Is back pain holding you back?
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek treatment. Whether it's a dull ache after sitting at a desk all day, stiffness when you wake up, or pain caused by lifting, sport, or everyday activities, back pain can affect every part of your life.
At Verulam Health and Movement Clinic in St Albans, we provide professional sports massage therapy designed to relieve pain, improve movement, and help you return to doing the things you enjoy.
Rather than simply treating the symptoms, we aim to identify and address the underlying cause of your discomfort, providing a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Common symptoms of back pain
Back pain can present in many ways. You may experience:
Muscle tightness or stiffness
A constant ache in your lower or upper back
Sharp pain when bending or twisting
Pain after sitting or standing for long periods
Reduced flexibility or mobility
Muscle spasms
Pain between the shoulder blades
Discomfort after exercise or physical work
Pain that makes everyday activities more difficult
If your pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by numbness, weakness, or changes to bladder or bowel function, you should seek medical advice immediately.
What causes back pain?
Back pain isn't always caused by one specific injury. Often it's the result of several contributing factors, including:
Poor posture
Long hours sitting at a desk, driving, or looking down at a phone can place excessive strain on the muscles supporting your spine.
Muscle tension
Stress and repetitive activities can cause muscles to become tight and overworked.
Sports injuries
Running, weight training, cycling, golf and many other activities can overload the muscles of the back.
Heavy lifting
Whether at work or at home, lifting incorrectly can strain muscles and connective tissues.
Lack of movement
Remaining in one position for long periods often leads to stiffness and reduced mobility.
Previous injuries
Old injuries may alter your movement patterns, placing extra stress on other muscles and joints.
How can sports massage help back pain?
Sports massage is an effective hands-on treatment that can help reduce muscular pain, improve movement, and support recovery.
Relieves muscle tension
Massage helps release tight muscles that may be contributing to pain and restricted movement.
Improves flexibility
Loosening tight muscles allows your back to move more freely.
Increases circulation
Improved blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to the tissues while helping remove waste products associated with muscle fatigue.
Reduces pain
By decreasing muscle tightness and improving tissue quality, many people notice reduced discomfort after treatment.
Speeds recovery
Sports massage can assist recovery following exercise, manual work, or minor muscle strains.
Helps prevent future problems
Regular treatment combined with advice on stretching and movement may reduce the likelihood of recurring back pain.
What happens during your appointment?
Your first appointment is designed to understand the cause of your symptoms and provide the most appropriate treatment.
During your visit, you can expect:
Initial Consultation
We'll discuss:
Your symptoms
Medical history
Lifestyle
Exercise habits
Previous injuries
Your goals for treatment
Assessment
We'll assess your posture, movement, flexibility and identify areas of muscle tightness or restriction.
Personalised Treatment
Your sports massage will be tailored specifically to your needs using a combination of techniques to relieve muscle tension and improve mobility.
Treatment pressure can always be adjusted to suit your comfort level.
Aftercare Advice
Before you leave, you'll receive practical advice that may include:
Stretches
Mobility exercises
Self-care tips
Activity modifications
Recommendations for ongoing treatment if required
Frequently asked questions
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Sports massage doesn't have to be painful to be effective. Some areas may feel tender if muscles are particularly tight, but treatment is always adapted to your comfort level.
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This depends on the cause and duration of your back pain. Some people notice improvement after one session, while longer-standing problems may benefit from a short course of treatment.
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Yes. If your pain is muscular in origin, sports massage can help reduce muscle tension, improve movement, and ease discomfort.
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Some people experience mild soreness for 24–48 hours after treatment, particularly if muscles have been very tight. This is normal and usually settles quickly.
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Loose, comfortable clothing is ideal. Depending on the area being treated, you may be asked to remove your top while remaining appropriately covered with towels throughout the treatment.
Book your back pain assessment today
You don't have to live with ongoing back pain.
Whether your symptoms have developed gradually or you've recently injured your back, sports massage may help you move more comfortably and get back to doing what you enjoy.