Question 1

What is the difference between deep tissue massage and sports massage?

Accepted Answer

Deep tissue massage focuses on releasing chronic tension in the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, making it well suited to people with long-standing tightness, postural issues, or chronic pain. Sports massage is specifically designed around athletic performance and injury recovery — it targets muscles and soft tissues stressed by repetitive physical activity, and incorporates techniques to improve flexibility, reduce inflammation, and shorten recovery time. At The Pain Management Clinic, Ham Manor Golf Club, our Advanced Clinical Massage Therapists tailor every session to your individual needs, drawing on both approaches as they apply.

Question 2

What injuries and conditions does sports massage help with?

Accepted Answer

Sports massage at The Pain Management Clinic may help with muscle strains and tears, ligament sprains, tendonitis, rotator cuff injuries, golfer's elbow, lower back pain, sciatica, IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and general sports-related muscle tightness and inflammation. It is also effective for repetitive strain injuries and postural tension from desk-based work. If you are unsure whether your injury is suitable for massage, contact us at +44-7923-424269 and we will advise before you book.

Question 3

Will a deep tissue massage hurt?

Accepted Answer

Deep tissue massage can involve firm pressure and may feel uncomfortable in areas of significant tension or injury — this is normal and a sign the treatment is addressing the source of the problem rather than the surface. Most clients describe it as a productive discomfort rather than pain. Your therapist at The Pain Management Clinic will always work within your tolerance and adjust pressure based on your request. Communication throughout the session is encouraged, and your comfort and wellbeing are always the priority.

Question 4

How should I prepare for a sports or deep tissue massage?

Accepted Answer

Drink plenty of water before your session and try to arrive a few minutes early so you are not rushed. Avoid a heavy meal in the hour before your appointment. Wear or bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Let your therapist know about any current injuries, areas of pain, recent surgeries, or medical conditions — this helps us tailor the treatment safely and effectively. No special preparation is needed beyond this. Our practitioners at The Pain Management Clinic will do a full health assessment before your first session.

Question 5

What should I expect after a deep tissue or sports massage?

Accepted Answer

It is common to feel some muscle soreness in the 24 to 48 hours following a deep tissue or sports massage — similar to the feeling after a challenging workout. This is a normal part of the healing process as the body responds to the release of muscular tension. Drinking plenty of water after your session helps flush out metabolic waste released during the therapy. Most clients report feeling significantly looser, lighter, and less painful within a day or two, with progressive improvement across a course of sessions.

Question 6

How often should I have a deep tissue or sports massage?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your individual goals and condition. For acute sports injuries or chronic pain, weekly sessions are often recommended initially, tapering to monthly maintenance once improvement is established. Athletes in regular training may benefit from a regular fortnightly or monthly session to support recovery and prevent injury. Our practitioners at The Pain Management Clinic in Angmering, West Sussex, will advise on the most beneficial frequency following your initial assessment.

Question 7

Can massage therapy help prevent sports injuries, not just treat them?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Regular sports massage can play an important role in injury prevention by improving muscle flexibility, reducing the build-up of tension and adhesions, improving circulation, and identifying areas of tightness before they develop into an injury. For golfers and athletes at Ham Manor Golf Club, incorporating regular massage into a training routine helps maintain optimal muscle function, supports joint mobility, and reduces the cumulative strain that leads to overuse injuries over time.

Question 8

Who carries out massage therapy at The Pain Management Clinic?

Accepted Answer

Massage therapy at The Pain Management Clinic is primarily carried out by Rob Anderson and Richard Birtchnell-Winter, both Advanced Clinical Massage Therapists with over 10 years of experience in holistic and integrative bodywork. Rob specialises in deep tissue, sports injury massage and is also trained in PEMF and Lucia N°03 Light therapy. Richard brings additional expertise in Eastern Medicine, Reiki, counselling, and nutritional therapy. All massage sessions are tailored individually and carried out at our clinic location at the Ham Manor Golf Club, Angmering, West Sussex.

Question 9

Can massage therapy be combined with other treatments at the clinic?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and for many clients, a combined approach delivers the best outcomes. At The Pain Management Clinic, sports massage is frequently paired with PEMF therapy to accelerate tissue recovery and reduce inflammation. It is also combined  with Craniosacral Therapy where pain has an emotional or nervous system dimension. Our Golfer's Sports Program combines deep tissue massage, PEMF, and Lucia N°03 Light therapy in a set of three 60-minute sessions specifically designed for golfers and athletes. Your practitioner will design a personalised plan based on your health history and goals.

Question 10

How much does a sports or deep tissue massage session cost at The Pain Management Clinic?

Accepted Answer

A single one-hour massage session at The Pain Management Clinic costs £85. Multi-session packages are available: 5 sessions at £80 each, 10 at £75, 20 at £70, and 50 at £65. The Golfer's Sports Program — a set of three 60-minute combined sessions including deep tissue massage, PEMF, and Lucia N°03 Light — is available at £229.50 for a 3-session introductory package. All packages can be shared with friends and family. Ham Manor Golf Club members receive a discounted rate. Call +44-7923-424269 to learn more or book online here.

Our Therapies
Deep Tissue & Sports Injury Recovery Massage

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between deep tissue massage and sports massage?

What injuries and conditions does sports massage help with?

Will a deep tissue massage hurt?

How should I prepare for a sports or deep tissue massage?

What should I expect after a deep tissue or sports massage?

How often should I have a deep tissue or sports massage?

Can massage therapy help prevent sports injuries, not just treat them?

Who carries out massage therapy at The Pain Management Clinic?

Can massage therapy be combined with other treatments at the clinic?

How much does a sports or deep tissue massage session cost at The Pain Management Clinic?

Our Therapies Deep Tissue & Sports Injury Recovery Massage

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between deep tissue massage and sports massage?

What injuries and conditions does sports massage help with?

Will a deep tissue massage hurt?

How should I prepare for a sports or deep tissue massage?

What should I expect after a deep tissue or sports massage?

How often should I have a deep tissue or sports massage?

Can massage therapy help prevent sports injuries, not just treat them?

Who carries out massage therapy at The Pain Management Clinic?

Can massage therapy be combined with other treatments at the clinic?

How much does a sports or deep tissue massage session cost at The Pain Management Clinic?

Our Therapies
Deep Tissue & Sports Injury Recovery Massage