Gareth Thornton Sports Therapist

Garreth Thornton, Warrenpoint based Sports Therapist

Keen and active sportsman whose main active sport is Gaelic Football being a member of the Burren GAC Team. Garreth's qualifications are a degree in Sports Studies and practical application in the PE Department in the Abbey Grammar School, Newry and currently holds the position of the Sports Therapist to the Antrim Senior Football Team and also associated with the University of Ulster Jordanstown Sigerson Team and the Burren GAC Team. Garreth specialises in the treatment of Sports Injuries, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue Massage and Swedish Body Massage. All treatments are based around hands on techniques which are found to be more beneficial to relieve tension and restore balance to the musclo-skeletal system.

Why & What is Sports Massage?

Sports Massage is a discipline, both pre-event and remedial, of using massage for the specific benefit of all sports and exercise participants. It covers the management, manipulation and rehabilitation of the soft tissues to the body, e.g. muscles, ligaments and tendons. It can also be used to benefit those of a less sporty persuasion as it focuses on the individual needs of the client, with massages being tailored to positively enhance one's ability to perform either on a daily basis in the home and workplace or in a sporting arena. Regular massage can help all levels of athletic performance to prevent injuries which might otherwise be caused by overuse. The increasing number of people participating in sport combined with the increasing competitiveness and intensity of physical exercise places more demands on the body. The Sports Therapist, using a hands on approach, allows them customise treatments to suit the specific needs of the individual. For all levels of athletes it is recommended that they consider regular massage to remove the accumulation of general aches and pains which some sportspeople seem to accept as normal. Regular massage aids the improvement of performance and endurance and also assists in preventing injuries and loss of joint mobility in potential trouble spots.

 In addition to aiding recovery from Sports Injuries Garreth's therapies also:

• Give relief to sufferers of stress/tension - e.g. neck, back, shoulder pain, headaches
• Aid sufferers of occupational/postural problems
• Promote relaxation and increase a sense of well being Enhance energies within the body
• improves Flexibility.

As the Marathon is fast approaching and the miles are starting to get higher you are probably finding your legs getting sore after each session and it would be recommended that participants consider use of massage. At this stage you do not want to pick up any injuries which may be caused due to tiredness or overuse. Sports Massage helps to work the aches and pains out of the muscles thus helping to prevent injuries due to fatigue and overuse. This will enable you to train better on your next run. Massage can be used for the general relaxation of the musclo-skeletal system as well as being directed into local problem areas, thereby improving recovery and ensuring it happens thoroughly. Massage is the best form of treatment for muscle tension, and has the distinct advantage over most other therapies in that it can be used on a regular basis to help prevent overuse injuries as well as being used as a symptom based approach to the treatment of specific injuries. The 7 R's, used by professional athletes also apply to every participant being: Rest Recovery Regeneration Restoration Rejuvenation Relaxation RESULTS! This is where the use of Sports Massage can assist. Feel free to contact Garreth with any questions or queries on benefits of Sports Massage during your training regime.

• Studio located at 4 Dallan Road, Warrenpoint
• Telephone: 07766404891
• Email: garreththornton@hotmail.com