Remedial massage works on particular muscle tension or chronic pain which may have been building up for months.

Treatments are tailored to each client and will include a combination of postural assessment, advanced massage and remedial techniques to assist with pain, restricted movement and / or the impact that everyday life can have on our bodies.

An overview of the whole body is taken into consideration as tension or inhibited muscles and soft tissues in one part of the body can lead to pain and restriction in other parts of the body.

Remedial exercises or stretches for you to complete at home may also be suggested to help maximise the benefit of the treatment.

Sports massage therapy helps alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the body’s soft tissues during physical activity. Sports massage can be used to:

• Prevent or treat injuries by treating small niggles and imbalances that could become bigger problems.
• Assist in the recovery process of a current injury. Muscles, tendons and ligaments are worked on to reduce the build-up of scar tissue and inflexible muscle fibres that may have occurred through injury, swelling and inflammation, the massage techniques encourage the flow of blood which can support the bodies healing processes.
• Enhance performance by supporting the bodies repair process and detecting areas of tension or restriction that can prevent development of speed, strength or endurance.

This type of treatment can help you whether you are a serious athlete, someone who enjoys regular exercise or you have decided to start training for a special sporting challenge.

For clients that have this type of treatment on a regular basis to support their training, I refer to it as an early warning system as differences in the soft tissues can be detected in their early stages, and can prevent pain, inhibited performance and injury. It can also highlight muscles that may not be functioning as they should, which can also affect performance.

Kinesiology taping seemed to become more well known after the 2012 Olympics, where there were a lot of athletes wearing brightly coloured tape on the arms and legs.

It has a number of different uses including pain relief, it can assist to reduce inflammation by facilitating lymph drainage. It can also be used to support muscles and joints without restrciting movement.

I prefer Rock Tape and if I think a client will benefit from having Kinesiology tape applied I will discuss it with them during the treatment.

If you have a specific query linked to the use of Kinesiology taping, please get in contact.

If you have an appoinment with me, especially remedial massage or Scar Work / Scar Tissue therapy, it is highly likely you will hear me talk about fascia and myofascial release.

What is Fascia?

Fascia, or connective tissue, is a 3D continuous web that extends without interruption throughout the body. Under a microsope it looks like a cobweb. Fascia requires hypdration to perfom effectively, drinking alone doesnt do this, fascia also requires movement to keep hydrated. This is why when someone has been less active due to illness or surgery it can result in people feeling like they do not move as easily as they did before.

Fascia is composed of two main types of fibres, collagen and elastin, that promote strength and flexibility. It is dynamic in nature and changes and conforms to pressures applied to it. When healthy, the fascial system is relaxed, providing a supportive cushioning mechanism allowing us to move 'safely' without restriction or pain

So what is Myofascial Release?

Myofascial Release (MFR) is a mild and gentle form of stretching that can have a very positive effect upon the body. A slow gentle pressure allows the body's tissue to reorganise without force, release physical restrictions and release the body's unconscious holding and bracing patterns.