During our initial appointment, we will do a consultation that will take between 10-20 minutes. The time it takes will depend on what is presented by the client. During the consultation, we will do a full postural assessment. This will require you to remove your clothing to either bra or shorts so the practitioner can asses your posture and observe what muscles may be shorter or longer. During this process, the practitioner may palpate muscles or do special tests to measure the range of motion or check if certain movements create pain or if there is a restriction. After all the general information is discussed a treatment plan will be agreed.

We will discuss the immediate goals for the treatment and long-term goals. Towels and sheets will be provided for draping. The therapist will leave the room while the client is able to get comfortable on the table. During the treatment do not hesitate to tell the therapist if you would like a change to the treatment plan, lighter or deeper pressure. After the massage appropriate aftercare advice will be given.

Sports massage isn’t just for elite athletes. If you are:

Training for an event like the Cardiff Half Marathon

A gym-goer or CrossFit enthusiast

Passionate about rugby, football, or cycling

Recovering from an injury

Seeking relief after strenuous movement
Experiencing muscle tightness from hours spent at a desk

Suffering from arthritis, slipped disc, or other common injuries and conditions

Dakota Therapies can help you achieve optimal muscle health and faster recovery, no matter your activity level. Sports massage can help to realign the body and prevent chronic conditions from getting worse.

1. Enhanced Recovery
Frequent training can lead to muscle soreness, stiffness, and fatigue. Sports massage helps to reduce muscle tension, flush out toxins (like lactic acid), and improve blood circulation. This promotes quicker recovery between workouts so you can keep performing at your best.

2. Prevention of Injuries and Improved Posture
Regular sports massage identifies and addresses muscle imbalances or areas of tension before they develop into more serious injuries. Keeping your muscles and ligaments supple and aligned makes you less likely to experience strains, sprains, or overuse injuries that eventually lead to long-term chronic conditions that can seriously impact your quality of life.

3. Improve Flexibility and Range of Motion
Tight muscles can restrict your movement and impact your alignment. Sports massage restores and maintains flexibility by working to allow muscles to release. This will allow for a greater range of motion and improved athletic performance.

4. Pain Relief
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, an old injury flare-up, or simply post-exercise soreness (DOMS), sports massage targets the root cause of the discomfort. By breaking down adhesions and releasing tension in fascia, it offers lasting pain relief by getting to the root of the problem.

5. Mental Benefits
The positive effects of sports massage go beyond the physical. Many clients notice a reduction in stress, enhanced focus, and improved sleep after their sessions – all of which contribute to better overall wellbeing; this is because of a release of endorphins, oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. Sports massage has been proven to reduce cortisol, which is a stress hormone that can be a root cause for long-term chronic conditions. If you cannot relax, you cannot heal.

Dakota Therapies offers a highly personalised and tailored approach to every sports massage treatment. Danielle has years of experience working with celebrities, athletes and individuals of all sorts throughout Cardiff, Penarth, and the surrounding area. She understands that every person’s body and goals are unique, so your treatment plan is tailored specifically to your needs.

Highly Qualified Sports Massage Therapist
Accredited at a Level 5 standard with Massage Training Institute and experienced in sports massage, deep tissue massage, myofascial release and injury rehabilitation.
Fully insured and dedicated to ongoing professional development to bring you the latest techniques in massage therapy.

Convenient Cardiff Location
Our comfortable and private Cardiff Bay studio is easy to reach, with flexible appointment times to fit your schedule. Whether you need an early morning session before work or a weekend appointment, we can accommodate you.

Individual Attention
At Dakota Therapies, you’re never just ‘another client’. Your first appointment includes a consultation and assessment to identify problem areas, discuss your activity level, and set treatment goals. This ensures you get the maximum benefit from every session.

Initial Consultation
Your appointment starts with a discussion about your activity level, recent injuries, and areas of concern. We talk about lifestyle, stress, anything that may affect your posture, breath, strength, and flexibility. We react to our environment, and this is something Dakota Therapies is very passionate about. After we have made notes of all this, we will assess posture, range of motion, and muscle balance to create a bespoke treatment plan.

Targeted Massage Techniques
Expect a combination of deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, PNF stretching, neuro-muscle activation techniques, and, of course, myofascial release. Each session is designed to address your specific needs, whether that’s prepping for a big event, recovering from a match, or easing tension built up from office work.

Aftercare Advice
Your session doesn’t end when you leave the clinic. You’ll also receive personalised aftercare advice, including stretches, mobility exercises, and hydration tips to help you maintain muscle health between sessions.

How often should I get a sports massage?
This depends on your activity level and goals. Those who train regularly may benefit from weekly or bi-weekly sessions, while others find monthly appointments effective for maintenance.

Does sports massage hurt?
You may experience some discomfort, particularly if you have not had a treatment in a long time, but it should never be unbearable. Communication is key; your therapist will adjust pressure to ensure you’re comfortable. The body may feel slightly achy after because it is realigning itself and healing after the treatment. Sports Massage does not have to be painful to be effective.

Can sports massage help with old injuries?
Yes. Regular sports massage improves circulation, breaks down scar tissue, and reduces chronic tightness caused by previous injuries.
Do I need to be an athlete for sports massage?
Not at all! Many clients benefit from sports massage for postural issues, work-related tension, chronic conditions, and general wellbeing.