Whilst people often think of Reflexology at times when not feeling 100%, or during pregnancy, times of stress, perhaps the menopause, Reflexology can also be a valuable addition when training and competing in sport at a high level, for many reasons:
🏃🏾♂️ Relaxing the body and mind after intense training sessions or competitions to help downregulate out of fight/flight mode, and reduce unnecessary cortisol build-up that can cause inflammation over time
🏃🏾♂️ A study by Monash University in Australia found that Reflexology can remove lactic acid from the legs 4 x faster than massage
🏃🏾♂️Dr Carol Samuel, a trained reflexologist, carried out a series of studies and experiments into the treatment of acute pain as part of her PhD studies at the University of Portsmouth. She established that when reflexology was used as a method of pain relief, people felt 40% less pain and were able to stand pain for 45% longer. Her study concluded that reflexology could be used successfully with traditional pain relief, and as a therapy it has much to offer athletes and sports people.
🏃🏾♂️A study from Goethe University in Germany found that self-release of the plantar fascia on the soles of the feet increased hamstring extensibility. Reflexology massage techniques focusing on the feet are another possible way to help release the fascia.
🏃🏾♂️Stimulating the many thousands of nerves in the feet, whilst working directly on fascia and muscles within the feet
🏃🏾♂️Aiding sleep to help optimise rest and recovery, during training and leading up to competitions.
🏃🏾♂️Relaxing and releasing tension between matches/competitions
Perhaps the most famous example of elite athletes enjoying the benefits of reflexology Is Muhammad Ali, who was pictured in 1976 receiving a treatment from his Reflexologist Richard Minarik, after a training session in Central Park.
More recently discus thrower and olympic hopeful Steve Watson credits Reflexology with helping his pain levels following a spinal injury, where conventional medicine had struggled. He stated that the pain was considerably better within two weeks, and gone completely within a month.
Golf is another sport in which many prominent professionals are known to have used Reflexology, including Fred Funk who gave a testimonial stating that reflexology has helped him deal with ‘over use injuries’ from playing golf.
Whatever your level or goals in sport, I will work to support you with a bespoke treatment plan.
Ready to schedule your first appointment? You can book directly via the booking page, or if have any questions. contact me today and I will be happy to assist you.
Bookings can be made for SE1, SW1, SW3, SW7, SW10, W1A, W1J and W1K via the Central London booking schedule, which can be accessed via the main schedule:
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