What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 6pm Thursday 9am - 9pm Friday 9am - 9pm

http://www.harleysportstherapies.co.uk/

Harley Sports Therapies, Heathfield and Waldron (2025)

17/11/2025

Availability is plentiful this week and next after that its a little crazy till after Christmas.
Also big heads up due to Christmas clashing with my work days I will be very limited over the festive period.

So if you're overdue your regular massage, need an extra session or two to help recover from hectic schedules, are finding tension headaches creeping in, this is your reminder to get Booked in.

Remember your massage is perfect to de stress, recover and reset whether that's from a injury, a hectic work schedule, a chaotic sports schedule.
A new mum or a busy mum time out is key.

10/11/2025

Many people ask what's the difference between Sports massage and Deep tissue massage, in reality its the techniques used and often a sports mssagemay also include elements of stretching the muscles through a range of movement too.

Do you need to be an athlete ... 100% no but it is great for a full body mot and stopping ni**les becoming problems.

I often switch between deep tissue and sports massage in a treatment with some lighter techniques and those more akin to a Swedish style massage depending on the individual.

Wednesday 12th: 10.15am and 11.30am

Thursday 13th: 4.30pm

Friday 14th: 9.30am and 11.55am

Wednesday 19th: 9.30am and 10.45am

Thursday 20th: 10.45am and 11.55am

03/11/2025

Do you need a body reset? Some support with a ni**le that's annoying you? A slip on the leaves or on the mud causing discomfort?

Limited availability this week:

Thursday 6th: full
Friday 7th: 12.15 pm

Wednesday 12th: 10.15am and 11.30am

Thursday 13th: 2.45pm

Friday 14th: 9.30am, 12noon, and 1.15pm

I may be able to fit another one or two in so message if the time you want is available and I can see what I can do?

29/10/2025

My thoughts on offers... is simple it works on occasions I dont run a regular offer or deal because I think they devalue what you get.

I do offer customer loyalty discounts and I can do package rates I offer this block booked packages or to a sports club or group.

I prefer to keep things simple so work on a standard fee structure, with minimal variations. It keeps it clean and if you tell a friend you've seen me and it cost x its going to be pretty much the same. This way everyone knows where they stand.

I always advocate rebooking so you dont fall out of sync on appointments, whilst this is for your benefit, a big one this time of year as life gets busy in autumn, it obviously helps me schedule my diary too. Yes I run a cancellation policy I try to be fair with it and fully appreciate sometimes life just happens if you get another appointment booked straight in that really helps me.

I also offer gift vouchers which are great this time of year thinking about Christmas or birthdays this time of year. They can be an e voucher or a voucher to collect.

Availability this week is limited with half term drop me a message if want an appointment.

Wednesday 5th November: Fully Booked.
Thursday 6th November: 1.15pm, 2.20pm, 3.45pm
Friday 7th November 12.15pm

20/10/2025

Why choose Sports massage? It's a useful all encompassing technique that can help with so many issues from Back Pain, Neck pain, Tension, Headaches, to hip and knee or ankle trouble.

Does Sports massage hurt? That's super tough to answer because the pressure like the treatment is individually tailored. I would say it shouldn't be painful as such more a relieving pain although sometimes it can feel tender. It may also ache a little the day after.

Do I do purely Sports Massage? No I dont I also use myofascial techniques, do deep tissue massage, Indian head massage, pregnancy massage and offer kinesiology taping. These sessions are all tailored amd can include a degree of teaching you how to tape a specific issue for a certain reason or guidance on where to find information.
I also can help provide some exercises to help in-between appointments. I will also offer a telephone consultation if you need guidance and can't to clinic for any reason.

Do you need to be sporty? 100% no a good percentage of my clients dont have a sporting background but see me for a variety of reasons from hypermobility, to desk based tension, to tradespeople who just can't shift a ni**le somewhere. But yes I also see sporty people.

Do you treat children and teens? Yes I do depending on age I do require a consenting adult present, I am fully DBS checked and have safeguarding training.

I have a fully holistic ethos but also understand life can be chaotic so am fully flexible if the kids are home and need to come along or get sometimes you just need quiet. Self care is selfish but being selfish is good practice.

