Sports Therapy & Soft Tissue Therapy

Pain Relief, Injury Recovery & Better Movement

Expert Care for Pain, Injury & Movement

Pain, injuries and muscular problems can affect everything from everyday activities to work, exercise and sport. Finding the right treatment starts with understanding your symptoms and what you want to achieve.

At Total Health West Berkshire, our experienced practitioners provide Sports Therapy and Soft Tissue Therapy at our clinic in Thatcham, near Newbury.

Both services combine assessment with hands-on treatment and rehabilitation where appropriate, helping you work towards improved comfort, mobility and physical function.

Soft tissue therapist providing hands-on treatment to a patient on a treatment couch.

You don't need to be an athlete to benefit. Whether you're managing a recurring problem, recovering from an injury or simply finding everyday movement uncomfortable, our team can help you explore your options.

For other treatment approaches, visit our Pain, Injury & Rehabilitation services.

Choose the Right Treatment for Your Needs

Sports Therapy and Soft Tissue Therapy offer different approaches to managing pain, injury and movement problems. Both treatments are tailored to the individual, with the most appropriate approach depending on your symptoms and goals.

Close-up of hands-on sports massage treatment around the shoulder to help relieve muscle tension and support recovery

Sports Therapy

Assessment, Treatment & Rehabilitation

Sports Therapy supports people experiencing injuries, muscular pain and movement problems. Treatment combines hands-on techniques with assessment and rehabilitation exercises to help you recover and return to activity.

Sports massage may form part of treatment, alongside joint mobilisation, myofascial techniques, movement analysis and rehabilitation.

Best suited to:

  • Sports and exercise-related injuries
  • Recurring muscle or joint problems
  • Rehabilitation following injury
  • Movement restrictions
  • Difficulties returning to physical activity

Practitioner:

Dan Elsigood
Sports Therapist

Therapist assessing shoulder movement during sports therapy treatment

Soft Tissue Therapy

Targeted Treatment for Muscles & Movement

Soft Tissue Therapy is an assessment-led approach to muscular pain, restricted movement and recurring physical discomfort.

Treatment may combine myofascial release, soft tissue mobilisation, cupping, taping and individual rehabilitation advice, depending on your symptoms.

Best suited to:

  • Persistent muscle tension
  • Postural and work-related strain
  • Restricted movement or stiffness
  • Chronic or recurring muscular discomfort
  • Injury recovery and physical rehabilitation

Practitioner:

Jenny Lane
Soft Tissue Therapist

What Can Sports & Soft Tissue Therapy Help With?

Muscle & Joint Pain

Support for muscular discomfort, joint problems and pain affecting everyday life.

Sports Injuries

Assessment and rehabilitation for injuries associated with sport, exercise and physical activity.

Restricted Movement

Treatment for muscular stiffness, movement restrictions and reduced mobility.

Recurring Problems

Individualised care for physical problems that continue to return or affect activity.

Postural & Work-Related Strain

Support for discomfort associated with prolonged sitting, repetitive movements or physically demanding work.

Injury Recovery

Treatment and rehabilitation to support recovery and a gradual return to normal activity.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

Not every injury or painful condition is suitable for hands-on therapy. Severe pain, significant swelling, an inability to bear weight or symptoms following a serious injury may require medical assessment first.

For advice on recognising injuries and when to seek help, see the NHS guide to sprains and strains.

Not Sure Which Treatment Is Right for You?

There is considerable overlap between Sports Therapy and Soft Tissue Therapy. Both practitioners can help with pain, injuries and movement problems, but their assessment and treatment approaches may differ.

Consider Sports Therapy If…

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You're recovering from an injury, experiencing pain during physical activity or looking for assessment and rehabilitation to help you return to exercise, sport or everyday movement.

Consider Soft Tissue Therapy If…

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You're experiencing persistent muscle tension, work-related strain, restricted movement or recurring discomfort that may benefit from targeted soft tissue treatment.

Still Unsure?

