Q&A: How to know what type of massage you "knead"

Friday 25 August 2023

Did you know that different aches and pains require different types of massages for pain relief? A local therapist has shared her tips for knowing which one is best for you.

Jo Cabot is a lecturer at University College Jersey and runs her own massage business, Jo Cabot Massage, through which she provides sports massage as well as pregnancy massage and baby massage instructing.

Jo has worked in performance sport as well as the fitness industry through coaching, massage and research. She qualified in sports massages whilst completing her MSc in Sport and Exercise Physiology.

"I thought it would go well alongside my studies and would add 'an extra tool to my toolbox' for working in the industry and with athletes," she explained. 

With various types of massages available, she answered a few questions about her area of expertise to help islanders find what they need...

What is a sports massage and how does it differ from a regular massage?

A sports massage usually has a specific goal with regards to aiding recovery or rehabilitation from an injury.

They can be used to enhance performance or reduce pain. 

Are sports massages reserved for athletes or people who do a lot of sport?

Sports massages are not only for athletes or sporty people.

Pictured: "Having an understanding of the nervous system is vital to being a good massage therapist," Jo said.

I have many clients who use sports massages to reduce pain from desk work, consistently holding their baby in awkward positions or people looking to reduce their stress to name a few. 

What are the benefits of sports massages?

Human touch is a vital part of wellbeing. It can aid sleep, reduce stress, assist with injuries, reduce pain and improve psychological wellbeing by releasing happy, feel-good hormones and relaxing our nervous system.

Pictured: Jo provides sports massage as well as pregnancy massage and baby massage instructing.

All signals for pain come from the brain to our muscles, so having an understanding of the nervous system is vital to being a good massage therapist.

Sports massage is also reported to enhance performance for athletes. 

How long do sports massages take?

I tend to see clients for a minimum of 60 minutes as a “problem” area is often related to many muscles and anatomy in the body rather than the area alone presenting with pain or discomfort.

Everything in our bodies is connected so over the years I’ve found a minimum of 60 minutes is best. 

How often are they required?

As a minimum I would encourage people to have regular massages monthly as maintenance rather than only seeing a therapist when you’re in a lot of pain. 

Whilst I think massage is a great thing to do for your wellbeing, I must say that even a great sports massage can only do so much when we consider a person’s overall wellbeing. Similar to the phrase “you can’t out train a bad diet”, a massage will only do so much if you have unhealthy habits and a consistently stressful lifestyle.

A massage is an excellent addition to your well-being routine alongside healthy habits such as spending time outside, a good level of daily physical activity and good nutrition.

This article first featured on Bailiwick Wellbeing, your free weekly guide to wellness in work and island life. Sign up now here so you don't miss the next edition.