Sports Massage

60 minutes — £50

 

Well let’s start by saying it’s not just for the sporty types out there, but also for office workers who are at risk of repetitive strain injuries from sitting all day at their desk, those who have suffered an acute soft tissue injury and everyone else in between!

Many injuries are brought about by overusing certain muscles, whether this be repetitive and aggressive movements as a part of training or competition, or as a result of slouching at your desk all day . This can result in soreness, pain and inflammation. Sports Massage, or Soft Tissue Therapy, is an ideal therapy to rehabilitate the soft tissues of the body including muscles, tendons and ligaments. Sports Massage is much more specific than a Deep Tissue Massage and treats more complex ailments. The aim is to work directly at the injury/issue site and surrounding area.

+ Should I get a Sports Massage?

Put simply…YES

There are loads of reasons that people will choose a sports massage, you may have ongoing conditions such as shoulder pain, from weight lifting, reduced ranges of movement in your ankles that prevent you squatting low enough, or a tight, tense back and neck from sitting all day at a desk, you may even have sustained a recent injury.

Sports massage can be useful in the treatment of specific conditions or injuries such as;

  • Knee Injuries (Cruciate ligament Sprain, Meniscus tear, osgood schlatters disease)

  • Piriformis syndrome

  • Adhesive Capsulitis (frozen shoulder)

  • Tennis & Golfers Elbow (medial and lateral epicondylitis)

  • Rotator Cuff Injuries (shoulder injuries)

  • IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial band or runners knee)

  • Plantar Fasciitis (Foot surface pain)

  • Upper and Lower back pain (repetitive movements of the lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine)

  • Patellar tendonitis (Jumpers knee)

  • Muscle strains- hamstrings, quads, calf

  • Ankle sprains (lateral ankle sprains account for 10-15% of all sporting injuries)

  • Achilles tendon problems (tendonitis (inflammation) or tendinosis (degeneration)

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

+ What are the benefits?

Anyone who exercises regularly should consider massage therapy as part of an overall lifestyle choice, not just when you have an injury. It is also the perfect way to include stress relief in your exercise program. So why build massage into your exercise regime?

Pain management
Pain can affect any part of the body, at any time, whether it be an acute injury or the slow onset of a repetitive strain injury. Sports massage can relieve pain in several ways, including relaxing painful muscles, tendons, and joints; relieving stress and anxiety; and possibly helping to "close the pain gate" by stimulating competing nerve fibres and impeding pain messages to and from the brain.

Shortens recovery time
Sports massage can help to shorten recovery rate by increasing oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscles. When used to treat injury, massage can help to promote healing in the same way, it also supports lymphatic drainage which helps the body remove waste products, and reducing any excessive swelling associated with injury. Friction techniques can also help to align new collagen formation within the muscle, which can lead to improved realignment of scar tissue and a reduction in the risk of re-injury.

Muscle relaxation
After a demanding workout in the gym, or a hard day in the office, the first thing you want to do is relax and your muscles want the same treatment too! The techniques used during a sports massage are designed to aid muscle relaxation, stretching of the tissues during a massage helps muscle fibres release tension and built up pressure by using deep, slow, kneading strokes.

It can make you feel good
We all know that RXing a workout, running a Marathon in under 3 hours or getting 70% dressage score isn't all about physical strength and endurance, the mind also plays a huge part!

An intensive, targeted sports massage has many positive effects on your psychological wellbeing, which helps improve performance and recovery. Simply taking time out for yourself, or from the physical reduction of pain and muscular tension; massage therapy has been found to reduce daily stress and anxiety levels. This in turn can lead to increased quality and quantity of sleep which is essential for daily living, and performance.

+ What does it involve?

To be honest, at some point, it will probably be uncomfortable, but it will work. The area being worked on must be easily accessible, so please expect to remove clothing, and you will be treated on a massage table. I will step outside allow you to disrobe and lay onto a table underneath the top sheet and blanket. During your massage, I will only uncover the areas of your body I’m working on.

