Blog

Oils Used in My Treatments

DOES AN OIL REALLY MAKE MUCH DIFFERENCE?Those who have already been my clients will know that I use a variety of different oils, but what do they actually do? As a qualified aromatherapist I offer various customized products to suit each individual’s spec...

CBD Massage

CBD MASSAGE I am now offering CBD massage. The CBD oil can be used with any of the massage treatments that I offer, with the exception of the rungu massage, which already specifically uses the kalonji oil.Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is derived from the cannabis...

The Lymphatic System and the Skin

The Lymphatic System and the SkinThe skin is the largest organ of the body, and just one small area of compromised tissue can initiate a ripple effect, impacting organs, vital systems and general functioning of the whole body.The lymphatic system consists...

Paediatric Massage

PAEDIATRIC MASSAGEIn Indian, African and Asian cultures, daily massage in babies dates back to ancient times, to promote weight gain, co-ordination and bonding. Touch starts to develop at 8 weeks gestation with the formation of sensory receptors and it is...

Important Questions Before Oncology Massage

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR MASSAGE THERAPIST PRIOR TO AN ONCOLOGY MASSAGEAppropriate oncology training and familiarity with cancer treatments is hugely important when seeking a massage therapist if you have cancer, because specific knowledge and expe...

How Trauma Impacts on Our Memories

HOW TRAUMA IMPACTS ON OUR MEMORIESWe have different types of memories which can be affected by trauma in different ways.

Massage for Cellulite

MASSAGE FOR CELLULITEWHAT IS CELLULITE?Cellulite, otherwise known as gynoid lipodystrophy, is used to describe an area of skin which has a dimpled appearance. It is usually seen in more fatty areas eg. the hips, buttocks, and thighs, but can also occur on...

UNDERSTANDING PTSD: Things People With PTSD Do That Seem Impolite to Other People

UNDERSTANDING PTSD: Things People With PTSD Do That Seem Impolite to Other PeopleI know only too well how PTSD can cause us to act in ways that sometimes we don’t understand, let alone other people, meaning that others may perceive us in a negative way. H...

UNDERSTANDING PTSD:THE FAWN RESPONSE

UNDERSTANDING PTSD:THE FAWN RESPONSEMost people know about the fight, flight and freeze trauma responses many don’t know about the fawn response, where people-pleasing is used to avoid conflict and feel more secure, by mirroring the perceived expectations...

The Relationship Between the QLs and Iliopsoas

The Relationship Between the QLs and Iliopsoas63% of massage clients seek treatment for pain management which is a huge development in the industry, which was initially more thought of as a relaxation therapy. The iliopsoas and the QL are often the key to...

Men and Trauma

MEN & TRAUMAWe know that women are twice as likely to experience post-traumatic stress as men, but men are more likely to experience trauma in the first instance, whether it be from physical or sexual abuse, military experience or something else. I have p...

Massage Following a Stroke

MASSAGE FOLLOWING A STROKEA stroke (CVA-cardiovascular accident) can appear to be a very sudden occurrence, potentially leaving someone unable to move, speak or communicate. They occur as a result of reduced blood flow in the brain, which prevents oxygena...

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic Outlet SyndromeThoracic outlet syndrome covers 3 different issues involving compression of nerves and/or blood vessels by the first rib, collarbone or neck muscles in the thoracic outlet.The thoracic outlet is the space between the first rib and ...

Osteitis Pubis

OSTEITIS PUBISOsteitis pubis is characterised by inflammation, pain, sclerosis and bony changes at the pubic symphysis, ie where the left and right pubic bones meet at the lower front part of the pelvis, and also surrounding ligaments and attachment poi...

Winged Scapula

Winged ScapulaWINGED SCAPULA/SCAPULA ALATAWhen winged scapula is present, the muscles around scapula become weak or paralyzed, causing destabilisation, and this results in the medial border of the scapula protruding, like a wing, rather than resting flat ...

Osgood Schlatters Disease

Osgood Schlatters DiseaseOsgood-Schlatter disease is an overuse injury occurring during pubertal growth spurts in adolescents, causing painful, bony bumps just below the knee, at the top of the shinbone. These bumps occur due to inflammation of the growth...

Little Leaguer's Elbow

Little Leaguer's ElbowLITTLE LEAGUER’S ELBOW/ MEDIAL EPICONDYLE APOPHYSITISResearch has shown that at least 25% of baseball players aged 9-12 years old suffer with elbow pain, or Little leaguer’s elbow, which is an overuse injury that causes pain on the i...

Severs Disease

Severs DiseaseSEVER’S DISEASE/CALCANEAL APOPHYSITIS Repetitive trauma and inflammation of the growth plates of the heel bone, due to traction of the Achilles tendon, can cause heel pain in children aged between 8 and 14 and this is known as Sever’s diseas...

Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder ImpingementShoulder impingement, a common cause of shoulder pain, occurs when a tendon inside the shoulder joint, rubs on the bone as you lift your arm, and soft tissues can get pinched between the bones of the shoulder. While it usually improves...

Chronic Exertional Compartments Syndrome

Chronic Exertional Compartments SyndromeCompartment syndrome occurs when injury causes increased pressure and swelling within a muscle compartment of the arm or leg, as a result of bleeding in the muscle. Compartments within the legs and arms are separate...

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar FasciitisOne of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, caused by inflammation of the thick fibrous fascia that runs along the sole of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes (plantar fascia) CAUSES:- The plantar fascia ac...

