. Sports and remedial massage will help to correct the imbalances caused by repetitive and/or strenuous physical activity by using various techniques to manipulate the soft tissue, such as myofascial release, deep tissue massage, muscle friction, trigger point work and muscle energy techniques.
There are many benefits, physically and psychologically of having a sports massage:
- releases soft tissue and muscle tension
- increases mobility and flexibility
- relieves pain/discomfort
- improves circulation and removal of waste products
- improves soft tissue elasticity
- prevents injury
- improves recovery time
- increased sense of wellbeing
- reduces anxiety
- improves mood
- improves sleep
Reflexology
Reflexology involves the application of pressure to specific areas, known as reflexes on the feet or hands to encourage the body to heal from within. It is based on the principle that the feet and hands contain “mini maps” of the whole body and applying pressure on specific areas will have a positive effect on the corresponding areas of the body, by restoring and rebalancing blocked areas to assist in releasing tension and stress.
There are many benefits to reflexology, such as:
- encourages relaxation
- improves mood
- reduces anxiety/stress
- improves sleep
- relieves headaches/migraines
- improves circulation
- increases energy levels
- improves hormonal imbalances
- improves fertility
Indian head massage
Indian head massage is a wonderfully relaxing treatment which involves massage of the upper back, shoulders, neck, head and face. It will soothe away stress and tension, leaving you feeling relaxed, revitalised and re-energised.
Benefits for this treatment include:
- reduced stress and muscle tension
- improves mental fatigue
- improves posture
- increases energy
- Improves circulation
- improves sleep
- reduces headaches/migraines
- promotes healthy hair growth
Treatments and prices
Sports Massage/Remedial Massage:
£50 for 60 minute appointment (extra 15 minutes for 1st appointment)
You will be asked to complete a consultation form before your initial appointment providing information of any pain or difficulties that you are experiencing.
During the initial appointment a postural assessment and range of movement tests will be completed to identify any issues before we agree on an appropriate treatment plan.
During the treatment, I will use massage techniques to warm the muscles in preparation of soft tissue manipulation. I will use techniques such as deep tissue massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy to the muscles to release muscle tension and relieve musculoskeletal pain.
Pre-event Massage:
£25 for 30 minute appointment
Pre-event massage is a short, specific treatment given before a sports event.
Ideally, it should be performed an hour before the event, however it can be performed a couple of days before if this fits in better with your plans.
The aim of a pre-event massage is to:
- warm up and stimulate the muscles
- increase circulation
- increase flexibility
- optimise performance
- promote mental clarity before the event
Post-event Massage:
£25 for 30 minute appointment
Post event massage aims to alleviate any joint stiffness, and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
It should ideally be performed 2-6 hours after the event, however it can be still be extremely beneficial a couple of days later.
It will help to:
- flush out toxins and lactic acid built up during the exercise
- return the muscles to a relaxed state
- reduce the risk of next day muscle soreness
- reduce swelling and promote faster healing
- promote relaxation after an event
- help to mentally recover from the event
Reflexology:
£45 for 60 minute appointment (extra 15 minutes for 1st appointment)
You will be asked to complete a consultation form before your initial appointment providing information of your needs to enable an individualised treatment plan.
During treatment, firm pressure will be applied to the feet (or hands) to stimulate specific points to identify imbalances of energy within the body, creating a feeling of tranquillity.
You will either lie down or be seated on the couch during this treatment (fully clothed, other than the removal of socks).
Indian head Massage:
£30 for 30 minute appointment (extra 10 minutes for 1st appointment)
You will be asked to complete a consultation form before your initial appointment providing information to enable an individualised treatment plan.
During treatment pressure will be applied to your head, face, neck, shoulders and upper back. You will be fully clothed for this treatment and can either lie on the couch, or sit in a comfortable chair.
Please note - oils will be used in your hair so you may need to consider where you are going after treatment. You may want to bring a hair band to tie your hair off your face.
I run a clinic in North Abingdon on Mondays and Tuesdays, offering daytime and evening appointments.
Please contact me for availability via the details below:
Phone: 07795 187848
Facebook: Kelly - Sports and Remedial Massage Therapy
Email: contact@kelly-sportstherapy.co.uk
