massage, but rather, a combination
of sports massage techniques with
shockwave therapy (more on that
later). Pre-treatment, principal
physiotherapist Vanessa spent
a good 15 minutes chatting with
me to find out about my lifestyle
habits, physical activity level, areas
of concern including past injuries,
and range of motion in my troubled
areas. We spent the next 30
minutes working on my left upper
back, which felt unusually tight after
a suspension training workout two
days before. Vanessa started off
with firm but gentle strokes along
my back, and also incorporated
acupressure techniques to release
the tension. The massage was
systematic and feedback-driven.
She would ask me to move my
arm to evaluate the efficacy of the
massage. With every subsequent
round, my range of movement
improved. She then moved on to
shockwave therapy, which involves
using a probe to deliver shockwavesSports Solutions
Treatment Sports Massage
Best for Athletes and anyone looking to unlock stubborn knots and
soothe old injuries.
Review Rule number one: Never judge your therapist by his or her size.
Don’t be fooled by Shani’s petite frame because her fingers are more
than adept to locate and release stubborn knots. I arrived limping from
an old hip injury flare-up, hence we focused on the problematic area,
as well as my shoulders and neck, which were “rock hard”, according to
Shani. Using firm, targeted pressure, she worked methodically around
my hip area, patiently releasing the stuck areas around my glutes and
buttocks to increase my range of movement. She checked in regularly
to ensure the applied pressure was focused but not so intense as to
cause me to grit my teeth. She also took time to explain how sports
massages involve the systematic manipulation of soft tissues to heal
or prevent sports-inflicted injuries. She added that if I was sore (which
I was) the next day, it wouldn’t be a bad thing. Moving onto my upper
body, her strokes became gentler as she focused on the neck and
shoulder areas, instantly causing them to soften and relax. I left feeling
a little lightheaded (in this instance, not a bad thing), walking more
smoothly and with a noticeable absence of radiating pain from my hip.
Where Sports Solutions, 43 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-70
Price $120 for 60 minutes; $180 for 90 minutes
More info http://www.sportsolutions.com.sg- Charlene
up to 3cm into the skin to increase
blood flow in the affected area. This
stimulates cell regeneration and
healing, and also works to reduce
pain. The intensity of the vibration
is adjusted to suit the individual’s
comfort level. As it was my first time
undergoing this therapy, Vanessa
kept the setting at a manageable
level – slightly uncomfortable but not
painful. She explained that it’s best to
keep the pain score around five out of
10 throughout the session, to prevent
my muscles from tensing up. After
the shockwave therapy, Vanessa
tested my range of movement by
asking me to do the same set of
arm exercises. The side she worked
on definitely felt more mobile. The
trade-off? The area was sore and
tender for the next two days.
Where BMJ@Parkway (#06-03
Parkway Center) and BMJ@Kovan
(#03-101 Kovan City)
Price $120 for 45 minutes
More info bmjtherapy.com- Estelle
BMJ Physiotherapy Clinic
Treatment Deep Release Therapy
Best for Competitive sportspeople and
active folks who are not getting desired
results from sports massages
Review This isn’t your typical sportsNow Trending
50 | NOW TRENDING | SHAPE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019