SLAP Tears

SLAP TearsThe shoulder is a complex are which consists of 5 joints, the main one being the glenohumeral joint (ball & socket) & is made up of 3 bones: the humerus, the shoulder blade, & the collarbone . The head of the arm bone articulates with the glenoi...

Shoulder Dislocation

Shoulder DislocationOne of the most common injuries in contact sports, such as football and rugby, is shoulder dislocation, due to the shoulder being the most mobile joint in the body, which means it can also be at risk of instability during traumatic col...

Meniscal Tears

Meniscal TearsANATOMY OF THE KNEE & MENISCUS The femur, tibia and patella bones are held together by the ligaments of the knee, forming a hinge joint, and although incomplete in places, the articular capsule of the knee is strengthened by ligaments and te...

Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)

Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)Frozen shoulder is where the shoulder joint gradually becomes painful and stiff for no apparent reason, getting worse and then finally disappearing in anything from 1 to 3 years. Usually only one shoulder is affected a...

Patellofemoral syndrome (Runner's Knee/Anterior Knee Pain)

Patellofemoral syndrome (Runner's Knee/Anterior Knee Pain) Patellofemoral syndrome is a broad term which describes pain at the front of the knee due to various knee problems, accounting for around 25% of knee injuries seen by sports therapists. It is know...

Fascia Dysfunction and Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Fascia Dysfunction and Myofascial Pain SyndromeMyofascial pain syndrome affects over 20,000 people each year in the UK. It is a chronic muscular pain disorder, affecting the fascia (connective tissue surrounding the muscles), where trigger points cause pa...

Pelvic Tilt

Pelvic Tilt Pelvic tilt is often a complex issue, involving both the spine & the hips, & can occur alongside spinal & hip deformities eg. spina bifida which may further progress any scoliosis. Pelvic tilt is an imbalance in the orientation of the pelvis, ...

Gluteal Injuries: A Pain in the Arse

GLUTEAL INJURIES:A PAIN IN THE ARSE The glutes consist of three major muscles: gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus, and they are used in hip movements and, alongside the IT band, knee movement. Gluteal pain may also involve surrounding ...

Deep Gluteal Syndrome

DEEP GLUTEAL SYNDROME Deep gluteal syndrome has various causes and associated conditions. While common, it is usually severe, not eased by resting, and becomes a chronic condition requiring medical attention. The main cause of deep gluteal syndrome pain...

Gluteus Medius Syndrome (Runner's Butt)

GLUTEUS MEDIUS SYNDROME (Runner’s Butt) The gluteus medius lies between the gluteus maximus and minimus and contracts isometrically to help support the hip during weight bearing. When all of our weight is placed on one leg when the foot comes in contact...

Gluteus Medius Tear

GLUTEUS MEDIUS TEARThe lower third of the gluteus medius is covered by the gluteus maximus and together they form the buttocks. The gluteus medius rotates the thigh outwards, allowing you to walk steadily without falling, and is attached to the thigh bone...

Gluteal Tendinopathy

Gluteal Tendinopathy Gluteal tendinopathy is the most common hip tendonitis and a common cause of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome. Gluteal tendinopathy is often associated with trochanteric bursitis. The gluteal tendons connect gluteal muscle to the hi...

Injuries in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and How to Prevent Them

Injuries in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and How to Prevent ThemBJJ has many benefits:- increased strength weight loss muscle gain increased cardiovascular endurance However, whether new to the sport or experienced, the injury risk is high due to groundwork, head,...

Pectoral Gap

PECTORAL GAP Causes:- • Impatience/poor or inconsistent workout plan(main cause) • Traumatic injury eg. pec detachment • Unusual growth patterns due to taking growth hormone • Muscle tears due to steroid use – muscles develop much faster than tendons, i...

Golfer's Elbow

Golfer's ElbowGolfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles from repetitive gripping, arm rotation or flexion of the wrist. This results in small tears in the tendon, pain at the inner elbow which may radiate along the ...

Tennis Elbow

Tennis ElbowTennis elbow, otherwise known as lateral epicondylitis, is where small tears in the tendons of the forearm muscles result in inflammation, due to overuse & incorrect wrist action, causing pain on the outer elbow. It affects approximately 50% o...

Injuries to the Arm

Injuries to the ArmSports related injuries to the arm often happen due to overuse, poor technique, or poor conditioning, so with a few preventive measures the risk of injury can be reduced. Baseball player, golfers & rockclimbers are often at risk of thes...

Gilmores Groin (Sports Hernia)

Gilmores Groin (Sports HerniaSPORTS HERNIA (ATHLETIC PUBALGIA – also known as Gilmore’s groin) Sports hernia is a strain to the soft tissue in area where the lower abdominal muscles meet the adductors. It may affect muscle, tendons, ligaments or nerves. R...

Shin Splints (Tibial Stress Syndrome)

Shin Splints (Tibial Stress Syndrome)I remember a few years ago, feeling around a bruised area on my shin & feeling lots of bumps along the length of my shin bone, & after doing some research, realising that my flat feet, frequent bruised feeling on my sh...

Knee Valgus v Knee Varus

Knee Valgus v Knee VarusWhen the bone segment distal to a joint sits at an outward angle, away from the body's midline, this is known as a valgus. When the angle is inward, toward the midline of the body, this is called varus. Knee valgus is characterised...

