"Are you moving poorly because you are in pain,
or are you in pain because you are moving poorly?"

About Me

I'm Claire, a fully qualified and insured Sports Massage Therapist based in and around the Abingdon area, Oxfordshire.  I have a passion for all things sport and massage and absolutely love my job.

I completed my training at the Cotswold Academy in Cirencester and hold both my iTEC level 3 diploma and iTEC level 4 certificate in Sports & Remedial Massage Therapy.  I am also fully qualified in Myofascial Cupping, which I can use to compliment your treatment, Dry Needling, Sports Taping and hold an Essential First Aid Certificate.

I live an active lifestyle, I teach Zumba, Zumba Gold and Fitness Pilates with Gemma Pearce Fitness. I played netball for many years and still get out for a run or two.  I have also suffered with sports injuries over the years and appreciate the frustrations it can cause. 

What is Sports & Remedial Massage?

Massage is one of the earliest forms of physical therapy and dates back to over 3,000 years and is based on our instinct to rub areas that hurt.

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When our soft tissue does not function as it should, it can cause pain, discomfort, weakness, reduced mobility and postural deformity.

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The most common causes of soft tissue dysfunction are poor posture, repetitive movements, injury, stress, depression and lifestyle.  Therefore, it is likely to be something that all of us will experience at some point in our lives.  

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There are many types of massage available today with Sports & Remedial Massage being a form where soft tissue is manipulated using various techniques, such as myofascial release, soft tissue release, deep tissue massage, trigger point work and muscle energy techniques to assist in correcting the problems and imbalances caused by repetitive and/or strenuous physical activity or trauma.

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In a sporting context, the application of sports massage aids recovery, helps prevent injury and may help enhance performance.

What are the benefits?

Sports & Remedial massage has many positive effects on the body both physically and psychologically.  Just some of these benefits are:

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• Release of soft tissue tension

• Relieved stiffness

• Re-established balance in muscle function

• Increased mobility and flexibility

• Improved circulation

• Helps break down scar tissue and adhesions

• Improved removal of waste products

• Reduced pain

• Improved relaxation

• Reduced anxiety

• Injury prevention

• Reduced recovery time 

• Lower blood pressure

• Restore balance and improve posture

Treatments & Prices

Sports Massage/Remedial Massage Treatment - £50
60 minute appointment
(plus 15 minutes for 1st appointment)

During the initial appointment I will go through a short consultation form before carrying out a postural assessment and some range of movement tests to highlight any problem areas.  This will enable us to agree the most appropriate treatment plan for you.​

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The treatment itself will consist of warming the muscles before manipulation of the soft tissue using techniques such as deep tissue massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy and deep frictions to target tightness and break down scar tissue and adhesions.

Whilst it sounds quite intense, Sports Massage should not be an overly painful or unpleasant experience.  I ensure I'm constantly communicating with my clients to ensure they receive a treatment suitable to them!  

Pre-event Massage - £25
30 minute appointment

The functions of a pre-event massage are to:

• Optimise performance

• Warm up and increase blood supply to the muscles

• Decrease muscle tension

• Encourage appropriate range of movement in the joints

• Create a state of "readiness" in the muscles

• Allow for mental preparation

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Ideally, pre-event massage should be performed within a couple of hours of the event.  However, it can take place up to a couple of days before.

Post-event Massage - £25
30 minute appointment

The functions of a post-event are to:

• Assess for injury or tissue damage

• Normalise tissue

• Restore muscle tone and resting muscle length

• Flush out congested areas

• Prevent or lessen muscle soreness

• Relieve muscle cramps and spasms

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A post-event massage is much lighter and superficial than a normal sports massage and should ideally take place within 2 to 6 hours after the event.  However, it can still be very beneficial if performed within a couple of days.

Contact me

Claire Routledge MFHT

Tel:  07740486916
Email:  info@claireroutledgesportstherapy.co.uk

Treatments can be offered either at my treatment room or mobile. I am able to offer weekday, weekend, daytime and evening appointments.  Please contact me if you would like to discuss availability.