Massage

This method of massage aims to facilitate healing where stressed muscles, joints, or tendons are contributory factors. The technique ranges from light to deep pressure depending on the issue presenting, and is a perfect complement to osteopathic treatments. Our therapists will assess a patient’s needs and work around the body to locate not only known injury sites, but causal and related problem areas. The process will often include trigger point therapy where knots in the muscles are calmed through pressure application. This technique targets the trigger point itself, along with areas that may be tense through referred pain from this point.

Relaxation massage is intended to do just that. Using lighter pressure and slow movements, the therapist gently eases the body’s tensions and stimulates blood flow. This can be beneficial for people who need a little time to escape and recoup during stressful times. It is also used in conjunction with other techniques to relax the body, enabling more effective access to problem areas.

Where patients present with a severe injury or prolonged issue, deep tissue massage may be required. This targets the superficial muscles, deep muscles, and connective tissue. The therapist will assess the issue according to the patient’s verbal description, and through hands-on investigation to ascertain the core problem. It is not uncommon for muscles to react to this treatment in a similar way to strong exercise; there may be slight stiffness for a day or two following the treatment.

The Fascia are a part of the connective tissue throughout the body which offers support and helps maintain the structure and mobility of nerves, blood vessels, and muscles. Myofascial release focuses on the fascia relating to muscles. Just as muscles themselves can become stressed or damaged, so too can the fascia. This form of therapy can span from very deep pressure through to lighter pressures; the aim being to stretch and relieve tension from the fascia to restore typical levels of support and flexibility.

Lymphatic drainage is a method of promoting the movement of lymph through the body and thus enhancing the rate at which toxins are filtered out of the system. It involves gentle cyclical movements on the skin, and as well as being effective in it goal, is relaxing for the patient. Used alongside other techniques, the ailments it helps to regulate and heal are varied; they include torn ligaments, sprains, sinusitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fluid congestion.

Anyone who is playing any sport knows of the possibilities around injury occurring through contact, strain, or repetitive over use of a particular part of the body. Sports massage incorporates any or all of the aforementioned styles in relation to the particular issue presenting. Often sports people require regular treatments which focus on particular problem areas to aid in healing as well as preventing further damage.

Zenthai Shiatsu treatments; a form that is movement based, deeply quietening and practiced on a shiatsu mat on the floor

Blood, Ki and nerves form the foundations of our bodies internal pathways. For reasons emotional, psychological, physiological and habitual, the pathways become stuck, stagnant, dried up. The natural healing mechanisms of our bodies are challenged and the "free flowing river" of Ki or energy, stagnates. Drawing from Chinese medicine, Thai massage tradition techniques, some osteopathic concepts and the stillness of traditional Shiatsu, the body is encouraged - through focused attention - to descend into the parasympathetic zone to heal, rest and restore Ki.

Myofascial Cupping is a soft tissue therapy that encourages healing by creating a negative pressure or suction on the skin using plastic or glass cups that pull up underlying tissues, blood, and other fluids close to the surface of the skin.