Femoroacetabular Impingement

Femoroacetabular Impingement FAI was recognised as a cause of osteoarthritis in the hip by Dr. Reinhold Ganz, an orthopaedic surgeon in 2003, while developing an open surgical dislocation procedure, but femoroacetabular damage has been recorded for over 1...

Sacroiliac Pain and Sacroiliitis

Sacroiliac Pain and SacroiliitisA rise in sedentary lifestyles is causing increased tension in the lower back muscles due to prolonged periods of sitting, sometimes compressing nerves, and an estimated 10-25% of people with lower back pain have sacroiliit...

IT Band Syndrome and Lateral Knee Pain

IT Band Syndrome and Lateral Knee PainThe iliotibial band is a thick band of connective tissue that forms from the gluteal muscles, stretching from the top of the tibia (lower leg), along the outer thigh to the pelvis, helping to abduct the hip and stabil...

Common Injuries in Bodybuilding

Common Injuries in BodybuildingBASIC PRINCIPLES There is nothing worse than getting injured just when you are starting see some progress in your gym training, but by paying attention to basic training principles many of these injuries can be avoided. BASI...

Sports Injury Prevention in Teens

SPORTS INJURIES AND FITNESS IN TEENSA parents job is not to produce a World Championship athlete, but to encourage their kids to become healthy adults and support them in making fitness a way of life. Teens should engage in 60 minutes of vigorous physical...

Wrist Pain and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Wrist Pain and Carpal Tunnel SyndromeWrist pain can occur in those lifting weights & is a common work related injury. This is because overuse & repetitive compression of the several small wrist bones in unnatural positions, cause inflammation. Incorrect t...

Massage for Torticollis

Massage for TorticollisTorticollis(otherwise known as wry neck or neck dystonia) is a painful flexion/extension/twisting and tilting of the neck beyond its normal position, which causes the head to tilt to one side. It can be congenital or acquired, often...

Starting at the Gym

Starting at the Gym It’s that time of year when people start hitting the gym in the hope of losing that extra Christmas weight and getting toned up for the summer. Research shows:- • 45% of people do gym workouts, with power walking and swimming being the...

Rippling Muscle Disease

Rippling Muscle DiseaseI saw a client with tension in the back and during the course of the massage she presented with a rippling of the muscles, extending from the rhomboids of the upper back down to the pelvis.It was clear that this was not a usual mus...

Knee Pain

Calf Start-Up Pain

Calf Start-Up PainDo you ever wake up in the morning with tight, painful calf muscles? For those of us who are less active, particularly through the lockdown, tightening of the calf muscles and Achilles tendons may now be a frequent occurrence when we get...

Calf Heart Attacks

CALF HEART ATTACKS IN RUNNERS & TRI-ATHLETES Have you ever been out running and experienced some mild tension in your calf, which then rapidly turns into a sharp tearing pain, which forces you to stop running? Sometimes a runner will experience micro-te...

Snapping Hip Syndrome

Snapping Hip SyndromeThere are two types of snapping hip syndrome.• Internal snapping hip syndrome (iliopsoas tendonitis) • External snapping hip syndrome (gluteus maximus/IT band rub against the head of the thigh bone)Iliopsoas tendonitis is inflammation...

The Most Common Weightlifting Injuries and How to Avoid Them

The Most Common Weightlifting Injuries and How to Avoid ThemThe way we perform exercises will contribute to injuries. It is human nature to look for the easier way to do something, and most of the time we end up compensating. These compensations can cause...

Mitochondria and Metabolic Fitness in Diabetic Athletes

Mitochondria and Metabolic Fitness in Diabetic AthletesWHAT ARE MITOCHONDRIA? • the energy powerhouse of the cell • populate up to one-third of the volume of skeletal and cardiac muscle cells WHY ARE MITOCHONDRIA IMPORTANT TO ATHLETES? • have a fundamenta...

Crepitus

Crepitus A common question from clients is “Why do my joints make that noise?”, and there may be a few different answers to that question. At some point, most of us have experienced something, whether it’s cracking knuckles, creaking knees or something el...

Why Your Back Isn't Always the Cause of Your Back Pain

WHY YOUR BACK ISN'T ALWAYS THE CAUSE OF YOUR BACK PAINI see so many clients who come for a treatment stating that they have a back problem,yet more often than not,it becomes evident that their back isn't actually the cause of their back pain. With an incr...

The Benefits of Massage for Bodybuilders

The Benefits of Massage for BodybuildersLong strenuous training sessions and injury can slow down your development as a bodybuilder, but sports massage can improve performance by reducing the potential for injury. By improving the circulation of blood, an...

A Comparison of Sports Massage, Stretching and Foam Rolling

A COMPARISON OF SPORTS MASSAGE, STRETCHING AND FOAM ROLLING I am asked by clients on a regular basis whether sports massage is as good as foam rollering or stretching, and the benefits would certainly promote enhanced performance, improved recovery, prev...

Running Technique

Running Technique I often find myself sat in the local park observing the various postures of runners, some which are good, and some are an injury waiting to happen. It is estimated that 65 - 80 % of runners acquire an injury, whether due to overtraining,...

Does Sports Massage Improve Athletic Performance?

DOES SPORTS MASSAGE IMPROVE ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE?Looking to perform better, stay injury-free and recover faster from training? If so, sports massage can help. Sports massage can boost your physical performance, speed up muscle repair, and help you recover...

