MASSAGE
Touch is a natural human instinct. We connect through touch, we hug and if we hurt ourselves we rub it better. Massage is a therapy that uses rubbing and kneading for healing purposes. There are many different types of massage, from relaxing calming massage, to deep tissue and sports therapy massages, which work at a deeper level. Massage works on areas of stress, tension and pain - as well as for general calming and wellbeing.
Massage can be used safely alongside conventional medicine and is non-invasive. It has little, if any, side effects - other than helping you to feel calm, relaxed and less anxious. It can help reduce pain and give a feeling of warmth and healing. Massage can help to rebalance your emotional wellbeing and help rebalance and harmonise all aspects of your life.
I specialise in deep tissue medical massage. I also offer Abdominal Sacral, Swedish, Pregnancy and Indian Head massage. Although there are several massage styles, they all involve using touch in a sensitive way. If you don’t like something, just let me know and I’ll change my approach.
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Your first medical massage appointment always includes a ‘range of motion’ assessment to help identify any muscle imbalances or areas that need addressing. Your treatment will then involve a focus on any identified areas. I pay special attention to areas of tension and ‘myofascial trigger points’, which are those nodules and tight areas that you can feel in muscles. I may recommend techniques, such as soft tissue release, muscle energy technique, Gua Sha or Cupping, to help deal with any problem areas. I will usually recommend stretches to support your recovery.
ABDOMINAL SACRAL MASSAGE
Abdominal Sacral Massage focuses on relieving symptoms and complaints associated with the reproductive and digestive areas. The massage is a deep, but gentle treatment, over the abdomen, lower back/sacrum and around the coccyx. The treatment encourages the realignment of the organs within the abdomen.
The massage focuses on breaking down scar tissues that are often present and helping to loosen intestinal debris, which helps encourage a healthier bowel. As the tension is released, ligaments and muscles will often feel stronger. This treatment can have a powerful effect on hormones within the body and is often used alongside fertility acupuncture.
Symptoms that can be addressed with Abdominal Sacral Massage include bloating, constipation, painful periods, bladder issues, such as cystitis, pain during intercourse, fertility problems, PMS and headaches.
PREGNANCY MASSAGE
Bodies go through an incredible amount of change during pregnancy, with organs and muscles being moved around with the growing baby. Increased blood flow and baby weight can contribute to some aches and pains, which are often completely normal, albeit a little tiring. Most women will experience some issues, from tiredness and fatigue, to fluid retention, back ache and headaches. Massage is a wonderful way of helping you to feel better in your pregnancy.
I have had specialist training in pregnancy massage and am extremely experienced. I always use a body cushion for pregnancy massage, to support the spine and prevent spinal compression. Lying on your back during pregnancy can be extremely uncomfortable and can increase tension, rather than remove it. Massage during pregnancy can help restore energy, to remove tension and help improve your wellbeing during this exciting time. Acupuncture in pregnancy is another option for mums-to-be, to support the journey to motherhood.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Fascia is the tissue that surrounds and connects all the structures in our body. Over time, due to impact or injury it can become restricted or damaged. Myofascial release can help to release and improve that web.
Trauma - either physical or emotional - including scarring or inflammation, can cause the fascia to lose its pliable nature. Similarly, poor posture, repetitive movements and stress can all cause changes in the fascia. This can cause restrictions, tightness and adhesions where it can become attached to other structures in the body. Many people experience pain that isn’t muscular but that stems from the fascia. This pain, until released, can continue for years and can impede your day-to-day function and our bodily flexibility.
Special massage techniques used for myofascial release can help to address pain, injuries and chronic systemic conditions, such as ongoing fatigue, ME, rheumatoid arthritis and support those in trauma. Techniques and approaches to working effectively with the fascia include indirect myofascial release, direct structural integration approaches, cranial work and visceral manipulation, which enhances results and can reduce client pain quickly and easily.
Oils are not used in myofascial release. This is to ensure that I can get a more accurate feel for any fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of pressure to enable its release.
