This type of massage is not only for sports men / women but can be beneficial to most people.

Deep Tissue

Deep Tissue is a specific massage; adapting techniques to work below superficial connective tissue, with the aim to release old structural patterns and allow the free flow of nutrients and oxygen in the blood and so to the tissues themselves. It focuses on releasing the deeper myofascial restrictions of the deeper muscles, tendons and ligaments of the body. Deep Tissue Massage helps to free trapped nerves, oxygenate poorly circulated areas and allows the spine and joints to relax into alignment.

It is good for treating clients with muscular tenderness and lack of flexibility. It also requires the therapist to apply a considerable amount of pressure, which in some cases may cause some discomfort to the client; however, the therapist will always work within the comfort zone of the client.

The therapist uses movements to release chronic muscle tension through slow and deep strokes, with more direct pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles. The therapist will detect of stiff, knotted or painful areas by determining the quality and texture of the deeper layers of musculature, and slowly working into the deep layers of muscle tissue.

 

Sports Massage Techniques

 

Soft Tissue Release

Soft Tissue Release is a combination of movement and manipulation by locking in to the relevant tissues, whilst simultaneously stretching and aligning muscle fibres - this is often a missing link in the treatment of tightness and restriction of muscles.

Stretching is a technique to increase the client's range of movement & flexibility by lengthening and reducing muscle tension.

Palpation

Just prodding your finger into a tender spot does not give the therapist much information, other than that it is probably tender!

The therapist will use palpation skills so that they can more easily identify changes in texture, tension or damage in soft tissue. And will therefore have a better idea of how to treat the area.

Trigger points

They are highly irritable and localised areas within muscle fibres. These areas can be the size of a pea, to a large lump and are often tender and painful to touch.
Trigger points are tender points in the muscle fascia; these can be difficult to locate.
The rationale behind using trigger points therapy is that it creates localised ischemia (lack or reduction of oxygen to the muscle tissue) which starve the trigger point of oxygen and nutrients needed to sustain contraction.

The therapist will combine trigger point with counter-strain techniques to release them faster and without pain.

Counter-strain means passively shortening a muscle, allowing it to release, thus allowing minimal pain and discomfort whilst alleviating the trigger points.

 

Neuro-muscular techniques (NMT)

Neuro-muscular techniques (NMT) can be employed to alleviate these areas and so reduce knots and adhesions. NMT is an extension of deep friction & pressure techniques; it is applied with thumbs, fingers, fists or elbows, and is a diagnostic palpatory tool designed to help assess and deal with chronic pain.

The therapist may also use Reciprocal Inhibition PNF (Proprioceptive Neuro-Muscular Facilitation) stretches, which are the most effective ways of lengthening muscles.

Please note

The massage will never consist entirely of deep tissue work, as this would be too much for the client. It will be used as and when deemed necessary.

 

Arthritis Paraffin Wax Treatment

Physicians, physiotherapists and arthritis specialists have recommended paraffin wax therapy since 1962. The warm paraffin is one of the most effective ways of applying heat to reduce the swelling in muscles, decrease inflammation of joints and connective tissue, soothing the pain from arthritis and improving circulation.

Areas that can be treated - hands, feet, elbows and knees

The treatments involves a massage of the affected area with essential oils, before the area is put into a warm wax bath, where it is covered in wax. It is then removed and the wax sets. This is repeated at least 6 times to ensure even coverage. A warm towel is wrapped around the area to further retain the heat and is left on for approx 15/20 minutes before being removed.

 

Price

30 minute deep tissue massage £20

60 minute deep tissue massage £30

90 minute deep tissue massage £45

30 minute paraffn wax treatment £20