Availability:

Thursday 23rd: 1.20pm 2.50pm, and 4pm

Friday 24th: some pm availability message for details.

Wednesday 29th: 9.30am, 10.45am and 11.55am

13/10/2025

With the Autumn weather looking like its setting in many people are feeling aches and pains creeping back that the heady days of summer kept at bay. This week's in focus look is Sciatica this is one of many issues people come to me with Massage can be hugely beneficial it can also help piriformis trouble, and back trouble.
A sports massage can help alleviate sciatica pain and similar issues by relieving muscle tension and pressure on the sciatic nerve, improving blood flow, and promoting flexibility.
Techniques like deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy are used to target tight muscles and connective tissues in the lower back, buttocks, and legs.
However, a professional diagnosis is crucial before starting treatment, especially with severe pain, as muscles may be protecting a joint from instability. This being said A sports massage therapist can aid with this diagnosis, and point in the correct direction. We also are able to support rehab programmes looking to build strength and stability.

How Sports Massage Helps Sciatica
Reduces Muscle Tension:
Sciatica often causes tightness and pain in the muscles of the lower back, glutes, and legs. Sports massage uses deep tissue and other techniques to release these tight muscles and knots, reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Improves Circulation: The massage helps stimulate blood flow to the affected areas, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients to aid in tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
Relieves Nerve Pressure: By addressing and loosening tight muscles that put pressure on the sciatic nerve, the massage can significantly alleviate the shooting or sharp pain associated with sciatica.
Promotes Flexibility: Massage can improve the flexibility and range of motion in the affected muscles, allowing for more comfortable movement and reducing the risk of further injury.
Triggers Endorphin Release: The stimulation of a sports massage can lead to the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, helping to reduce pain and improve overall well-being.
Techniques Used
Deep Tissue Massage: Focuses on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, using firm pressure to release chronic tension and break down adhesions.
Myofascial Release: Targets the myofascial layer of soft tissue between muscles and skin to help relax stiff muscles and improve blood flow.
Trigger Point Therapy: Applies pressure to specific "knots" or hyperactive points in the muscle, encouraging them to calm down and release tension.
Important Considerations
Professional Diagnosis is Key: Before receiving a sports massage, it's important to get a proper diagnosis from a medical professional, especially if you have severe pain, numbness or pins and needles to identify the underlying cause of your sciatica.
Precautions for Specific Conditions: Caution is needed if muscles are "splinting" (tightly protecting a joint), as this may indicate instability requiring assessment by a chiropractor, osteopath, or GP.
Targeted Approach: A qualified therapist will use specific techniques tailored to the cause and location of your sciatica. But will also refer on if they are not right for where you at.

Thursday 16th: 10.45am, 12noon, 1.15pm, 2.20pm
Friday 17th: 12noon and 1.15pm

Weds 22nd: 12noon
Thursday 23rd: lots of availability message me for times.

06/10/2025

When can you get a Sports Massage? Anytime
Who can get a Sports Massage? Anyone
Is Recovery Massage useful? Absolutely.
Does Sports Massage help relief my tension? 100% it does.

How does Massage Therapy help your shoulders?

Massage therapy can effectively relieve shoulder pain by helping to reduce muscle tension, improving blood flow, and suppressing pain signals, leading to better muscle elasticity and increased range of motion. Not to mentionnit can help improve Sleep quality and reduce headaches for some.
Techniques like deep tissue, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy are beneficial, and massage can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan alongside Osteopathy, physiotherapy or chiropractic care, or totally as a stand alone treatment especially for issues like rotator cuff tears or nerve impingement.

How Massage Helps with Shoulder Pain
Reduces Muscle Tension: Massage loosens tense, tight muscles that can compress the shoulder joint, restrict movement, and aggravate underlying structures.

Improves Circulation: It increases blood flow, more blood flow delivers more oxygen to the muscles and promotes healing.

Increases Soft Tissue Elasticity: By improving circulation and reducing tension, massage helps make muscles and other soft tissues more pliable and less stiff. Often leading to an increased Range Of Movement, this would be useful in rehabilitation to build confidence and strength.

