JVL Sports Massage

JVL Sports Massage We offer sports massages at a competitive price to athletes, office workers and everyone in between.

🧘 Stretch of the Week: Standing Calf Stretch 🧘Tight calves? Here’s a quick and simple stretch you can do (almost) anywhe...
19/03/2026

🧘 Stretch of the Week: Standing Calf Stretch 🧘

Tight calves? Here’s a quick and simple stretch you can do (almost) anywhere.

🦵Stand facing a wall and place your hands on it at shoulder height.

🦵 Step one foot back, keeping it straight with your heel flat on the ground.

🦵 Bend your front knee and gently lean into the wall.

🦵 You should feel a stretch in the back leg’s calf.

🦵 Hold for 20–30 seconds, then switch sides.

Try to keep your back heel grounded, this is key to getting a proper stretch.

Regular stretching can help reduce injury risk, improve performance and ease everyday tightness.

If your calves are constantly tight or sore, it might be time for a sports massage to get to the root of the issue.

Message me by clicking the link below to book or ask any questions.

🚫 Myth Busting Time! 🚫This week’s myth: "Deeper pressure is ALWAYS better for a sports massage." FALSE. While deeper pre...
17/03/2026

🚫 Myth Busting Time! 🚫

This week’s myth: "Deeper pressure is ALWAYS better for a sports massage."

FALSE.

While deeper pressure can sometimes be helpful, more pressure doesn’t automatically mean a better or more effective treatment.

Why? Well, muscles respond best when they are relaxed. If the pressure is too intense the body can tighten up as a protective response which can make it harder to work into the tissue properly and to deal with any problem areas.

Good sports massage is about using the right pressure for each individual, THEIR muscles and to achieve the goal of THEIR treatment. Sometimes this means deeper work, other times a lighter, more controlled approach can produce better results.

The aim isn’t necessarily to push through pain, it’s to help the trigger points (knots) release, improve movement and to support recovery.

💭 Frequently Asked Questions 💭“HOW DIFFERENT IS A SPORTS MASSAGE TO A ‘RELAXATION’ MASSAGE?”This is a great questions an...
13/03/2026

💭 Frequently Asked Questions 💭

“HOW DIFFERENT IS A SPORTS MASSAGE TO A ‘RELAXATION’ MASSAGE?”

This is a great questions and the simple answer is: they ultimately have different goals.

A ‘relaxation’ massage is designed to help you switch off and to promote overall relaxation. The pressure is usually lighter, the pace is slower and the focus is on helping the whole body unwind.

A sports massage on the other hand is more focused on how your muscles are functioning and how they can better function. It’s often used to help with tightness, improve movement, support recovery from training or to address specific problem areas.

This might mean deeper pressure at times, working into particular muscles or using different techniques to achieve the desired outcomes depending on what your body needs.

Neither is ‘better’ than the other, they’re just designed to achieve different results.

* Whilst I want to keep this page engaging and informative, I also don’t to overload people’s Facebook feeds. Therefore,...
09/03/2026

* Whilst I want to keep this page engaging and informative, I also don’t to overload people’s Facebook feeds. Therefore, going forward I will post twice a week (Mondays and Thursdays), alternating between the 4 regular features!*

💡 Top Tip of the Day 💡

Invest in a foam roller.

A foam roller is one of the simplest tools you can use to look after your muscles between treatments.

A few minutes of rolling with a foam roller can help ease tight spots, improve your circulation and help your muscles to move a bit more freely. It’s not about being able to ‘fix’ any muscle issue yourself but being able to use a helpful aide to relieve some pain or to give your body a little bit of maintenance.

They’re especially helpful after training, long runs, gym sessions or even after a day spent sitting at a desk. I find mine particularly useful for my quads after playing football. Areas like calves, quads, hamstrings and glutes tend to respond well to gentle rolling.

If you’re unsure on how to use one properly please do let me know and I am more than happy to show you a few simple techniques so that you can get the most benefit from it.

🚫 Myth Busting Time! 🚫This week’s myth: "A massage will remove/flush toxins from my body." FALSE. This may be one of the...
08/03/2026

🚫 Myth Busting Time! 🚫

This week’s myth: "A massage will remove/flush toxins from my body."

FALSE.

This may be one of the most common misconceptions, often cited as the biggest pro-massage benefit. I believe in education and transparency and whilst massages are great for improving circulation, reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation, the massage itself does not actually ‘remove/flush toxins’ from the body.

