Business Details
Expert Sports Massage Therapy in Cockenzie
Vanessa Skelton Sports Massage and Soft Tissue Therapy is a specialist practice dedicated to addressing sports injuries, chronic pain, and musculoskeletal dysfunction. With a BTEC Level 5 qualification in Clinical Sports and Remedial Massage, I combine advanced techniques such as IASTM, myofascial cupping, and neuromuscular therapy to restore mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall wellbeing. My expertise extends to pregnancy/post-natal care, oncology massage, and self-myofascial release education, serving clients in Cockenzie and surrounding areas. Having worked with athletes at international events and individuals with complex postural issues, I prioritise tailored treatments that address root causes rather than symptoms.My approach integrates evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of human biomechanics, ensuring clients receive both immediate relief and long-term solutions. As a member of the ISRM and SMTO, I maintain rigorous professional standards, supported by continuous education in scar tissue management, kinesio taping, and joint mobilisation. The practice operates from a dedicated studio at Cockenzie House, offering flexible appointment times and accessible self-care workshops to empower clients beyond treatment sessions.
Services
Sports Massage
Pregnancy Massage
Oncology Massage
Hot Stones Therapy
Postural Assessment
Scar Tissue Management
Kinesio Taping
IASTM Treatment
Self-Myofascial Release Workshops
Joint Mobilisation
Highlights and features
- BTEC Level 5 qualified therapist with advanced sports injury expertise
- Specialised oncology and pregnancy/post-natal massage certifications
- Proven techniques for chronic pain reduction and posture correction
- Experience supporting GB athletes at international competitions
- Comprehensive continuing education in scar tissue and joint mobilisation
Associations and certifications
- BTEC Level 5 Diploma in Clinical Sports and Remedial Massage
- MASCED accreditation for melanoma detection
- Institute for Soft Tissue Therapists (ISRM)
- Scottish Massage Therapists Organisation (SMTO)
Services
Sports Massage
Clinical sports massage addresses athletic injuries and chronic pain through techniques like trigger point therapy and soft tissue release. This service improves joint mobility, breaks down scar tissue, and accelerates recovery for athletes and active individuals. Treatments combine deep tissue work with neuromuscular techniques to correct postural imbalances and prevent recurring injuries.
Pregnancy Massage
Specialised massage supports women during pregnancy and post-natal recovery. Tailored techniques alleviate back pain, reduce swelling, and improve circulation while ensuring comfort with side-lying positioning. Post-natal sessions address diastasis recti, pelvic floor dysfunction, and muscular tension from childcare activities, promoting faster recovery.
Oncology Massage
Gentle, adaptive massage supports cancer patients through all treatment stages. Techniques modify pressure and positioning to accommodate treatment side effects while promoting relaxation and lymphatic drainage. Sessions focus on reducing anxiety, easing chemotherapy symptoms, and improving post-surgical mobility with scar tissue management.
Hot Stones Therapy
Heated basalt stones enhance muscle relaxation and circulation during remedial treatments. The stones' warmth allows deeper tissue work while providing soothing sensory benefits. This service combines targeted massage with strategic stone placement to relieve chronic tension, particularly effective during colder months.
Self-Myofascial Release
Guided sessions teach foam rolling and mobility techniques for home practice. Participants learn to address muscle tightness, improve joint range of motion, and manage stress using therapy tools. Workshops include posture analysis and customised exercise plans to maintain treatment benefits between sessions.
People
Vanessa Skelton
Sports Massage Therapist
BTEC Level 5 qualified therapist with 15+ years experience in sports injury rehabilitation. Specialises in oncology massage, pregnancy care, and myofascial release. Former GB Ultimate Frisbee athlete with postgraduate certifications in scar tissue management and kinesio taping.
Questions
Do I need to be an athlete for sports massage?
No - techniques treat soft tissue issues from everyday activities, postural strain, and chronic pain as well as sports injuries.
Can massage help post-natal recovery?
Yes - sessions address diastasis recti, pelvic floor dysfunction, and muscular tension from childcare, with tailored rehabilitation advice.
Is oncology massage safe during treatment?
Yes - modified techniques accommodate chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical recovery, focusing on comfort and symptom management.
What should I wear for treatment?
Comfortable clothing that allows movement assessment; disposable drapes provided for targeted skin access during therapy.
How many sessions will I need?
Varies by condition - acute injuries may require 3-5 sessions while chronic issues benefit from regular maintenance treatments combined with self-care.
Reviews (6)
Dani Karman
Dec 20, 2019
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The best. All my life practising different sports and treated by different massage therapists and this is the best that I have. Vanessa treated my neck twice already and with awesome results. Good price and great service. Thank you again Vanessa :)
Graham Elliot
Sep 18, 2018
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My daughter (11) had her first massage with Vanessa. She loved it and is now saving her pocket money for her next visit!
Rachel Derry
Nov 14, 2017
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I have seen a few massage therapists over the years, Vanessa is by far the best I have seen! She treats me as an individual and each appointment focuses on what I need that day. She seems to understand how I'm feeling and what I need even if I can't explain it well. I have seen Vanessa since she was training and she gets better each time. She seems to be continually learning new techniques and is excited to try them out on me to see if they help me. She regularly does an assessment with me to see how I am doing and also provides with with tips and exercises. Ontop of this Vanessa is a lovely person
Adelle Tudor
Sep 30, 2017
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I've had to change massage therapists on a lot of occasions in the past due to moving around with work. I was really grateful to Vanessa for undertaking a pregnancy specific add-on massage qualification to be able to treat me before even having met. She has helped me stay pregnancy ache-free during my second and into third trimester. Vanessa is definitely the best massage therapist I have been treated by in at least 10 years. Her technique is far less brutal than some I have been treated by yet still gets the results which is a win-win.
Mark B.
Jul 10, 2017
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I'm training for my first marathon & was looking for a sports massage as the millage builds up. The service provided was friendly and professional. I was not sure what to expect as this was my first massage but it felt great and I will go again.
Graham Bailey
Jul 19, 2016
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I've had problems with muscles for a long time and Vanessa's done a great job of loosening things up. She goes in nice and deep not like some of the rather timid massages I've had in the past. My Achilles tendinopathy is now on the mend after years of suffering and she's helped me make postural improvements too that should reduce my chances of future injuries.
