Sports Massage Therapy
What is cupping?
Cupping (myofascial decompression) can be incorporated into your sports massage treatment if requested, or if Emma feels it may benefit your recovery. The cups create gentle suction, lifting the layers of skin and soft tissue rather than applying pressure. This can help increase local circulation, reduce muscle tension, improve tissue mobility, and complement the effects of sports massage.
By gently decompressing the muscles and fascia, cupping can help relieve feelings of tightness, improve range of movement, and support the body’s natural recovery process. It can be particularly useful for areas of persistent tension or restricted movement.
Emma offers two main cupping techniques: traditional dry cupping and glide cupping. Glide cupping combines suction with massage movements, creating a smooth, flowing treatment that often feels gentler and usually leaves little to no marking on the skin. Traditional dry cupping uses stationary cups and may leave temporary circular marks. These marks are not bruises but a normal response to the suction and typically fade within a few days to two weeks, depending on the individual.
What is taping?
Kinesiology taping can be used as part of your treatment to provide ongoing support between appointments. The elastic tape is designed to move naturally with your body, allowing you to continue your normal daily activities while providing support to muscles and joints. It can also help manage swelling by gently lifting the skin, creating space within the tissues to encourage fluid movement.
Kinesiology taping is never used as a standalone fix but as part of a personalised treatment plan alongside hands-on therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and advice where appropriate.
This helps to:
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Support muscles and joints without restricting movement
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Reduce pain and discomfort
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Improve movement and body awareness
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Assist with recovery from injury
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Help manage swelling and bruising
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Encourage confidence when returning to activity
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Complement rehabilitation exercises.
Before applying tape, Emma will assess whether it is appropriate for you and explain how it can support your treatment goals. If applied, you’ll also be given advice on how to care for the tape and when it should be removed.
Rockblades & tools
Rockblades are massage tools that can be used during sessions. Here's how they can help you:
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Rockblades help to influence the nervous system
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Multiple techniques can be used with these, which can help to increase range of motion, promote mobility & improve motor control
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Emma can carefully work over any sore bony areas to help with pain relief (such as the spine or over the knee/patella tendon.)
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These tools can be used to enhance regular massage techniques, such as helping to stretch out the muscles (pin & stretch technique).
Most importantly, the Rockblades may look like they hurt, but it feels very similar to a normal sports massage! Some clients even describe it as having more of a therapeutic effect.
If you would like to try this, ask Emma at your appointment.