This is not to say that they do not support the process. Here’s the reality:

- Your liver and kidneys are your body’s natural detoxing organs. THEY are responsible for filtering out toxins (NOT your muscles).

- This is where hydration really comes into play. Drinking plenty of water post-massage helps your body to stay hydrated and supports your body’s natural detox process.

- Sports massage does improve circulation and lymphatic flow which aids your body’s natural recovery process (assisting both the muscles themselves and your body’s vital organs).

Remember, massages work wonders for muscle relaxation and recovery, but they are not a detox cure-all.

🙆Stretch of the Week: Seated Hamstring Stretch🙆If you’re anything like myself, your lower body flexibility may not be th...
06/03/2026

🙆Stretch of the Week: Seated Hamstring Stretch🙆

If you’re anything like myself, your lower body flexibility may not be the greatest! This stretch is perfect for stretching your hamstrings and improving flexibility.

How to do it:

🙇‍♂️ Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you and your feet pointed forward.

🙇‍♂️ Take a deep breath and lengthen your spine by sitting up tall.

🙇‍♂️ Exhale slowly and carefully fold forward from the hips, reaching your hands toward your feet or shins. Don't worry if you can’t touching your toes, the aim is to feel a gentle pulling of the muscles.

🙇‍♂️ During the stretch, remember to keep your back long and straight (in other words, try to avoid rounding your spine!).

🙇‍♂️ Hold the stretch for 20–30 seconds, breathing deeply before returning to the sitting up position. Repeat this stretch a few times to feel the full effect.

Remember:

- Don’t overdo it. Always listen to your body and stay within a comfortable range.

- Breathe deeply and let your body relax into the stretch. Force has a very limited space in stretching.

- If you feel any sharp pain, stop the stretch and ease off immediately.

- Perform the stretch gently and gradually, increasing the depth as your flexibility improves. You should notice after a few weeks you are able to reach further without experiencing the gentle pull that comes with the stretch.

Frequent stretching combined with regular sports massage can help support your recovery and muscles. I would strongly recommend both!

* Apologies for the late post tonight!*💭 Commonly Asked Questions 💭Last week we looked at what you should do PRE-massage...
04/03/2026

* Apologies for the late post tonight!*

💭 Commonly Asked Questions 💭

Last week we looked at what you should do PRE-massage. This week’s post is all about the POST-massage experience, so let’s get into it.

“WHAT SHOULD I DO POST-MASSAGE TO REAP THE FULL BENEFIT?”

After your sports massage, here’s how to maximize the benefits:

1. Hydrate

Why? Check out Monday’s post for further detail on why it is important to stay hydrated. In short - staying hydrated helps your muscles and your internal systems work to the best of their ability.

2. Rest

Why? Give your body time to absorb the benefits of the massage and avoid strenuous activities for a bit.

3. Do some gentle stretching

Why? Light stretching can help maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.

4. Listen to your body

If you feel any soreness, don’t push it. Light movement and rest are key.

Carrying out these simple steps can help you to get the most out of your sports massage, therefore keeping your muscles in better condition for longer.

Have a specific question you would like us to address? Drop it below or DM us!

💡 Top Tip of the Day 💡Hydration is key! Before and after your sports massage, make sure to drink plenty of water. This s...
02/03/2026

💡 Top Tip of the Day 💡

Hydration is key! Before and after your sports massage, make sure to drink plenty of water.

This simple ‘tip’ is often one that is overlooked but it is incredibly important.

This helps to:

- Encourage and support your liver and kidneys.

- Reduce muscle soreness.

- Improve flexibility and recovery.

Your muscles work hard during your sports massage session and staying hydrated assists them in staying healthy.

🚫 Myth Busting Time! 🚫This week’s myth: “I need to be injured to have a sports massage.”FALSE. A sports massage isn’t ju...
01/03/2026

🚫 Myth Busting Time! 🚫

This week’s myth: “I need to be injured to have a sports massage.”

FALSE.

A sports massage isn’t just to treat injuries - it is also for prevention, recovery and maintenance. Whether you're an athlete, an office worker or just someone who leads a busy lifestyle, regular sports massage can help you:

- Improve flexibility and range of motion.

- Boost circulation for quicker recovery.

- Reduce muscle tension and stress.

- Prevent injuries before they happen.

- Enhance overall performance.