Soft Tissue Dysfunction v Soft Tissue Injury

Soft Tissue Dysfunction v Soft Tissue InjuryDYSFUNCTIONAL TISSUE:- Dysfunctional tissue is non pathological and free from injury or inflammation, and is generally demonstrated by aches and pains. While the body generally adapts to the demands placed upon ...

Pre-event, Maintenance and Post Event Massage

Pre-event, Maintenance and Post Event MassageWHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PRE EVENT, MAINTENANCE AND POST EVENT SPORTS MASSAGE? A pre event massage will take place in the 48 hours prior to a sports event and will incorporate more stimulating technique...

Does a Sports Massage Hurt

Does a Sports Massage HurtI often have clients enquire about sports massage, and they assume that they will come away battered and bruised, and be subjected to lots of pain. Unfortunately some people still think that a sports massage will be a relaxing ex...

Quad Muscles

Quad MusclesANATOMY & INJURIES The quads are a group of 4 muscles along the front of the thigh which are used in hip flexion & knee extension, ie. running, jumping, kicking & stepping, and strains to these muscles are a common sports injury.1)Rectus Femor...

Hamstrings

HamstringsThe hamstrings are 3 muscles that extend along the back of the thigh from the hip to the knee, which are used during running, climbing & jumping to flex the knee, tilt the pelvis & twist the knee in flexion. They also work with the glutes to ext...

Deltoid Muscle

Deltoid MuscleThe deltoid muscle is divided into the anterior, middle and posterior which surround the shoulder joint. It is a large muscle extending from the collar bone to the outer upper arm, and is used to lift the arms out in front and to the sides,...

Gluteus Minimus

GLUTEUS MINIMUS STRAINThe gluteus minimus, which forms part of the hip along with the gluteus medius, is a fairly broad triangular muscle, attaching at the ilium of the pelvis and greater trochanter of the thigh bone, and is separated from the gluteus med...

The Chest Muscles

The Chest MusclesSPORTS INJURIES TO CHEST MUSCLES Sports related chest injuries are fairly uncommon, but it is important to keep in mind that life threatening situations can occur during high impact collisions with another player, or an object, either sta...

The Gluteus Maximus

THE GLUTEUS MAXIMUS The gluteus maximus is the outermost and largest of the gluteal muscles, giving the rounded buttock shape. It helps to control lower body movement by maintaining balance through the hip joint and thigh while walking, running, squatti...

Groin and Adductor Muscles

Groin and Adductor MusclesGroin injuries account for 2 - 5 % of all sports injuries & will be influenced by various factors.The complex anatomy of the groin area increases the chance of injury, affecting not only the adductor muscles, tendons & ligaments,...

Quadratus Lumborum (QLs)

Pain and Tension in the QL MusclesANATOMY The quadratus lumborum is the deepest muscle of the posterior abdominal wall, sitting on either side of the lumbar spine between the iliac crest of the pelvis & the 12th rib. It also inserts at the transverse proc...

Hip Flexor Muscles and Injuries

Hip Flexor Muscles and InjuriesANATOMY ,FUNCTION AND CAUSES OF INJURY This series will focus on the hip flexor muscles and how to deal with injuries. The main two hip flexors are the iliacus, a deep flat muscle that lies between the pelvis and the thigh b...

Calf Muscles and Injuries

Calf Muscles and InjuriesThe main bulk of the calf is comprised of 2 muscles. The gastrocnemius is the main superficial muscle which tends to be well-defined, and is responsible not only for plantar flexion of the ankle, but also flexion of the knee. This...

The Diaphragm

The DiaphragmI have previously talked about how addressing the cause of a problem, rather than just treating the symptoms with soft tissue work is important in really making a difference. This doesn’t always happen, however, and one of the most overlooked...

Bench Press

Bench PressSports therapy isn’t just about treating injuries with massage. It is also about teaching how to prevent performance limiting injuries through correct technique and posture, so that the client can continue to reach their goals, and become fitte...

Clean & Jerk

Clean & Jerk Sports therapy isn’t just about treating injuries with massage. It is also about teaching how to prevent performance limiting injuries through correct technique and posture, so that the client can continue to reach their goals, and become fit...

Romanian Deadlift

Romanian DeadliftSports therapy isn’t just about treating injuries with massage. It is also about teaching how to prevent performance limiting injuries through correct technique and posture, so that the client can continue to reach their goals, and become...

Lat Pulldown

Lat PulldownSports therapy isn’t just about treating injuries with massage. It is also about teaching how to prevent performance limiting injuries through correct technique and posture, so that the client can continue to reach their goals, and become fitt...

Rowing Machine

The RowerSports therapy isn’t just about treating injuries with massage. It is also about teaching how to prevent performance limiting injuries through correct technique and posture, so that the client can continue to reach their goals, and become fitter ...

Treadmill

TreadmillSports therapy isn’t just about treating injuries with massage. It is also about teaching how to prevent performance limiting injuries through correct technique and posture, so that the client can continue to reach their goals, and become fitter ...

Exercise Bike

Exercise BikeSports therapy isn’t just about treating injuries with massage. It is also about teaching how to prevent performance limiting injuries through correct technique and posture, so that the client can continue to reach their goals, and become fit...

Lunges

LungesSports therapy isn’t just about treating injuries with massage. It is also about teaching how to prevent performance limiting injuries through correct technique and posture, so that the client can continue to reach their goals, and become fitter and...

