Sports Rehabilitation

Hands-on and exercise-led, sports rehabilitation and massage targets the root cause of injury, restores function and builds the resilience to keep you moving.

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ABOUT THE THERAPY

What is Sports Rehabilitation?

Sports rehabilitation is a hands-on, exercise-led approach to recovering from injury and improving physical performance. It combines the manual skills of sports massage with targeted rehabilitation exercise to address the root cause of injury, restore function and build the strength and resilience needed to prevent problems recurring.

Sports massage is a key component of this approach. It works on the soft tissues – muscles, tendons and connective tissue – to reduce tension, improve circulation, aid recovery and prepare the body for physical demand. It is effective both as a standalone treatment and as part of a broader rehabilitation programme.

Together, sports rehabilitation and massage are suitable for far more than just competitive athletes. Whether you are a weekend runner, a gym regular, someone returning to activity after a period of inactivity, or simply dealing with the physical demands of everyday life, this approach can help you move better, recover faster and stay active for longer.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

How Sports Rehabilitation helps you

Whether you are recovering from injury or looking to perform at your best, here is what our patients typically experience.

Speeds up recovery from injury

Hands-on treatment combined with targeted rehabilitation exercise accelerates the body's natural healing process, reducing downtime and helping you return to full activity sooner and more safely than rest alone.

Improves performance and helps you reach your goals

Sports rehabilitation is not just about fixing problems - it is about optimising how your body moves and functions. Whether your goal is a faster 5k, a return to the pitch or simply keeping up with your children, we can help you get there.

Reduces the risk of future injury

By identifying and addressing the underlying weaknesses, movement patterns and muscle imbalances that contribute to injury, sports rehabilitation builds the flexibility, strength and stability needed to stay injury-free over the long term.

Suitable for everyone, not just athletes

You do not need to be a competitive sportsperson to benefit. Anyone experiencing muscle tension, movement restriction or the physical effects of an active or sedentary lifestyle can benefit from sports massage and rehabilitation work.

Meet the Team

Our Sports Rehabilitation Practitioner

Tom Riddell

Sports Rehabilitator and Massage Therapist

BSc (Hons) BASRaT-reg GSR

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Sports Rehabilitation Reviews

What our patients say

Tom listened to my issues. Checked out my body with testing to pinpoint to problem. Once done , he used massage to settle things down with advice on how to proceed at home. A very thorough treatment so I felt fully assured that ongoing all will be well. Excellent service and a very fair fee.

D.G. Sports therapy patient Reviewed on Google

Tom was professional, a great communicator and identified the treatment I needed at this time, very quickly.

P.O. Sports therapy patientReviewed on Google

I'd like to say a huge thank you to the team at Walnut Grove, a year ago I was in so much pain with a back problem it was literally draining my personality - not only have Tom and Ruth improved my mobility, I am now stronger and more flexible than I have been in years! Thank you so much.

T.F.Back painReviewed on Google

Saw Tom, the sports injury therapist after breaking my wrist and having the plaster cast removed. My hand and wrist were very painful and I had to wait 3 weeks for the hospital physiotherapist appointment. Tom reassured me greatly and explained what was going on and why there was so much pain at the moment. He showed me exercises to help recovery, so am very glad I went to see him rather than just waiting for the hospital visit.

S. Wrist injuryReviewed on Google

Common Questions

Sports Rehabilitation FAQs

If you have a question that is not answered here please get in touch and we will be happy to help.

I'm not a serious athlete. Is this still relevant for me?

Absolutely. Most of our sports therapy patients are not competitive athletes. If you run occasionally, go to the gym, have a physical job, or just find that your body does not recover the way it used to, sports therapy and massage can make a real difference.

What is the difference between sports massage and sports rehabilitation?

Sports massage works directly on the soft tissues, muscles, tendons and connective tissue, to reduce tension, improve circulation and aid recovery. Rehabilitation adds targeted exercise and movement work on top of that, addressing the underlying cause of an injury rather than just the symptoms. The two often work best together.

I have an old injury that never quite healed properly. Can you help?

Quite possibly, yes. Persistent niggles and injuries that were never fully rehabilitated are one of the most common reasons people come to us. Your practitioner will assess what is going on and give you an honest picture of what sports therapy can realistically do for you.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on what you are dealing with. A straightforward soft tissue issue might respond quickly. A longer-standing injury or a structured return-to-sport programme will take more time. Your practitioner will give you a realistic idea at your first appointment, without pushing you toward more sessions than you need.

Should I rest before my appointment or is it fine to train?

Light activity beforehand is generally fine. Avoid intense training immediately before a massage session if you can, as your muscles will respond better when they are not already fatigued. If you are mid-rehabilitation programme your practitioner will advise you on timing around your sessions.

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