Optimum Health and Performance Ltd. providers of Sports massage therapy. We speciliase in pre- and rehabilitation work with athletes and musicians. Our particular interest lies in advancing performance of CrossFit athletes and providing resources for members of this community in UK and around the world.

The prime purpose of sports massage therapy is to help alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the body’s soft tissues during physical activity. Where minor injuries and lesions occur, due to overexertion and/or overuse, massage can break them down quickly and effectively. Above all, it can help prevent those niggling injuries that so often get in the way of performance and achievement, whether one is an athlete, avid keep-fitter, a musician or a weekend warrior.

This treatment is not just for the sports person: anyone can benefit from sports massage, including people in physically demanding jobs and those not quite so obvious (occupational, emotional and postural stress may produce many similar characteristics to sports injuries).

Sports massage tends to be a deep and intense form of therapeutic massage. It is based on the various elements of Swedish massage and can incorporate other techniques involving stretching, myofascial release, deep friction, and trigger point techniques. We at Optimum Health and Performance bring together this blend of techniques, knowledge and advice in our treatment to help our clients to optimal performance and to provide injury-free training and minimise post event injuries.

SOME BENEFITS AND EFFECTS OF SPORTS MASSAGE

Maintenance Massage:
A regular massage treatment programme based on the therapist’s understanding of anatomy and of the muscles used in a given sport and which are likely candidates for trouble. By concentrating on particular muscle groups the therapist can help the athlete maintain or improve range of motion and muscle flexibility.

Event Massage:

Pre-event and post-event massage therapies are tailored for distinct purposes. Pre-event treatment is used as a supplement to an athlete’s warm-up to enhance circulation and reduce excess muscle and mental tension prior to competition. It is tailored to the needs of the athlete and his/her event and can be relaxing or stimulating as appropriate. Post-event massage, on the other hand, is geared towards reducing the muscle spasms and metabolic build-up that occur with rigorous exercise. Various sports massage techniques enhance the body’s own recovery process improving the athlete’s ability to return to training and competition, and reducing the risk of injury.

Rehabilitation:
Even with preventative maintenance, muscles cramp, tear, bruise, and ache. Sports massage can speed healing and reduce discomfort during the rehabilitation process.

Sports massage therapy

30 minute session        —–    £35

60 minute session        —–    £50

24 Hours Notice Cancellation Policy

Please be aware before booking that appointments rescheduled, cancelled or not attended are charged at the full amount unless 24 hours notice is given.

Jami Tikkanen

Jami is a qualified sports massage therapist, and a CrossFit Level 2 and Olympic lifting certified instructor. He holds a diploma in Chinese manual therapy and is currently a final year student in Master of Osteopathy program at The British School of Osteopathy.

Jami’s athletic background is in judo in which he competed internationally. He found CrossFit in 2006 and has made it his primary training method ever since. Jami is a co-owner of Thames CrossFit in London, UK and the head trainer of the facility.

He is passionate about helping both beginning and elite athletes alike in reaching their health and performance goals. Jami’s approach combines the knowledge gained in his manual therapy practise with CrossFit methodology of training and healthy lifestyle modifications.

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• I'm not an athlete. Is sports massage for me?»

This blog was created to share ideas and resources on how to improve your movement as a CrossFitter whilst staying injury free in your training. It will contain articles and videos on various topics from warm-up and mobility to pre- and rehab work.

As a final word, the information presented here should not be considered as medical advice and you’re solely responsible for applying any of the material found on this blog to your own training and/or coaching of other athletes.