Sports massage requires communication, so please tell me if you would like more or less pressure, what areas you’d like to target, what might be causing you discomfort, and more. Your feedback is invaluable as it allows me to adapt me technique and make sure we target the right area.

+ What to expect after treatment

You are likely to feel a bit sore after, and depending on the treatment area, and techniques used there may be some bruising. Please make sure that you drink lots of water before and after treatment.

Indian Head Massage

60 minutes — £50

 

Indian Head Massage is based on the Ayurvedic healing system and has been used traditionally in India for thousands of years. It involves working with a strong but gentle rhythm helping to ease tension, focussing on your head, neck and shoulders and working on both physical and mental states.

It is a deep, relaxing massage, using a variety of pressure and techniques, that aims to relieve stress and tension in the muscles and joints of the face, head, neck ,shoulders and arms, stimulate circulation, soothe and calm the spirit, and rebalance the energy flow. Indian Head Massage is one of the most relaxing forms of massage you will ever receive.

+ What are the benefits?

It relieves aches, pains, and tension in your neck, back and shoulders, it may improve the texture of your hair and encourage it to grow. There are also several muscles in the scalp, neck and jaw that can develop tension due to anxiety, stress, and postural strain. This tension can restrict the flow of blood in the scalp causing a build-up of waste products, which can result in tension headaches and referred pain into the jaw, neck and shoulders. This can also contribute to some forms of sinusitis, tinnitus and eyestrain caused by prolonged computer use.
As with all massage, Indian head massage stimulates the flow of blood, lymph and oxygen in your upper body, and therefore may clear your sinuses, relieve stress and help you sleep better. And because it is said to help cure headaches (even migraine), eye strain and anxiety, some say an Indian head massage can help you to concentrate better at work.

However most clients report, the most biggest benefit is that the experience is deeply calming and relaxing, leaving them feeling energised, revitalised and better able to cope with life.

+ What does it involve?

You remain fully clothed and sit in a massage chair for the treatment, this makes it an ideal choice if you are pregnant, or anxious about having a massage, and can be easily adapted to fit in during your lunch break!

I use a range of traditional massage techniques and pressure points on the head, neck, back, arms and face to relieve pain and tension, promote circulation and increase oxygen flow. Indian head massage is tailored to suit your individual needs.

You should wear loose-fitting clothing, so that you don't feel restricted or uncomfortable. Clothing should allow access to the neck, shoulders, and upper back, so a vest top is ideal. As Indian head massage concentrates on the scalp, whilst it’s hair friendly, it’s not so hair-do friendly!

+ What to expect after treatment

After an Indian head massage, you are most likely going to feel very relaxed and tranquil, so it is important to sit for a while after treatment. In order to help with detox you should drink plenty of water and herbal teas both after the treatment and throughout the day. Following a treatment some clients experience tiredness, light headedness, or aching muscles, some may even have the onset of a headache, the effects of this should be alleviated by drinking water. These side effects usually last for no more than a few hours, after which you generally experience increased energy and alertness.

Myofascial Release

60 minutes — from £60

Myofascial release (MFR) is a full body hands on technique that release the fascial system, a 3 dimensional web connecting every system and cell in the body. Through trauma and repetitive motion or positioning (lifting all day or sitting all day) restrictions can form in the fascial system. Releasing the fascial restrictions throughout the body increases function, decreases pain, increases blood flow and nutrition to the body and increases overall health.

+ What is Fascia?

The fascial system is a complex three-dimensional web connecting and surrounding every cell in the body. Through daily life of repetitive movement, injury, trauma and prolonged positions restrictions can occur. Currently it is not possible to see these restrictions with modern imaging techniques such as Xray and MRI and often fascia is the missing link for why people feel pain, particularly complex, chronic pain. Fascial restrictions have been shown to exert up to 2000 pounds per square inch. As the fascia system runs throughout the body it can have an impact on any part of the body including vascular, neurological, circulatory, digestive.