Don’t wait until something hurts, take proactive care of your body and stay ahead of the game. Prevention is always better than cure.

Are you ready to feel your best? Click the WhatsApp link below to get a session booked in.

💪 Stretch of the Week: Shoulder Opener 💪This week, we’re going to focus on providing a stretch to relieve tension in the...
27/02/2026

💪 Stretch of the Week: Shoulder Opener 💪

This week, we’re going to focus on providing a stretch to relieve tension in the shoulders. Whether you’re desk-bound or constantly on the go, shoulder tightness can build up and cause discomfort. This discomfort can present as pain in the shoulders themselves, pain down your arms or pain coming from your neck. Give this shoulder opener a go to improve your flexibility and reduce stiffness/tension.

How to do it:

🙆‍♂️ Start standing or sitting tall.

🙆‍♂️ Interlace your fingers behind your back.

🙆‍♂️ Gently straighten your arms and push your hands toward the floor (or as far as you can without experiencing major discomfort).

🙆‍♂️ Open your chest and squeeze your shoulder blades together. You should feel a gentle stretch across the front of your chest and shoulders, as well as a mild pull in the arms. The sensation should be noticeable but not painful. Think of it as a deep, soothing stretch rather than a sharp or uncomfortable feeling. If you feel any sharp pain or discomfort, ease off the stretch a bit. The goal is to open up the shoulders and to increase your flexibility, not to push yourself to the limit.

🙆‍♂️ Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, then gently release. Repeat this action a few times.

Remember:

• Don’t overdo it! Always listen to your body and stay within a comfortable range.

• Breathe deeply and let your body relax into the stretch.

• Keep your posture upright throughout, avoiding any slouching.

Regular stretching can help improve your range of motion and reduce tension, particularly between massages.

💭 Commonly asked FAQs 💭“HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR A SPORTS MASSAGE?” This is a great question, recently asked by a new cl...
25/02/2026

💭 Commonly asked FAQs 💭

“HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR A SPORTS MASSAGE?”

This is a great question, recently asked by a new client who had never had a sports massage before. Here are some tips below:

1. Hydrate pre-massage. Drink water before your appointment. Not ‘panic-drink 1 liter 10 minutes before’, just steady hydration throughout the day.

Why? Massage moves a lot of fluid around in your muscle tissues. Being hydrated can help with that post-massage headache feeling.

2. Don’t do a brutal workout right before. Some light movement? Absolutely fine. A max effort gym session 45 minutes before? Not ideal. If you’ve trained hard, give yourself a few hours minimum to recover before your appointment.

Why? Your tissues will already be inflamed from the workout, deep pressure on top of that can be a lot.

3. Eat light. Have something small 1-2 hours before. Avoid going in completely fasted and shaky. Also avoid going in overly full and uncomfortable.

Why? Being fasted can make you feel faint/dizzy post massage. Whereas having a full stomach + deep pressure = not a fun combo!

4. Plan a relaxation window afterwards. Try not to schedule a heavy gym session, big run, stressful meeting etc post massage.

Why? Your nervous system will be in ‘reset mode’. Give it that time to rest and recover, ready for the next day.

Click the WhatsApp link below to schedule a sports massage session.

💡 Top Tip of the Day 💡 If you are struggling with tight shoulders and/or knots, try this trick to get some relief:🎾 Tenn...
23/02/2026

💡 Top Tip of the Day 💡

If you are struggling with tight shoulders and/or knots, try this trick to get some relief:

🎾 Tennis Ball Shoulder Massage 🎾

1. Grab a tennis ball and press it against a wall.

2. Stand with your back to the ball manoeuvre it to the sore or tight spots near to your shoulder blade. This part can be a little tricky but stick with it!

3. Once the tennis ball is in place, roll and push your body into the ball, targeting the trouble areas and/or knots. This action should be slow and controlled. Apply as much pressure as feels comfortable.

This self-massage technique can help improve mobility and remove some surface tension when you are in a pinch. As it is not targeted and the surface area of the tennis ball is larger than a sports massage therapists thumbs, it is unlikely to resolve the problem completely. This tip is to primarily tide you over until you are able to address the issue properly with sports massage.

If you are struggling with tight or knotty shoulders, please do not hesitate to contact me to get booked in so that we can work these out with a view to long term resolution.

Address

114, High Street
Ryde
PO332SU

Opening Hours

Thursday 8:30am - 7pm
Friday 8:30am - 7pm

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