If you're not sure where to start, contact the clinic and explain your symptoms, activities and goals. Our team can help you decide whether an appointment with Dan or Jenny, or another service, is the best starting point.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your appointment will be tailored to your symptoms, medical history and goals. Your therapist will discuss the proposed approach with you before treatment begins.

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Assessment & Understanding

Your therapist will ask about your symptoms, medical history and how the problem affects your daily activities. They may assess your movement, strength and areas of discomfort.

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Personalised Treatment

Your appointment may include hands-on soft tissue techniques, sports massage, joint mobilisation or other appropriate treatment, depending on your assessment.

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Rehabilitation & Next Steps

Where appropriate, your therapist may recommend exercises, movement advice or further appointments to support your recovery and longer-term progress.

Meet the Team

Our experienced practitioners provide individualised care, helping you better understand your symptoms and work towards improved comfort, movement and recovery.

Portrait of Dan Elsigood, sports therapist

Dan Elsigood

Sports Therapist

Provides injury assessment, hands-on treatment and rehabilitation for muscular pain, sports injuries and movement problems.

Portrait of Dan Elsigood, Sports Therapist at Total Health West Berkshire

Jenny Lane

Soft Tissue Therapist

Provides assessment-led treatment for muscular pain, restricted movement, injury recovery and recurring soft tissue problems.

Explore More Pain & Injury Treatments

Depending on your symptoms, other approaches may be appropriate. Total Health West Berkshire offers a range of treatments for musculoskeletal pain, injury recovery and movement problems.

Physiotherapy

Assessment, treatment and exercise-based rehabilitation for pain, injuries, movement problems and recovery following surgery.

Osteopathy

A hands-on approach to muscle, joint and movement problems, combining assessment, treatment and rehabilitation guidance.

Chiropractic Care

Assessment and treatment for back pain, neck pain, joint discomfort and other musculoskeletal problems.

Sports Therapy & Soft Tissue Therapy Near Newbury

Total Health West Berkshire provides Sports Therapy and Soft Tissue Therapy from our clinic in Thatcham, welcoming patients from Newbury, Hungerford and surrounding West Berkshire communities.

Whether you're recovering from injury, experiencing muscular discomfort or looking for support with a recurring problem, our experienced therapists offer assessment and treatment tailored to your needs.

Ready to Get Moving Again?

Book an appointment with Dan or Jenny, or contact our team if you're unsure which treatment is most appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Sports Therapy and Soft Tissue Therapy?

Both Soft Tissue Therapy and Sports Therapy help people experiencing muscular pain, injuries and movement difficulties, but their approaches can differ.

Soft Tissue Therapy focuses on assessing and treating muscles and other soft tissues, using hands-on techniques alongside rehabilitation advice where appropriate.

Sports Therapy combines musculoskeletal assessment, hands-on treatment and exercise-based rehabilitation to help people recover from injuries, manage pain and return to everyday activities or sport.

There is considerable overlap between the two services, and both are suitable for people who don't participate in sport.

If you're unsure which approach is right for you, explore our Sports Therapy & Soft Tissue Therapy services or contact our team for guidance.

Is Sports Therapy Only for Athletes?

No. Sports Therapy can benefit anyone experiencing muscular pain, joint problems, injury or movement difficulties. You don't need to take part in sport or exercise regularly.

Does Sports Therapy Include Sports Massage?

Yes. Sports massage is one of several techniques your Sports Therapist may use. Depending on your needs, treatment may also involve movement assessment, joint mobilisation and rehabilitation exercises.

What Should I Wear to My Appointment?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. Your therapist may need to assess or access the area causing discomfort and will explain what is required before treatment.

How Many Treatment Sessions Will I Need?

This depends on your symptoms, how long you've had the problem and your treatment goals. Your therapist will discuss whether further treatment or rehabilitation may be beneficial following your assessment.

Do You Offer Sports Therapy Near Newbury?

Yes. Total Health West Berkshire provides Sports Therapy and Soft Tissue Therapy at our Thatcham clinic, welcoming patients from Newbury, Hungerford and across West Berkshire.