Lowers Stress Hormones: Massage can decrease the stress hormone cortisol and increase serotonin, helping to alleviate stress-related muscle tension often held in the shoulders.

Recommended Techniques and Considerations
Deep Tissue Massage: Focuses on deeper layers of muscle to relieve chronic tension and tightness.

Myofascial Release: Aims to release tension in the connective tissue (fascia) surrounding muscles.

Trigger Point Therapy: Applies pressure to specific points of tenderness to release knots and relieve pain.

Complementary Therapy:
Massage can be a great tool in the rehabilitation of injuries but I do not purely use it as this modality.

Professional Guidance: It's best to consult a qualified massage therapist or healthcare professional to discuss your specific condition and receive appropriate treatment.

When to Seek Massage for Shoulder Pain
When you experience muscle stiffness and restricted movement in your shoulder.

As a way to manage stress-related muscle tension.

As part of recovery from injuries like rotator cuff tears to reduce inflammation and maintain alignment.

When dealing with chronic shoulder pain or pain from nerve impingement.

Availability this week:
Wednesday 8th: 10.30am and 11.40am

Thursday 9th: 1.00pm and 3.45pm

Friday 10th: 9.45am, 12.15pm, and 1.20pm

29/09/2025

As availability this week is super limited do message if you need an appointment and I'll do my best to fit you in, with this on mind something slightly different from me this week but following on from last weeks posts about optimization of recovery. Today I want to natter about the importance of Hydration mostly it will tye to recovery but just day to day if we dont hydrate its hard to concentrate on simple tasks, in school at work, work out or for those that way inclined compete.

Hydration is vital for recovery and daily function because water helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues, flushes out waste, lubricates joints, and regulates body temperature, all of which support the body's natural healing processes.

Dehydration can prolong recovery times, increase inflammation, and cause issues like muscle cramps, making proper fluid intake essential after exercise, injury, or surgery to facilitate quicker healing and a return to normal function.

How Hydration Aids Recovery
Nutrient and Oxygen Transport:
Water transports essential nutrients, glucose, and amino acids to muscle cells and other healing tissues, while also efficiently delivering oxygen needed for repair.

Waste Removal: It helps flush out metabolic waste and toxins that build up after exertion or injury, which can contribute to soreness and fatigue.

Joint Lubrication and Mobility:
Water lubricates joints and connective tissues, which is crucial for restoring normal joint function and preventing stiffness.

Inflammation Reduction:
Proper hydration supports circulation and helps manage inflammation, which is a key part of the healing process.

Cellular Function:
It ensures enzymes and proteins, which are essential for cellular repair, function optimally.

Consequences of Dehydration
Prolonged Recovery: Dehydration can slow down the healing process, leading to longer recovery times.

Increased Muscle Soreness: It can make you feel sluggish, fatigued, and more sore after physical activity.

Impaired Healing: Tissues require water to function and repair themselves; a lack of it compromises these vital processes.

Poor Circulation: Dehydration can reduce blood flow, making it harder for the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients to where they are needed.

Practical Tips for Optimal Hydration
Listen to Your Body: Monitor symptoms like thirst, dark-colored urine, and dry mouth to gauge your hydration level.

Replenish Electrolytes: When significant fluid is lost, such as after intense exercise or during withdrawal from substances like alcohol, rehydrating with fluids containing electrolytes is important to restore balance.

Stay Consistent: Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink. Carry a water bottle and take frequent sips throughout the day to maintain consistent hydration.

Remember that water is best and low sugar squashes a second, coffee and caffinated drinks are not ideal when hydrating I personally chose not to count them in my fluid intake and have a set amount of innny mind "good" Hydration before I allow myself a treat. It is individual though. I also prefer to use a Hydration and or electrolyte salts instead of an over the counter prepared Hydration drink in the event of needing more again this is personal choice but these as a rule tend to contain less in the way of sugars and other added extras you may not want.

I have noticed a lot of sports recently were competitors have had a tough few weeks and the fatigue has hit hard at a low grassroots local level. Are people looking out for themselves as much as they could when they want their body to perform.

