Frequently asked questions
What is sports massage?
Sports massage is a hands-on treatment designed to help reduce muscular pain, improve mobility and support the body’s recovery from stress, strain or injury. It can involve deeper pressure, stretching and movement techniques, but is always tailored to what your body needs on the day.
The name sports massage is a bit clunky – it’s not just for athletes. The techniques used in sports massage are based on a deep understanding of anatomy and physiology. Whether an issue has developed through sport, repetitive strain, poor posture or long hours at a desk, the aim is the same: to assess what’s going on and treat the muscular dysfunction as effectively as possible.
If your tension has built up from training, working, parenting, stress or simply sitting awkwardly every day, sports massage can help ease discomfort and improve how you move and feel.
How do I know if I need a sports or deep tissue massage?
You don’t need to know in advance – that’s something we’ll figure out together. Terms like sports massage or deep tissue can be a bit misleading. They describe general approaches, but what really matters is what’s going on in your body.
During your consultation and throughout the treatment, I’ll assess and adapt based on what you need. Some problems might be deep and stubborn, others may be more superficial or linked to how your joints are moving. I don’t follow a set routine – your session is always guided by you, your goals and how your body responds on the day.
That said, if you're booking in for a maintenance massage and feeling generally good in most areas, the session can still be incredibly beneficial – helping to reduce any low-level tension, restore movement or even highlight areas of tension or discomfort you may not have been fully aware of, giving you a better understanding of how your body is coping day to day.
How often should I get a sports massage?
The frequency depends on your activity level, training intensity, and personal needs. For regular athletes, a weekly or bi-weekly session may be ideal. For others, a monthly session may be sufficient to maintain muscle health and prevent injuries.
Is sports massage painful?
No, sports massage should not cause you pain. Treatments should always be client-led, as everyone's tolerance for discomfort varies. A good therapist will adapt to your feedback and their findings, ensuring the massage is effective and manageable. Sports massage can feel more intense than other types of massage because it may be targeting deeper muscles and specific problem areas.
How often should I get a sports massage?
That really depends on what you’re dealing with and what you want to get out of treatment. Some newer or more acute issues – like a recent muscle strain or tension that’s just built up – may respond really well to a single focused session.
For longer-term or more chronic issues, it often takes a bit more unpicking. These kinds of patterns tend to build up over time and may need more than one session to properly address. Progress in the treatment room is important, but ongoing input like stretching, mobility work or changing certain habits outside of sessions is often just as crucial.
If you're feeling good overall and want to stay that way, a maintenance treatment every four to six weeks can be a great way to keep on top of any tension before it builds into something more.
Are there any side effects after a sports massage?
Yes, read my post-treatment care page to find out about possible mild side effects.
Can I exercise after a sports massage?
It’s generally recommended to avoid intense exercise immediately after a sports massage to allow your muscles to recover.
Do I need to provide any medical information before my session?
Yes, it’s important to inform your therapist of any medical conditions, injuries, or recent surgeries. Please read the following information on contraindications.
What is dry needling?
Dry needling, also known as medical acupuncture, is a modern therapeutic technique that involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific trigger points in muscles. These needles are extremely thin – much finer than those used in medical injections – and are used to release tension, improve blood flow, and reduce pain.
How do you use dry needling in your treatments?
Dry needling is an integral part of how I approach sports massage. It can significantly improve treatment outcomes by helping deactivate trigger points more efficiently and treating a wider area of muscular dysfunction. This allows me to address not just the primary source of pain, but also any secondary patterns caused by imbalance or compensation. The goal is to help you move better, feel better, and recover faster.
Do you charge extra for dry needling?
No. Dry needling is included as part of your sports massage session where appropriate, and always with your consent. There is no additional cost.
Do I need to book a specific appointment for dry needling?
No, you don’t need to book separately for dry needling. If I believe it will be beneficial, I’ll discuss it with you during your appointment. If you are interested in a session focused solely on dry needling, feel free to contact me directly to discuss the most suitable session length.
Is dry needling painful?
Most clients experience very little discomfort. Some describe a twitch response or a brief dull ache, but this usually settles quickly. I’ll talk you through everything beforehand and check in with you during treatment. Want to know more? Checkout Dry needling to learn more about how it works, how I use it, and what conditions it may help with.
What is pregnancy and post-natal massage?
Pregnancy and post-natal massage are specialised treatments designed to support the health and well-being of mothers before and after childbirth. Pregnancy massage uses safe, gentle techniques to relieve discomforts commonly associated with pregnancy, promote relaxation, and prepare the body for birth. Post-natal massage aids recovery by improving blood and lymphatic circulation, reducing swelling, and restoring balance after childbirth. Both treatments are tailored to meet the unique needs of the client at each stage. To learn more, visit our pregnancy and post-natal massage page, and be sure to review the contraindications for pregnancy massage.
Can you create an invoice for my health insurance provider?
Yes, this is something I offer and have done for many clients. Just book as normal, and after your appointment I’ll send over an invoice marked as 'paid in full'. These invoices are fully customisable to meet your insurer’s requirements – just let me know what’s needed.
Can I book with a female therapist?
Croydon Sports Massage is run solely by me – Greg – and I am the only therapist providing treatments. I'm a fully qualified and insured male massage therapist with experience working with a wide range of clients. I understand that some people may have preferences, and your comfort is always my top priority.
Before we begin, we’ll have a brief consultation which will inform the treatment and allow us to discuss any concerns or preferences. I’ll explain how I’d like you to be positioned and provide a fresh, clean towel for your privacy. I always leave the room while you get ready and again at the end of the session so you can dress in private.
During treatment, I will use the towel to cover areas I am not working on. However, there may be times when a larger area needs to be exposed for effective treatment – for example, the whole of the upper back, or the lower back and one glute at a time. This will always be done respectfully and with your consent.
If you have any questions before booking, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Is there parking at your location?
Yes. Parking is paid between 9:00–17:00, Monday to Saturday (including Bank Holidays), and free all day on Sundays. Several bays are available within a minute’s walk of the property. Payment is made via the RingGo app or by phone – full details are on the signage next to the appropriate bays. I’ll always try to remind you, but it’s your responsibility to make sure payment is covered.
What is your cancellation policy?
I require a minimum of 48 hours' notice for any cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations may result in a full session fee being charged. Please refer to our terms and conditions.