Has anyone had a sports massage? What was it like?

[dissapointedafternoon]

I am having one today to see if it will help my back and I wanted to know if any of you had had one before. What was the process like and did you feel benefits?
Thank you

Hi, I'm a sports massage therapist so may be able to give you some answers.

If it's your first appointment you generally will spend a little bit of time discussing your previous medical history, injuries and the specific issue you've come for help with. The therapist may do some tests on your movements to see where you're stiff. You will then probably be asked to undress and lay on the couch, you'll have a towel to cover you. As you're going to have your back looked at it's easier for the therapist if you wear a normal style bra and not a sports type one. The massage itself shouldn't be really painful, you may feel discomfort but if you feel sharp pain or it's too much for you please tell the therapist and they should modify the depth they're working at. A sports massage doesn't have to be hugely painful to be effective!
I work with many people with back issues and it does generally seem to work well and ease back pain.

Hope the massage appointment goes well for you. If you've got any more questions just let me know.

@MagliaRosa

Thanks so much for the in depth answer. I am not a sexist but as the therapist is a male I didn't want to ask him what to wear incase it made him feel uneasy and in case it was perceived as inappropriate. I'm planning to wear normal spandex trousers and socks (I get very cold feet) and then a sports top but a normal bra.
That way he can undo it and have a look at my back. It's physically quite obvious the left of my back is completely rock solid compared to the other side and is sadly visible too.
I'm hoping he can help move the threads of muscles around to try and ease spasming. He also has an ultra sound machine but I do not want to use this yet as I need someone to give me a strong rub to break down any tension where possible. He is really polite on the phone and he is very well rated.
I will let him know if it is too sore. I am surprised to hear it doesn't need to be too strong for the massage to help. Thank you for telling me that. Maybe I would have endured more pain if I hadn't known that in the hope it would help.
What sort of a routine do you recommend as a follow up? I have Botox on December 1st in my back and so I don't know if I should book in for after that or before?
Also, one last question have you use ultrasound before as a method of pain management?
Thank you x

Have you a diagnosis for why your back is in spasm? It's probably best to discuss with your therapist about the best time for a follow up and the botox as a lot depends on how your muscles feel today and how you respond to the treatment. I've not used ultrasound personally as I'm not qualified to use it but I've had it as a patient on a knee ligament and it did seem to help but again, best to discuss it with your therapist.

Sports massage depends a lot on feedback between client and therapist and so be open with him, ask if you're not sure about anything, tell him if something feels good or feels bad.

Hope the treatment helps ease your back.

Thank you @MagliaRosa yes the diagnosis is nerve damage to area surrounding kidney from a nephrostomy, which has led to neuropathic pain.
My muscles just spasm as soon as I stand still. I'll chat to Tim the therapist and see what he can do.
Fingers crossed x

Hi @dissapointedafternoon,

Neuropathic pain is very difficult to treat and altered sensation can restrict the massage techniques that we can use. How did you get on?

I have sports massage through occupational health he is male and I change into a cotton cami top (no bra). Obviously I don't know your problem but my treatment is very painful, tears in my eyes and regulated deep slow breathing and the odd yell gets me through the session but it is very effective. He uses pressure and stripping techniques as it is my shoulders and upper back, I often need 10 minutes to pull myself together and wash my face as I'm so flushed afterwards and sometimes shaky. I think it's very important that they know the full extent of your problems first.

I have hadd a massage quite a few times by the same practitioner. Mine is a cross between holistic/relaxing and sports with oils and a lovely warm heated pad under me. Extremely good for mind and body,,so relaxing and loosens up tight muscles.

Hello everyone,
It was excellent. Very painful but worth it.
I'm sad to say I've been in hospital twice since it and once before it for pain management.
It was very painful you are right. I did feel better after though.
I've got another booked next week but not sure if it will help as I've been in hospital a lot since and now feel very fragile