22/09/2025

Fatigue and Massage doesn't it help? Well yes it does... here's briefly why.
But also for any sports clubs I am able offer packages designed for clubs and groups.
I also hold enhanced DBS checks and am able to treat under 18s.

Sports massage combats fatigue by aiming to assist the body improving blood and lymph circulation to flush out metabolic waste, reducing muscle tension, and enhancing muscle recovery and repair.

I feel this bit is key. It also provides psychological benefits, promoting relaxation and well-being, which can reduce the perception of pain and fatigue, helping athletes stay motivated and recover mentally. Mental recovery is as important as physical recovery especially in tough training plans or going through tough games. Maybe its just work is tough we can't function if we aren't allowing ourselves to mentally take 5 and recover.

While it helps speed up physical recovery, some temporary, normal fatigue or muscle soreness can occur after an intense session.

How Sports Massage Helps Reduce Fatigue
Improves Circulation: Massage increases blood flow, delivering vital nutrients to tired muscles and transporting metabolic waste products, like lactic acid, out of the muscles.

Reduces Muscle Tension: It works to relax tight, tense muscles, alleviating stiffness and discomfort that can contribute to fatigue. This can also reduce a stress from work or family life.

Aids Muscle Repair: By stimulating circulation, massage helps speed up the recovery process and the repair of microscopic tears in muscle fibers that occur with strenuous exercise.

Psychological Relaxation: The calming effects of massage can lead to feelings of relaxation and well-being, which helps with mental fatigue, increases motivation, and reduces the perceived level of pain and fatigue.

Potential Side Effects
Post-Massage Fatigue: It is normal to feel temporarily tired or fatigued after a deep or intense massage, as the body undergoes deep relaxation and recovery. However there are studies to also suggest improved Sleep Quality after a massage.

Soreness or Discomfort: Mild to moderate muscle soreness is a common side effect, especially if the massage was deep.

Recommendations
Regular Massage: Regular sports massages can be a key part of a training program to aid in recovery and maintenance between workouts and events.

Post-Event Recovery: Booking a massage a day or two after a major event or intense workout can provide significant benefits for recovery.

Rest After Massage: If you feel tired after a session, it's beneficial to rest, either by taking a nap or getting a good night's sleep, to help your body fully recover.

Gentle exercise post massage can also be helpful to ease post massage soreness such as swimming or walk.

Availability this week:

Wednesday 24th: 10.45am and 11.55am

Thursday 25th: 12noon and 1.15pm

Friday 26th: 10.45am, 12noon, 1.20pm and 4.15pm.

17/09/2025

As September has swept in with a blaze of tail ends to storms or fresh ones brewing many people are noticing aches and pains especially back ache but why? And what can massage do to help?

Cold weather can worsen lower back pain by reducing circulation, causing muscles to tighten and stiffen, and increasing susceptibility to falls and injuries from activities like a slip on slippery leaves or a muddy gateway.
Massage is beneficial because it improves blood flow, helps to relax tight muscles, reduces stiffness, and speeds up the body's natural healing processes. You can use heat therapy, like warm towels or heating pads, and dress in layers to keep your lower back warm and protected during colder months.

Why cold weather affects your lower back
Muscle stiffness:
Cold temperatures can cause muscles to become tighter and more tense, which can lead to stiffness and pain in the lower back.
Reduced circulation:
Blood flow to muscles and joints tends to decrease in the cold, leading to less oxygen and fewer nutrients reaching the tissues.
Increased risk of injury:
The cold and wet conditions of autumn and winter may increase the risk of slips and falls, which can cause or aggravate back injuries.

Nerve compression:
In some cases, cold weather can cause nerve roots in the lower back to become compressed, resulting in pain that radiates into the buttocks and legs.

How massage can help
Increased blood flow:
Massage helps to improve circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to muscle tissues, which helps to alleviate pain.
Muscle relaxation:
It helps to relax tight muscle tissue, reducing pain, discomfort, and muscle spasms.
Reduced stiffness:
By loosening tight muscles and improving joint flexibility, massage can significantly reduce winter aches and stiffness.

Healing:
Massage can promote the body's natural healing processes by improving tissue function and breaking down restrictions in muscles and joints.

