Massage therapy 

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• Deep Tissue Massage: 

Most people choose Deep Tissue Massage because, they say, they want to ‘feel it’.
Deep tissue massage is commonly used to help alleviate general pain and stiffness
especially in the neck, back and shoulders. It is good for releasing pain and
discomfort from long held muscle tension, neck or shoulder pain and stiffness,
headaches, RSI, general aches and stiffness from pc and laptop work or the gym
etc. And can help with some injuries and improve posture and mobility.

But, as well as a good old general ‘overhaul’, we often find that some sciatica and
pain felt in the knees or lower back can be attributed to muscle tension coming from deeper muscles such as in the legs and gluts. Which can be helped with deep tissue massage.

During a deep tissue massage your therapist generally uses slow firm stokes with
deep pressure, which may be applied using thumbs, knuckles, hands, forearms or
elbows, with the aim of releasing tight bands of muscle fibres. This may involve static pressure with particular focus on softening dense areas of tissue, followed with some friction and sweeping motions to help flush toxins away and increase healing blood supply to the areas. Pressure is firm to very firm.
Some people choose to include a bit of relaxation or a nice scalp massage in with
their deep tissue massage at the end.

It is worth bearing in mind, when booking, that it takes longer to apply this level of focus on specific areas. Therefore, if you are wanting to include neck, back and legs, or shoulders, back and arms, for example you will need to book a minimum of 60 minutes.

• Combination Massage :

Deep Tissue massage combining specialist techniques such as Myofascial Release,
Isometric Pressure & Trigger Points to help remove compensatory postural patterns.
More effective than deep tissue alone for relieving postural issues, pain and
discomfort, headaches and long-term tension.

Additional techniques can include:

Isometric pressure can be combined with isometric contraction techniques to aid the
neuromuscular system. The therapist applies resistance and the client gently
contracts the muscle against that resistance. The contraction is held (usually 5–10
seconds).
After the isometric contraction, the nervous system signals the muscle to relax more
deeply than before — a reflex known as post-isometric relaxation
This re-educates the nervous system – teaching muscles to let go of chronic holding
patterns. It increases proprioception (body awareness) and prevents protective
guarding – the muscle learns it is safe to relax.

Trigger point massage focusses on releasing “knots” or hyperirritable spots in muscle
fibres. These may be active (feeling a response in a different area of the body as
opposed to where the direct pressure is being applied) or inactive (feeling sensation
or discomfort in the immediate area where pressure is applied) The therapist applies
sustained, direct pressure- often deep and targeted – on a tender point in the
muscle.

Pressure is usually held until the tissue “releases” (muscle softens, pain reduces, or
referred pain eases) followed by the use gentle massage strokes around the area to
encourage relaxation, improve circulation, and prevent the muscle from tightening up
again.
Stimulating the circulation and lymphatic flow helps the body clear waste products
and bring in fresh oxygen and nutrients.

Myofascial Release (see Myofascial Release Massage for more information on this
technique).

Fascia tissue is a very thin, sticky tissue that runs throughout our body. It is a web-
like connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, and organs.
When fascia becomes tight, restricted, or develops adhesions (often after injury,
stress, or poor posture) it can cause pain, reduced mobility, and tension throughout
the body.

Myofascial release is particularly useful for clients that have a lot of inflammation and
are find hands on treatments painful. Very effective for relieving long term tension
and discomfort and assisting in pain relief and mobility issues. It is regarded as
especially good for aiding conditions like fibromyalgia, back & neck pain, TMJ
dysfunction, plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow.

It can improve mobility & flexibility by releasing restrictions in the fascia allowing freer joint and muscle movement.
It helps to break up scar tissue & adhesions and helps tissues recover after surgery, injury, or repetitive strain.
And aids muscles allowing them to soften and lengthen by addressing surrounding
fascia and enhances range of motion and reduces risk of injury.
Unlike traditional massage, MFR often uses gentle, sustained pressure and
stretching rather than oil and flowing strokes. It can feel subtle but has profound
effects on the body over time.

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• Pregnancy Massage (prenatal massage) Gentle to medium pressure.:

Pregnancy massage is specifically tailored to mum’s to be who are in their 2 nd or 3 rd
trimester. Massage should not be carried out during the 1 st trimester and must only
be carried out by therapists that are trained and qualified in Pregnancy Massage.

During pregnancy, massages are carried out with Mum to be lying on her side and in
a semi-reclined position, supported by pillows. There are various pressure points and
areas that would normally be covered during a standard massage but must be
avoided during pregnancy. The client’s position is important and care is taken to
ensure that they are comfortable and covered throughout.

As well as some (usually) much need pampering, the benefits of pregnancy or
prenatal massage include relief from pain and discomfort caused by muscle tension
and changes in the body, improved circulation and lymph flow, reduced swelling in
legs, ankles, hands and wrists, less nerve compression and aids in keeping sciatica
and pelvic girdle pain (PGP) at bay, reduced stress and anxiety by promoting
oxytocin release (the feel-good hormone) and promotes better sleep.

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• Scalp or Neck, back and shoulder Massage : 

Medium or firm pressure.
Beneficial for people that want something relaxing whilst getting rid of unwanted
neck and shoulder tension, headaches & migraines caused by tension, can help
relieve jaw tension.