Ab Crunches

Ab CrunchesSports therapy isn’t just about treating injuries with massage. It is also about teaching how to prevent performance limiting injuries through correct technique and posture, so that the client can continue to reach their goals, and become fitte...

Leg Press

Leg Press Sports therapy isn’t just about treating injuries with massage. It is also about teaching how to prevent performance limiting injuries through correct technique and posture, so that the client can continue to reach their goals, and become fitte...

Squats

SquatsSports therapy isn’t just about treating injuries with massage. It is also about teaching how to prevent performance limiting injuries through correct technique and posture, so that the client can continue to reach their goals, and become fitter and...

Kettlebells

Kettlebells Sports therapy isn’t just about treating injuries with massage. It is also about teaching how to prevent performance limiting injuries through correct technique and posture, so that the client can continue to reach their goals, and become fit...

Hemiplegic Migraines

Hemiplegic MigrainesA rare type of migraine called hemiplegic migraine can result in one sided weakness in addition to the headache itself and other related symptoms. While the usual type of migraine can result in a visual or sensory aura(neurological di...

Post Surgical Massage

Post Surgical MassageMASSAGE FOR POST SURGICAL HEALING A post-operative massage can really help to encourage healing by reducing pain and stress, improving scar tissue formation and range of motion and, following cosmetic procedures, promote a positive a...

Massage for Covid

MASSAGE FOR COVIDMASSAGE FOR CLIENTS WITH SHORTNESS OF BREATH DUE TO COVID-19Given the fact that COVID-19 has been a global pandemic, it is inevitable that as a massage therapist I will encounter clients who are potentially still recovering from long COVI...

Massage for Thyroid Problems

Massage for Thyroid ProblemsMASSAGE FOR CLIENTS WITH THYROID PROBLEMSHYPOTHYROIDISMHypothyroidism affects approximately 0.1% of the population and causes increased fatigue and metabolic problems due to the body’s inability to produce energy. It happens as...

Pain Psychology

Pain Psychology“It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has.” (Hippocrates) This statement is still relevant today when treating some clients. It is a common belief that pain is caused by s...

Why Does Massage Work: The Mitochondria

Why Does Massage Work: The MitochondriaTHE SCIENCE BEHIND MASSAGE: WHY DOES IT WORK? We know what massage does, but why does massage therapy work? Research by M Tarnopolsky, a neurometabolic scientist, showed that massage helps heal the body on a cellula...

Massage for the Type 1 (Insulin Dependant) Diabetic

Massage for the Type 1 (Insulin Dependant) DiabeticThe number of people with diabetes has risen from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million, approximately 8% of whom are type 1 diabetic. By 2040 this figure is expected to rise to around 640 million. The likel...

Massage for Chronic Pain

Massage for Chronic PainChronic pain is pain that continues past 6 months due to illness or injury. It may be linked to other symptoms, eg.stress, insomnia, turning it into a chronic pain syndrome, which becomes a pain cycle. Acute pain is a normal respon...

Post-operative Massage

Post-operative MassageSpecialized massage therapy has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in post operative clients. Any invasive procedure will result in tissues being damaged and it takes time for them to heal and regain full range of motion. Pain i...

Aromatherapy Massage for Alopecia Areata

Aromatherapy Massage for Alopecia AreataALOPECIA AREATA Having suffered with particularly high stress levels, I have experienced alopecia, leading me at one point to shave my head. Not wanting to go to that extreme again, I am looking into other treatmen...

Massage for Sciatica

Massage for SciaticThe 2 sciatic nerves are the largest in the body, and they connect the lower spine to the feet, via the buttocks and the back of the thighs, controlling muscles and sensation in the legs. Sciatica is more a symptom of other issues than ...

Massage for Fibromyalgia

Massage for FibromyalgiaWHAT IS FIBROMYALGIA? Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain throughout your body. It also leads to fatigue, sleep issues, and other symptoms. People with this condition are more sensitive to pain than those without the condi...

Weight Loss and Massage

Weight Loss and MassageI am sometimes asked if massage can help you lose weight. The quick answer is no but it can assist with losing weight by other means such as dietary changes or exercise. Massage has the following benefits which will assist someone w...

Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep Breathing ExercisesExercise 1Place one hand on your stomach and the other hand on the upper chest and see whether your normal breathing is just making the upper chest move, or if it includes movement around the lower ribs. Start to focus on your brea...

Femoral Massage

FEMORAL MASSAGE(FOR INFERTILITY, PCOS,IVF,ENDOMETRIOSIS AND DYSMENNORHOEA)This exercise can be done twice a day in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle ie. days 7-14, or the day before embryo transfer in those going through IVF.The massage should n...

Massage For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

MASSAGE FOR POLYCYSTIC OVARIESOne in ten women suffer with polycystic ovary syndrome, a common hormonal disorder which triggers cysts to form in the ovaries. It can develop in women during teenage and childbearing years, and while up to 50% of cases are...

Massage for the Menopause

Massage for the MenopauseDiminishing hormone levels can lead to a variety of symptoms and there are effective treatment options available, including massage. Symptoms include:- • Hot Flashes - sudden sensation of feverish heat through the body particularl...

Massage for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

MASSAGE FOR PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER (PMDD) We’ve all heard of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) where various symptoms are caused by hormonal changes at certain times in the menstrual cycle. PMS affects around 40 million women, over 5 million of whom ...

