Welcome to

Plymouth Sports Massage

Supporting your journey to lasting recovery, renewed strength, and a more active, balanced lifestyle.

Massage & Injury Specialist

Welcome to Plymouth Sports Massage, specialists in recovery, performance, and wellbeing.

Sports massage is an effective treatment aimed at restoring your body and helping you back to full fitness. It is a common misconception that this treatment is only beneficial for those who participate in sport, running and intensive gym work. In reality it offers a benefit for everyone, including people who are suffering with muscular tightness and with general aches and pains. As graduate Injury therapists and level 4 sports massage practitioners, we are able to treat a multitude of ailments, whether they were sustained whilst engaging in sport or through daily life.

Personalised Care from Experienced Therapists

Through our role as sports therapists and rehabilitation specialists, we have gained extensive experience in working with people of all abilities, including international athletes. Furthermore, we have both achieved first-class degrees and Carl is a Peer-Reviewed author / researcher specialising in exercise, illness and quality of life. If you have a muscle or joint complaint that you would like to have resolved, please get in touch with Plymouth Sports Massage.

A few clients we have supported

Georgina Gulliver​

England & Barbarians Rugby

“Since retiring from international rugby, I’ve been struggling with a few ongoing niggling injuries that have built up over the years of playing at a high level.

I started seeing Carl for treatment a few months ago, and I’ve been really pleased with the results so far. Each session has made a noticeable difference, and

I’m seeing steady improvements in both mobility and comfort. Carl’s treatment approach is thorough and professional, and his depth of knowledge really stands out.

I’m genuinely impressed with the progress we have made and would highly recommend him to anyone needing expert rehabilitation support and advice today.”

Sonny Trigg

2 x British & European Record Holder

“I have been seeing Carl weekly for the last 4 months to supplement my Swim training in a number of ways.

Firstly before visiting Carl I had been suffering with Tricep Tendonitis and some serious pain preventing me training, this was almost immediately overcome and I have been pain & injury free throughout my hard training.

Secondly my mobility was lacking for swimming, most notably in the streamline position. We have been making strides with this and consequently I am swimming the best I have in my life, not bad considering I am nearly 30!
Since seeing Carl I have swam both lifetime bests and set both British and European Masters Records.

Beyond all of this Carl is generally brilliant.”

Carl Drake

British Boxing Champion

“I worked with Carl in preparation for high profile fights for the British title and the David Haye World title undercard on Sky Sports at the MEN arena  in Manchester.

I was in the best shape of my life and was lucky to train under Carl, who helped me with my functional fitness levels, achieving a British title and rated highly in the boxing rankings.

Highly recommended for any levels of fitness and keeps you highly motivated.”

Steve Burrows

Elite Senior Marathon Runner

“I’ve been having ongoing treatment with Carl, and he’s brilliant. After running a marathon two days ago, I was struggling with leg pain. 

Carl worked on both legs, explaining what he was doing and targeting the problem areas.

The room is calm, relaxing, and welcoming.

His knowledge and professionalism are excellent — I always leave feeling much better!”

Useful information about your visit

With over 25 years of experience in the health, fitness, and wellbeing industry, I’ve dedicated my career to helping people move better, recover faster, and enjoy active, pain-free lives. My journey began in personal training and sports therapy, working within leading health clubs and five-star hotels before launching South Devon Fitness in 2017 — a mobile personal training and massage service supporting clients across the region.

In 2019, I achieved a Foundation Degree in Sports Therapy & Injury Rehabilitation (Distinction) from the University of Plymouth, followed by a First-Class Honours Degree in Sports Rehabilitation & Sports Therapy the following year. Alongside my studies, I qualified as a Level 4 Sports Massage Therapist and went on to establish Plymouth Injury Clinic at HQ Business Centre.

My career has given me the privilege of working with an incredibly diverse range of clients — from recreational gym-goers to elite athletes, including Arsenal coaching staff, youth academy footballers, British champion boxers, international rugby players, and world-class kickboxers. I’ve also supported numerous sports teams and well-known personalities at both local and national level.

Beyond my clinical practice, my academic research into quality of life and rehabilitation outcomes was published in a peer-reviewed journal, and I continue to be involved in ongoing research within this area.

Having represented Devon in football, athletics, and cross country — and personally overcoming two broken legs at the age of sixteen — I understand both the physical and emotional impact of injury. This experience shapes my approach today: combining knowledge, empathy, and hands-on expertise to help every client restore function, confidence, and long-term wellbeing.

My focus at Plymouth Sports Massage is simple — to deliver professional, evidence-based care that enhances recovery, reduces pain, and optimises performance for people from all walks of life.

To deliver the highest possible standard of care, I’ve always gone beyond the basic industry requirements expected of a sports massage therapist. As a registered member of the Sports Therapy Organisation (STO), I follow their strict professional code of conduct and ethics, and I complete regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to continuously enhance my knowledge and techniques.

All of my academic qualifications are accredited by the University of Plymouth and the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), each attained at the highest academic level. I am fully insured through Balens, hold an up-to-date First Aid qualification, and maintain a current Enhanced DBS certificate— ensuring every client receives treatment in a safe, professional, and trusted environment.

Location

Plymouth Injury Clinic
HQ Business Centre
Office 31
237 Union Street
Plymouth
PL1 3HQ

We’re based inside the HQ Business Centre, conveniently located on Union Street — just opposite Lidl and only a few minutes from Plymouth City Centre.


Directions & Parking

From Plymouth City Centre, make your way towards Devonport via Union Street. You’ll pass Aldi on your left — keep going straight until you reach Lidl.
Just before Lidl, turn left as though entering their car park, then take an immediate left into the HQ Business Centrecar park.

Free on-site parking is available directly beside the HQ building, facing Union Street, separated by a small grass verge. The HQ Business Centre features a modern glass-fronted reception area — you’ll find Unit 31 located inside.

When you arrive, press Office 31 on the intercom and I’ll let you in. Once inside, please register your vehicle on the tablet at reception to enjoy up to three hours of free parking.

If you need help locating us, feel free to call Carl on 07932 026176.