+ What does treatment involve?

Myofascial release (MFR) is carried out directly on the skin and is a whole body approach so not always centred where you feel pain. Through my training I have developed a sensitivity in my touch to feel where fascial restrictions are located. The treatment consists of engaging the barrier of restriction and then waiting to allow release to happen. This often takes 3-5 mins. This is one of the main differences of MFR for me as a therapist is holding and waiting for the structure to release, rather than forcing it. You will be encouraged during the treatment to discuss what you are feeling, this is important as it helps me follow your body and for you to work with your body day to day.

+ What to expect after treatment

Often people report feeling very relaxed after treatment, they sleep well. Long term pain can resolve, but often if it has been present for many years, several treatments may be required. There can be a flare up of pain as the body adjusts to the release it has undergone but this is short lived. I advise drinking plenty of water and of course am available to contact if you have any concerns regarding what you are feeling after treatment.

Acupuncture

60 minutes — from £60

 

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine stainless steel needles into the skin. It has been used in China for over 2000 years and increasingly in Western medicine with a body of scientific evidence and clinical research supporting its effectiveness.

Acupuncture is often used alongside other physiotherapy treatment modalities to treat a wide range of common health problems such as low back pain, migraines and knee pain. This can help reduce dependency on pain killers, aid better mobility in joints and increase quality of life.

Acupuncture is often used alongside other physiotherapy treatment modalities to treat a wide range of common health problems and reduce pain.

+ What are the benefits?

Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce endorphins and oxytocin which are the body’s own pain and feel good hormones. It may also promote sleep by stimulating the release of melatonin in the body and may also encourage a sense of wellbeing by stimulating the release of serotonin.

Acupuncture can also stimulates nerve fibres to block out pain signals reaching the brain therefore reducing the sensation of pain.

+ What does it involve?

Ideally you should have eaten within the 2 hours prior to your appointment as this reduces any feelings of faintness you may experience during your treatment, as it helps keep your blood sugar up.

l history and ask you about your current health problems. I will also ask you to complete an ‘Acupuncture in Physiotherapy Consent Form’. The number of needles required will depend on your symptom and condition but generally range from 1-10.

The needles are inserted into the skin at acupuncture points sometimes where you feel pain or can be away from the pain or a combination. The needles are left in from anything around a few seconds to 30 mins. I may stimulate the needles by gentle rotating them. The needles are then removed and you will be asked to rest for a few minutes.

+ What to expect after treatment

Different people respond in different ways and at different rates. Some people feel an immediate improvement whilst some see a gradual improvement after a few treatments, and some see no benefit. Some people see their condition/symptom flare up for up to 24 hours after treatment but then see a marked improvement.

Although acupuncture can help reduce pain, particularly when more conventional treatments have failed, it does not work for everyone.

Side effects are normally mild and include light bleeding from the site of needle insertion, bruising, pain/aggravation of symptoms, drowsiness, dizziness and nausea.

+ Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture should not be painful. The needles used are approximately the width of human hair, so having acupuncture does not feel the same as having an injection.

When the needles are inserted, you my feel a temporary, sharp pricking sensation. During treatment itself, you may have a feeling of warmth or ‘fullness’, heaviness, pins and needles, numbness, tension around the needle or a mild ache or discomfort.

You may also feel a little lightheaded or relaxed. It should not feel unpleasant. These are signs that your body is reacting to the acupuncture. Alternatively, you may not feel the needle at all.

Reiki

60 minutes — £50

 

Reiki is a method of healing that was re-discovered in the early 1900’s by a Japanese man called Dr Mikao Usui. It is best described as “spiritually guided Ki or life force energy”. This can be defined by breaking down the word into “Rei” which means universal higher power, spiritual guidance or God force. “Ki” means vital or life force energy.

