Assists in the removal of waste products and toxins (eg lactic acid) – a build up of waste can cause pain, "heaviness" and disrupt the functioning of muscles

Breaks down adhesions and scar tissue – micro tears (caused by everyday training) and muscle injuries are repaired by thick collagen (protein) fibres (much like a scab on a surface cut). Excessive fibres, which lie across the direction of the muscle fibres, hinder the muscle from contracting and stretching properly

Reduces muscular spasm and tension – relaxes muscles to enable them to function properly and without pain

Assists in the natural process of soft tissue healing – can reduce swelling and spasm, encourage nutrients and oxygen for repair, breakdown excessive scar tissue

Stimulates muscle tone – some techniques (tapotement) can stimulate the nervous system, preparing the muscle for action

An educated application of a diverse cross section of massage techniques, in parallel with an athlete’s training / competition programme, to enhance sporting performance, physiologically and psychologically

It is not a single, one-off session, but a series of massages interwoven into the athlete’s training programme to assist in maximising the sporting performance

It is not a system, but is an individually, tailored programme for the specific goals / needs of the athlete

It is not deep-tissue techniques, but a whole range of techniques applied appropriately throughout the athlete’s training programme

It is not a "treat" before or after an event, but continuous care to aid the recovery process of the athlete’s body during training and competition.

Massage has been linked to sport for many centuries.  Although having been in use since ancient Roman times, massage in sport underwent a resurgence after Lasse Viren, a Finnish runner, attributed part of his success of winning gold medals in both 5km and 10km at the 1972 Munich Olympics to receiving daily deep tissue massage.

Many athletes of all sports and abilities now use massage as an integral part of their lifestyle, none more so than cyclists !  In 1987, Dr Jack Harvey, medical director of the Coors Classic cycle race was quoted as saying ". . . most of the professional cyclists value their massage therapist a lot more than they value any medical care that is offered to them.  They frequently seek the advice of their massage therapist first.  If the injury is serious, then they may see a physician, and they will weigh the advice of their physician against the advice of the massage therapist."