Massage for Endometriosis

Massage for EndometriosisWHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS? • excessive thickening & shedding of the lining of the uterus causing the endometrial cells to grow elsewhere in the body eg the fallopian tubes,ovaries,omentum,around the bowel,bladder & vagina. In very sev...

Massage for the client with a Stoma

Massage for the client with a StomaThere are approximately 120,000 people in the UK with some kind of stoma. Often stomas are temporary, allowing time for the bowel or bladder to recover, and around 6,500 of the 21,000 yearly stoma surgeries are permanent...

DiabeticGastroparesis

DIABETIC GASTROPARESISGastroparesis, or delayed gastric emptying, means that food remains in the stomach for longer periods of time because it is unable to pass easily into the small intestine. This happens when regular stomach contractions to push part...

Abdominal Massage for IBS,Constipation and Abdominal Pain

Abdominal Massage for IBS,Constipation and Abdominal PainIBS, Irritable bowel syndrome affects the colon (large intestine) & is a fairly common problem. Although IBS does not permanently damage the large intestine, it can really restrict a person’s lifest...

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)WHAT IS SIBO?Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when bacteria, found in the rest of the digestive tract, increases in the small intestine (ileum). This can result in pain, diarrhoea and malnut...

The Effect of Postural Alignment on the Abdominal Organs

THE EFFECT OF POSTURAL ALIGNMENT ON THE ABDOMINAL ORGANSMaintaining an upright posture is essential in optimising health. While gravity pulls us down to the earths centre, ground reaction force pushes us up in opposition to the gravitational force. The ba...

Massage for Scoliosis

Massage for ScoliosisThe spine has a natural S-shaped curve which enables flexibility, balancing, lifting and standing, but in those with scoliosis an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine occurs, causing pain, fatigue and breathing problems. Adolescen...

Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)

Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is one of the most common disorders of the connective tissue, and while it doesn’t impact on life expectancy, it can greatly impact on quality of life and everyday functioning a...

Massage for the Amputee

Massage for the AmputeeI have probably spent more time around amputees than most massage therapists. As a nurse I worked in various surgical settings, including general and orthopaedic surgery where I cared for a few above and below knee amputations, usua...

Stress Cardiomyopathy

STRESS INDUCED CARDIOMYOPATHY(BROKEN HEART SYNDROME/TAKOTSUBO SYNDROME/APICAL BALLOONING SYNDROME)We use the expression “broken heart” all the time when there has been an emotional loss, but the stress of losing a loved one can cause cardiovascular issues...

Massage for Peripheral Artery Disease

Massage for Peripheral Artery Disease1 in 5 people over the age of 60 in the UK are thought to have PAD, causing plaque to block the coronary arteries, and leg pain due to reduced blood circulation to the limbs. People don’t tend to ignore chest pain, but...

Hypertension - Contraindication or not?

Hypertension - Contraindication or not? • high blood pressure affects more than 1 in 4 adults in the UK – around 31% of men and 26% of women , more commonly in over 65’s • approximately 20% of hypertensive adults are unaware of their condition • only 48% ...

Why is the Vagus Nerve So Important?

WHAT IS THE VAGUS NERVE AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?There are 12 cranial nerves which work in pairs, connecting the brain to other areas of the body, such as the head, neck, and torso. Many cranial nerves have either sensory or motor functions, but the 10t...

Massage for Multiple Sclerosis

Massage for Multiple SclerosisMultiple sclerosis is an autoimmune, inflammatory condition where there is inflammation & degeneration of the myelin sheath covering the nerves. MS is a progressive CNS (central nervous system) disease that affects how the br...

Massage For Respiratory Conditions

HOW MASSAGE CAN HELP RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS It is a common belief that massage is for stress and tight muscles but it can also highly beneficial in respiratory problems, whether due to a medical condition, allergies, pregnancy or as part of post surgica...

How Massage Can Be Used On Scar Tissue

How Massage Can Be Used On Scar TissueI see many clients who want to either relax scar tissue because it is causing pain or some other kind of dysfunction, or minimise it for cosmetic reasons. Any scarring, whether from a childhood accident or from surger...

Massage For Psoriasis

Massage For Psoriasis I thought I’d post about how massage can help those with psoriasis, since many people think they can’t have a massage treatment if they have this condition. The best types of massage for psoriasis are Swedish, deep tissue and shiat...

Massage For The Skin

Massage for the SkinMassage started as a treatment for sports and war injuries as far back as 2700 B.C. My previous posts have talked about the numerous physical and mental health benefits, and it is easy to focus on specific injuries or illnesses, but ma...

Melanoma (Skin Cancer)

MELANOMA (SKIN CANCER)As a massage therapist, I have the opportunity to observe changes on clients skin, in areas that they may not be able to see themselves. Last summer I got extremely sunburnt and still have marks on my skin from that nearly a year lat...

Peripheral Neuropathy

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND PURPLE GLOVESWhen the nerves of the peripheral nervous system (ie. nerves supplying the limbs) become damaged, either permanently or temporarily, various symptoms can arise, and this is known as peripheral neuropathy. When this h...

Massage During a Radiotherapy/Chemotherapy Cycle

MASSAGE DURING A RADIOTHERAPY/CHEMOTHERAPY CYCLEThere are various considerations to take into account when planning a massage treatment for a client with cancer, for example:-Physiological and psychological wellbeingWhat stage of the disease is the client...

Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome

RADIATION FIBROSIS SYNDROMERadiation is a common treatment in cancer care, particularly those with head, neck and breast cancers, chosen for its ability to kill cancer cells.Unfortunately cancer patients may be facing not only fighting the disease itself,...