Tips to manage winter back pain
Stay warm:
Dress in multiple warm layers and ensure your lower back is covered to prevent cold from tightening your muscles.

Use heat therapy:
Apply heat packs or warm baths to help increase blood flow and relax muscles.

Be cautious:
Wear non-slip footwear and take extra care when walking on icy or wet surfaces to avoid falls and injuries.

Gentle exercise:
Incorporate stretching and gentle exercise to improve flexibility and strengthen core muscles, which helps maintain stability and prevent injury.

Consult a professional:
If your back pain is severe or doesn't improve, speak to a doctor or a professional like a chiropractor, osteopath, massage therapist or physiotherapist for appropriate treatment and advice.

Availability this coming week:

Thursday 18th: message for availability as very limited

Friday 19th: 9.45am, 12.15pm, 1.20pm

Wednesday 24th: 10.45am and 11.55am

Thursday 25th: 10.45am, 12noon, and 1.15pm

Friday 26th: 1.20pm and 4.15pm

10/09/2025

Well September what a month you're bringing. New starts, transitions and the definite dawning of a new season. All this can leave you feeling a bit of a pickle and like life is out of your control. So how can Massage Help with Transitional Chamges, weather its a new job, a new school, a new class, a new sports season, or just a new season?

Massage during periods of change and transition offers numerous physical and emotional benefits by reducing stress hormones like cortisol, increasing mood-boosting hormones such as serotonin and dopamine, and improving circulation to aid detoxification.
Specific types of massage, like Swedish and deep tissue massage, can alleviate muscle tension, while lymphatic drainage supports the body's detoxification process.

Regular, tailored massage sessions can help manage symptoms of hormonal changes, emotional shifts, and the physical demands associated with transitions like seasonal changes, PMS, and menopause.

How Massage Helps During Transitions
Stress Reduction:
Massage helps lower cortisol levels and increases the production of serotonin and dopamine, which are natural mood elevators, promoting emotional balance during stressful times.
Improved Circulation & Detoxification:
Enhanced blood flow through massage helps flush toxins from the body, reducing inflammation and supporting immune function.

Muscle Tension Relief:
Techniques like deep tissue massage can target chronic muscle tightness, while Swedish massage offers broader relaxation and increases oxygenation.

Hormonal Balance Support:
While massage doesn't directly change hormones, it reduces the stress response, allowing the body's parasympathetic nervous system to function properly, which supports overall hormonal balance.

Enhanced Sleep Quality:
Better sleep is essential for healing and coping with the symptoms of transition, and massage can improve sleep quality and duration.

Emotional Well-being:
Massage provides a sense of connection and nurturing, boosting mood and helping to combat feelings of isolation or overwhelm that can accompany major life changes.

Examples of Transitions Where Massage can be seen as Beneficial
Seasonal Changes:
Massage can ease the mental and physical demands of changing seasons by lowering cortisol and supporting the immune system.

Menstrual Cycles & PMS:
Massage helps reduce the muscle cramps, pain, and mood swings often associated with PMS by promoting relaxation and muscle relief.

Menopause & Perimenopause:
Massage can alleviate symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, and irritability by reducing stress and boosting feel-good hormones.

Major Life Changes ( this is a biggy):
In general, massage therapy provides a powerful tool to release stress, enhance well-being, and facilitate the body's adjustment during any significant life transition.

Key Considerations
Tailored Treatments:
It is important to work with an experienced therapist who can customize the massage to your specific needs during a transition period.

Regular Sessions:
For lasting benefits, especially with hormonal or chronic conditions like insomnia, regular massage sessions are often recommended.

Availability this week:

Thursday 11th: 10.45am
Friday 12th: 9.45am, 12.15pm, and 3.45pm

Wednesday 17th: 9.30am, 10.45am and 11.55am
Thursday 18th: Full
Friday 19th: 9.30am, 10.45am, and 4pm

Harley Sports Therapies

17/11/2025

10/11/2025

03/11/2025

29/10/2025

20/10/2025

13/10/2025

06/10/2025

29/09/2025

22/09/2025

17/09/2025

10/09/2025

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