This is a therapy which has been in use since the beginning of time as it comes as second nature to us to automatically touch any part of our body which is suffering from pain or discomfort.

I offer various types of massage, which are explained in more detail below, and may include Soft Tissue Release and Muscle Energy Technique.

• On-Site Massage
• Therapeutic Massage
• Relaxation Massage
• Sports Massage
• Remedial Massage

Some of the benefits of massage include these areas:

• Metabolism
• Tissue Flexibility
• Muscular System
• Nervous System

This is carried out on a specially designed chair which is particulary ideal for dealing with neck, shoulders and back problems which may have led to headaches, eye strain and fatigue etc.  These are all areas where we tend to harbour a great deal of tension, perhaps arising from poor posture ,working conditions such as Repetitive Strain Injury (caused by repetitive overuse of the soft tissue muscles) or an accumulation of emotional stress. Stress hormones like cortisol affect brain cells,which means that the more stressed one is, the more anxious one can become.A variety of different movements help to relax taut and uncomfortable muscles, ease stiffness, stimulate the blood circulation and drain away excess toxins, so helping to relieve headaches and eye strain and increase joint mobility.  It also encourages deeper breathing and helps boost the flow of freshly oxygenated blood to the brain, resulting in more focused thought, greater concentration, better memory and a significant improvement in well-being.

This technique establishes and maintains good physical condition and health through normalising and improving muscle tone, promoting relaxation, stimulating circulation and producing therapeutic effects on the respiratory and nervous systems and the subtle interaction between all body systems.

This has a profound effect on the health of the person being massaged. It improves circulation, relaxes muscles, aids digestion and by stimulating the lymphatic system, speeds up the elimination of wastes.

Micro strains to muscles will always occur. If the individual performs a variety of different movements in everyday life these strains will heal and cause no lasting problems. If however repetitive activities are involved, whether occupational or sporting related, the affected area will continue to be stressed and the same tissues constantly traumatised. Weaknesses, imbalance or reduced function become evident but are often not heeded until a severe injury occurs.                               

Massage can also be applied specifically to prevent strain or injury in many everyday leisure activities, ie  bowling, fishing, golf, running, swimming, walking etc, and is used to keep muscles and joints in optimum condition.

Minor injury is by far the most common musculoskeletal problem which may seriously affect a person's occupation, sport or quality of life.  Massage can treat the majority of such minor problems quickly and effectively.

Every cell in our bodies needs a good supply of blood which contains all the ingredients needed for growth, repair and nutrition.  Every cell also needs to eliminate the waste products which arises from the above processes. (A simple analogy would be that of a car's engine which must have fuel to make it work, yet must have an exhaust to remove its combustion gases).

The long stroking massage movements towards the heart have a pumping effect which aids these two requirements.

Massage is able to stretch specific localised areas of muscle in a way which may not be possible with normal exercise.

Massage:      Stretches muscles         >         Increases recovery from injury
                   Relaxes muscles            >         Maintains suppleness
                   Warms muscles             >         Improves flexibility

Massage can affect the nervous system in several ways.

It stimulates the nerve receptors in the muscles which control tissue tension.  This can lead to further relaxation of the muscles and a reduction in pain.  In more general terms this can be seen where non-physical stress (emotional, etc) can lead to physical symptoms such as anxiety, headaches, digestive problems and muscular pain.

Massage works at many levels all of which aim to reduce the negative sensory input and to increase the positive sensory input.  (The brain produces endorphins which are the body's own natural painkillers for promoting a relaxing and calming effect). This accounts for a general well-being that recipients usually feel after treatment.