What I Need to Know About Oncology Massage

What I Need to Know About Oncology Massage Since becoming a certified oncology practitioner quite a few people have asked me what the difference is between an oncology massage and any other massage, so I thought I’d answer a few questions on the subject....

Massage for the Client with Cancer

Massage for the Client with CancerThere is a common belief that clients with cancer should not have massage treatments to avoid pain. Research has shown that while cancer can spread via the lymph nodes, increased circulation of lymph through massage does ...

Abdominal Diastasis

Abdominal Diastasis Diastasis Recti is a partial or complete separation of the rectus abdominis (six pack) muscles at the abdominal midline, causing a gap in the abdominal muscles. This means that the stomach protrudes due to reduced strength of the abdom...

Benefits of Baby Massage for Mums with Postnatal Depression

Benefits of Baby Massage for Mums with Postnatal DepressionPostnatal depression affects around 70,000 women in the UK, which equates to 10-15% of women giving birth every year. Around 66% of new mums experience temporary ‘baby blues’ due to hormonal chang...

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Massage

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and MassageI have seen so many posts about the pelvic floor muscles which give false information and which give women false hope. I have seen posts saying that kegel exercises do not strengthen the pelvic floor, that surgery is no...

The Benefits of Postpartum Massage

The Benefits of Postpartum Massage POSTPARTUM MASSAGE AFTER NATURAL DELIVERY Postpartum massage can be done as early as the first few days following a natural delivery to help assist with the transition into motherhood, and is equally as important as preg...

Breasfeeding: Self Massage to Promote Milk Flow

BREASTFEEDING: SELF MASSAGE TO PROMOTE MILK FLOW Massage can be effective in not only easing the physical and emotional transition into motherhood, but also promote breastfeeding. SELF MASSAGE Self massage can be used in the first few weeks postpartum bri...

The Effect of Massage on the Placenta

The Effect of Massage on the PlacentaSo it's time to put my midwife hat back on and talk about the placenta. We all know about the benefits of pregnancy massage and postnatal massage (and if you don't then look up my previous posts on these topics), and a...

Massage for Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction

Massage for Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction• Affects 60% of first pregnancies • Affects 81% of second pregnancies The cartilage which separates the left and right sides of the pelvic bone is called the symphysis pubis. In some cases the relaxin hormone is rel...

Lightning Crotch

LIGHTNING CROTCH Lightning crotch is a sudden painful tingling in the pelvis, and although common, isn’t thought to be serious unless accompanied by vaginal bleeding, contractions, fever, or dizzy spells. Similar to the spontaneous “lightning” type pains...

Exercises to help Induce Labour

EXERCISES TO INDUCE LABOURAs I explain to my clients who come for an induction massage, if the baby isn’t ready to come then induction measures won’t force it to make an appearance. While exercise is not shown to induce labour, there are some movements w...

Is Fertility Massage Actually a Thing?

Is Fertility Massage Actually a Thing?Massage is increasingly seeing the introduction of more specialised skills as a way for therapists to stand out from their competitors, and an example of this is "fertility massage". The question is, how valid is this...

How Repressed Emotions Can Cause Muscle Tension

How Repressed Emotions Can Cause Muscle Tension HOW EMOTIONS CAUSE MUSCLE TENSION AND WHAT IS THE RESULT? While tension in the body can be caused by physical conditions, it is often a result of the body storing repressed emotions, which can be from many y...

Massage for Relationship Issues

Massage for Relationship IssuesResearch has shown that giving each other a massage can improve both physical and mental well-being, while being affectionate. It may also lead to relationship satisfaction, since massage may promote relationship stability a...

Aromatherapy for Stress Relief

Aromatherapy for Stress ReliefDealing with stress when it arises is important to avoid further problems, such as insomnia, fatigue, self doubt, headaches, and in more serious cases, gastric ulcers, depression and heart attacks. In the absence of being abl...

MASSAGE & LEVELS OF DOPAMINE & ENDOGENOUS OPIOIDS IN THOSE WITH SELF HARMING & ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOURS

MASSAGE & LEVELS OF DOPAMINE & ENDOGENOUS OPIOIDS IN THOSE WITH SELF HARMING & ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOURSI have previously written about the use of massage in those suffering with depression and also how it can boost low dopamine levels in those with ADHD, whic...

Psychosomatic Pain

Psychosomatic PainWhen we talk about psychosomatic illness people often think that it means the problem is in their head & so doesn’t require treatment, but it actually means that there is a physical problem, usually chronic, which is very real, but it ca...

Massage to Improve Body Image

Massage to Improve Body Image Our bodies interact with every situation in our life and our bodily awareness influences our ability to reach personal goals, yet most of us have something about our bodies that we don’t like. For some people their body image...

Massage for Eating Disorders

Massage for Eating Disorders (While the focus of this post is on anorexia nervosa, many of the benefits also apply to those with bulimia and also compulsive overeating disorders.) The incidence of eating disorders is rapidly increasing, but treatment rate...

Massage for Grief

Massage for GriefWith grief comes the emotional, mental, and spiritual pain of a loss, but the physical aspect of grieving can be unexpected. After a loss, aches, sore shoulders, headaches, a painful jaw. insomnia and appetite changes can cause fatigue an...

