The team at Alex Prince Osteopathy & Associates offers a range of experts, including Flo Dannah who states "A good sports massage therapist in Bristol focuses on mobility."
Flo is pictured above, competing in the Hawaii Xterra World Championships.
Flo has been working at my Henleaze osteopathic clinic since 2018, and I caught up with her this week to interview her for our Healthy News section.
How did you become a Sports Massage Therapist in Bristol?
"I started sports massage as a sideline whilst competing at various races abroad. At the time my main career focus was in competing as a pro-elite Xterra triathlete, Elite MTB and Cyclocross racer, as well as representing GB Elite at the off-road European duathlon Championships where I positioned 5th in Europe. I feel my understanding of human physiology and movement has been greatly enhanced through these various sporting events. I further pursued Sports Massage Therapy after attaining full certification in 2012.
What is your definition of sports massage therapy?
"As a sports massage therapist in Bristol, I look for misalignments in the body and educate patients about better body awareness i.e. how to move more efficiently and pain free through better muscle alignment always emphasising the significance of strong back muscles and core for good posture."
What does your work consist of?
"I am looking for body strengths and weaknesses within each client, helping them to prevent injuries and retain and enhance mobility through proper muscle alignment. This is done with the soft tissue sports massage and the provision of corrective bespoke exercises. I aim to provide my clients with a greater understanding of their own physiology so they can continue to work towards optimal physical health. Muscle alignment is imperative for functional health and mobility."
What kinds of issues does a sports massage therapist treat?
"All kinds! Muscular mis-alignment and excess tension which can then lead to skeletal mis-alignment. This can be a result of so many factors i.e. sedentary lifestyle, over use in sport or at work, surgery, disc issues, and muscle tears and strains.”
How do you get to the cause of patient problems?
"Asking questions and fact-finding is critical. I will ask what initiated an acute injury and then question what else in a patient's life is happening that might be contributing to it. I also give patients the knowledge and tools to stave off repeat injuries."
Is age a factor in sports-related injuries?
"Sports related injuries can happen at any age and there are many contributing factors to sports injuries. I like to educate patients on the condition of their particular muscle groups, to help them prevent injuries in the first place. Prevention is always better than cure."
Is there any advice you'd give to potential patients?
"Hydration and nutrition are so important in preventing sports-related injuries. I am also a qualified sports nutritionist, and patients get additional advice from me on how to nourish their body systems properly. Oxygenating and feeding the body and muscle fibres is vital for overall muscle health and functionality."
To find out more about the full range of sports massage and osteopathic treatments provided at Alex Prince Osteopathy in Bristol, please visit here for details.