Those who practise Reiki as a treatment method are not detecting, diagnosing or intervening. When I treat someone with Reiki I am allowing an unlimited external source of ‘energy’ to flow. The energy is drawn through me according to your needs on that occasion: we are not directing the energy, we co-create a ‘healing space’ so that you can bring your own energy system into balance, without conscious and deliberate intervention.
Reiki is used in healing physical, emotional, mental and spiritual problems as well as to promote relaxation and relieve stress. It can also be used for setting intentions, changing unwanted habits and in strengthening meditations.

Reiki sessions are non-intrusive and can be beneficial in combination with other therapies. People have described treatments as deeply relaxing and creating a sense of calm and balance. Reiki is a valuable tool and when integrated into your life can have powerful effects on you and those around you.

+ What are the benefits?

Reiki works on a mental, emotional and physical level when used as a treatment method and lends itself to being used in conjunction with most hands-on therapies. There is more scientific evidence emerging about the effectiveness of Reiki treatments, however larger, more robust studies are required.

Reiki can be particularly effective in the treatment of:

  • Stress, tension, anxiety and related symptoms

  • Sleeplessness

  • Emotional turmoil and discord

  • Feeling unable to cope

  • Low spirits, depression

  • Low energy levels

+ What does it involve?

You remain fully clothed and lie on the couch for the treatment, this makes it a great choice if you are pregnant, or anxious about having a massage, and can be easily adapted to fit in during your lunch break! You should wear loose-fitting clothing, so that you don't feel restricted or uncomfortable.

+ What to expect after treatment?

After a Reiki session, you are most likely going to feel very relaxed and tranquil, so it is important to sit for a while after treatment. In order to help with detox you should drink plenty of water and herbal teas both after the treatment and throughout the day.

Thai Aroma Massage

90 minutes — £70

 

Thai Aroma Massage combines the traditional Thai massage and stretches with the Western style Swedish massage. It is performed on a massage bed using pre-blended aromatherapy oils giving a unique massage experience. Not only do you experience a balance of your energy (sen) lines, but it leaves you feeling totally relaxed and peaceful.

The Sen lines are similar to the meridians of Traditional Chinese Medicine that carry the Qi, or Chi energy around the body. The Sen lines also run throughout the body with specific points ending at the hands and feet. In Thai Medicine the obstruction of the flow of Sen is thought to be the cause of discomfort or illness in a person, and the techniques of Thai Massage are thought to stimulate and open these channels.

+ What are the benefits?

  • Improves circulation of blood and lymph
  • Aids removal of toxins
  • Stress relief-calming and sedating
  • Reduces stiffness and improves joint flexibilty and range of movement
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Improves sleep pattern
  • Stimulates lymphatic drainage
  • Improved mental clarity
  • Boosts immune system
  • Promotes relaxation

+ What does it involve?

This treatment is highly adaptable and can be received fully clothed if you would prefer, if you are happy to be treated without clothing, then I will ask you to disrobe, when I am out the room, and lie under the towels. I will only be exposing the areas I will be working on, and ensure you are fully covered, for your own comfort and warmth.

The massage itself is a bit different and uses variety of hands-on techniques including graceful two-handed palm movements, stretches, circular massage movements and thumb pressure along the sen lines. In order to complete some of the deep stretches and full compressions, this involves me getting on the table too- so please don’t be alarmed!

+ What to expect after treatment

After a Thai Aroma Massage, you are most likely going to feel very deeply relaxed and tranquil, so it is important to rest for a while after treatment, and not leave till you feel grounded. If you have to drive after, sit in the car first, wind the windows down and stay alert. In order to help with detox, you should drink plenty of water and herbal teas both after the treatment and throughout the day. It would be wise to reduce stimulants such as caffeine, sugar, and alcohol, you may want to eat a light meal to support healing.

Following a treatment some people experience tiredness, light headedness, or aching muscles, some may even have the onset of a headache, the effects of this should be alleviated by drinking water. These side effects usually last for no more than a few hours, after which you generally experience increased energy and alertness. You may also become emotional, especially if you have been feeling stressed, the body releases its emotions as it relaxes so don’t worry.