Lorraine Western, a sports massage practitioner with a master's degree in sports injury management (stayfitsportsmassage.com). "Quality research depends on using a repeatable method, but as every massage treatment is unique to the individual at that moment

, there are four main types of treatment:Pre-event massagePost-event massageMaintenance massageInjury treatmentPre-event The aim of a pre-event massage is to get the body and tissues ready for the race ahead. It will help you run the race in more focused way

muscular injury which prevents you training at your full speed. Sports massage is especially appropriate in the last few weeks before a major race for increased vitality and overall relaxation. What to expect Just like any examining physician, a massage

, particularly during faster sessions. For days afterwards the area is painful, even to gentle massage. I only use the ‘traditional’ rugby stretch of one foot back with my heel to the floor. Is the problem caused by my changed running surface, or could it be my

Need to save a sole in distress? Massaging your legs may soothe a sore plantar fascia - the band of tissue that runs along the sole of your foot. "The plantar shares an attachment site with your calf muscles in the calcaneus [heel] bone," explains

tendinitis and gait analysis with a video will show whether your pronation needs treatment.What else could it be?Other more severe injuries to the tendon, lower calf muscle tears or simple heel tab bruising can all produce pain within the tendon

injury has probably left scar tissue on your Achilles, and once scar tissue has become inflexible and tight, it can be very difficult to mobilise. The efforts you have made to massage and stretch the tendon are good, but it may be worth discussing some

are pointed, and cutting them off horizontally if they do; 3 Using orthoses if you overpronate. Pronation twists and untwists the TA with every stride.To treat it use: RICE – particularly the ‘ice’ part, massaging the tendon with a cube upwards and downwards

before.”A few stretches were prescribed, and after three sessions, which included ultrasound treatment and massage, the injury had cleared up. “I was amazed. I didn’t miss a day’s running. At first I had to concentrate on steadies rather than faster

, and pronation syndromes of the foot.Self-treatmentRICE, periodically, for the first 48 hours at least. Later, gradual stretching and strengthening, as with any other muscle injury.Medical treatmentUltrasound and, in the convalescent stage, massage by a