About massage matters
A Therapist Who Cares
I am a fully qualified Remedial & Sports Massage Therapist with specialised training from the Western School of Massage, the only Scottish Massage School that is University credit rated. My extensive experience in sports, particularly athletics, spans over 40 years. I initially competed as an athlete and now run to maintain my fitness. Additionally, I hold a level 2 British Athletics Coach certification.
My passion for health and fitness led me to train as a massage therapist, where I discovered the significant benefits of massage therapy in injury prevention and post event recovery. This knowledge enables me to support others on their health and fitness journeys. I am dedicated to continuous development, always seeking to enhance my skills and techniques in remedial massage and sports massage.
Benefits of Massage
The effects of massage therapy can be categorised into psychological, physiological, mechanical, and reflexive benefits. Some of the key advantages of massage include:
- Reduction of muscle spasm
- Release of tension and anxiety
- Improved sleep
- Enhanced muscle tone
- Pain relief
- Energy boost
- Immune system boost
- Improved lymphatic drainage
- Better nutrition to tissues
- Release of endorphins
- Promotion of the ‘feel good factor’ and natural pain relief.
Massage therapy truly assists individuals in managing everyday life challenges, while also benefiting those living with various conditions. It can be targeted at specific areas or applied as a whole-body treatment to release tension, reduce muscle spasm and pain, which is especially important for injury prevention and post event recovery, as discussed and agreed upon during your consultation.
This is why 'Massage Matters' and why incorporating sports massage or remedial massage techniques can significantly enhance your overall well-being.
Massage Matters - treatments
Remedial Massage
A remedial massage is a therapeutic massage. The goal of remedial massage is to relieve pain, improve range of movement, and promote recovery by addressing the root of your discomfort. Remedial massage can help with a wide range of issues, including muscle pain, tension, and stress. It can also improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and aid in the healing of soft tissue injuries. Beyond physical ailments, remedial massage can also provide emotional benefits by promoting relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving sleep quality. Before the treatment I will conduct a general examination and then test your range of movement. The results of this will then be used to determine your treatment.
- Targeted Treatment:Remedial massage is designed to address specific areas of pain or dysfunction, such as injuries, muscle knots, or chronic pain.
- Deep Tissue Work:It often involves working on deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to release tension and improve circulation.
- Techniques:Remedial massage therapists may use a variety of techniques, including targeted swedish massage, myofascial stripping , trigger point therapy, joint mobilisation, and PNF stretches. (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation)
- Benefits:Remedial massage can help reduce pain, improve flexibility and range of motion, and aid in the healing of injuries.
Remedial massage is commonly used to treat conditions like muscle tension, restricted movement, joint pain, soft tissue injuries, and conditions caused by poor posture or repetitive strain.
Sports Massage
A sports massage is specifically designed for athletes or individuals involved in regular physical activity. It focuses on preventing and treating injuries, improving performance, and enhancing recovery. While it shares some similarities with other types of massage, such as remedial massage, sports massage is more targeted and customised to the athlete's needs, addressing the specific muscle groups that are under stress due to sports activities. Key benefits of sports massage include:
- Injury Prevention: By targeting muscles and tissues that are prone to strain, it can help prevent injuries before they occur.
- Faster Recovery: It helps reduce muscle soreness, increase blood flow, and promote quicker healing after intense physical activity or training.
- Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion: Regular sports massage can help improve flexibility and mobility, which can enhance athletic performance.
- Pain Relief: It can help relieve pain from overuse, muscle tension, or injury.
- Enhanced Performance: By addressing muscle tightness and imbalances, sports massage can help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of an athlete's movements.
Sports massage techniques include targeted swedish massage, myofascial stripping, friction ,PNF stretching, and mobilisations depending on the needs of the individual. It's beneficial for athletes of all levels, from professional to recreational.
Swedish Massage
Using Swedish massage techniques massage can help your overall health and well being. It's a popular choice for those seeking overall relaxation, stress relief, and muscle tension reduction.
- Relax the body: The gentle techniques help reduce stress and promote a sense of relaxation.
- Increase circulation: The rhythmic strokes improve blood flow, helping to deliver oxygen and nutrients to muscles and tissues.
- Ease muscle tension: It helps relieve mild muscle tension and discomfort, particularly in areas like the neck, back, and shoulders.
- Improve flexibility: Gentle stretching and muscle manipulation can help increase range of motion and flexibility.
- Promote mental relaxation: Swedish massage can also have a calming effect on the mind, helping to reduce anxiety and mental stress.
It’s generally considered a lighter, more soothing massage compared to others like remedial or sports massage, making it a great option for those looking to relax and unwind.
Hot Stone Massage
A hot stones massage is a therapeutic massage that uses smooth, heated stones, typically made of volcanic rock , to help relax muscles and improve circulation. The stones are heated in water to a specific temperature and then placed on key points of the body, such as the back, hands, or feet, to enhance the massage experience.
During the massage, I will use the stones in a combination with manual Swedish massage techniques.
Key benefits of a hot stone massage include:
- Muscle Relaxation: The heat helps soothe tight muscles, making it easier to relieve muscle tension and stiffness.
- Improved Circulation: The warmth from the stones helps improve blood flow and encourages the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles.
- Stress Relief: The calming heat promotes relaxation and can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
- Pain Relief: It's particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing chronic pain or discomfort, as the heat can reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
Contact Us
Email:
For inquiries related to injury prevention, massage therapy, post event recovery, remedial massage, or sports massage, please reach out to us at info@massagematters.co.uk.
What's App:
07875 590904