Massage for Depression and Suicide Prevention

Massage for Depression and Suicide Prevention • Up to 15% of people with clinical depression will die through suicide • The leading cause of suicide is undiagnosed or untreated depression • 1 in every 25 suicide attempts are successful • 79% of suicides a...

Massage for PTSD and Domestic Abuse

Massage for Domestic Abuse and PTSDPOST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER In a national survey of over 8000 subjects, Kessler et al, found that:- • 6.5 % of the subjects had a lifetime prevalence of PTSD • Another 2.8 % had a 30-day prevalence of PTSD • Women wer...

BENEFITS OF MASSAGE IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

BENEFITS OF MASSAGE IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISMSymptoms of autism include insufficiency in cognition, social communication and language, and children can require special care and attention to help them develop further. There is a variety of treatments used fo...

Massage for Juvenile Arthritis

Massage for Juvenile Arthritis Juvenile arthritis is an umbrella term for various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions in children below 16 years old:- • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (most common) • juvenile lupus • juvenile dermatomyositis • juvenile...

Massage for Cerebral Palsy

Massage for Cerebral PalsyI also offer treatment for those with disabilities, particularly children with cerebral palsy, where there has been some kind of brain injury occurring during foetal development, or even during or shortly after birth. It is estim...

Massage for ADHD

How Massage Can Benefit Those with ADHD Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is becoming one of the most common psychiatric labels, and one of the primary causes of behavioural issues, affecting 3-7% of school-age children and adolescents. Nin...

Massage for FASD

MASSAGE FOR CHILDREN AND BABIES AFFECTED BY FASD (FOETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER)As a nurse or a midwife, there are always those patients that for whatever reason remain clearly in your memory. For me one of those patients as a midwife, was a baby on th...

How Your Sleeping Position Will Affect Muscle Tension

How Your Sleeping Position Will Affect Muscle TensionOne of the factors I look at in clients who come to me for treatments is poor posture and whether that may be causing lower back or neck pain. But it isn’t only standing or sitting posture that are impo...

Massage for Men's Health

Massage for Men's Health I have written many posts about various aspects of women's health and how massage can help, so I thought I should write something about how massage can specifically benefit men. 1)THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM I talk a lot about the po...

BREAST MASSAGE

BREAST MASSAGEThere is often confusion regarding scope of practice among massage therapists, and among clients, particularly when it comes to breast massage, which has previously been seen purely as sensual massage. It isn’t an area that is included in ba...

What Does The Colour of Your Poo Mean?

What Does The Colour of Your Poo Mean? Ok so these posts are not massage related but I do occasionally get asked by people why their poo or urine may be a certain colour. Since many of you will know that no topic is off limits with me, I therefore decide...

What Does the Colour of Your Urine Mean?

What Does the Colour of Your Urine Mean? The colour of healthy urine ranges from pale yellow to deep amber, dependant on the dilution or concentration and a pigment called urochrome. Pigments foods and medications can also change your urine colour eg bee...

What does the colour and Texture of Your Menstrual Blood Mean?

What does the Colour and Texture of Your Menstrual Blood Mean?The colour of menstrual blood can provide important health information such as a vaginal infection.During menstruation, the body sheds tissue and blood from the uterus through the vagina and th...

Neurogenic Tremors

Neurogenic TremorsSometimes a client will be part way through receiving a massage treatment and they may experience a tremor. Spasms may occur due to:-Magnesium deficiencyNerve issueUnderlying medical condition/disabilityAccumulation of lactic acid in the...

INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILISATION

INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILISATION IASTM is derived from Gua Sha, a traditional Chinese medicine which worked on removing negative energy through the skin. It is a pro-inflammatory treatment involving the use of tools in a scraping motion, to a...

Questions You Always Wanted to Ask

Questions You Always Wanted to AskDID YOU GO TO COLLEGE FOR THIS? Yes, I attended college to complete over 200 hours of training to complete an IHBC diploma in Swedish massage which covered anatomy & physiology, kinesiology, health & hygiene, business, Sw...

Empathy and Energy Exchange

Empathy and Energy Exchange During any massage there will be an energy exchange between client and therapist which will determine the experience as a whole. It is not merely the therapists skill, knowledge and technique that makes a massage but also the ...

Massage Expectations v Reality

Massage Expectations v RealityAs a therapist I’ve heard a lot of clients feedback about treatments with other therapists that haven’t been particularly positive, to the point that they are then feeling nervous about having a massage again. The reasons for...

Why Medical Information is so Important

Why Medical Information is so ImportantA few people in the past have asked why I ask for medical information before I provide a treatment. Certainly when i have gone for a massage in various places, I have rarely been asked for such information. I want to...

Therapeutic Massage for Victims of Rape and Sexual Abuse - Aug 2022

Therapeutic Massage for Victims of Rape and Sexual AbuseTrigger WarningSam Mishra qualified in Swedish massage and Preheat treatments back in 1997. Concurrently with massage, her main career was as a surgical nurse and then a midwife on a high-risk unit. ...

Massage for Cerebral Palsy - The Demand for More Therapists - March 2022

Massage for Cerebral Palsy – the demand for more therapistsIn this article Sam Mishra aim offers a greater understanding of cerebral palsy and the gait patterns that can be helped through massage, alongside the other disciplines that will be in place.Cere...

The Use of Massage in Clients with Unresolved Trauma - Nov 2021

THE USE OF MASSAGE IN CLIENTS WITH UNRESOLVED TRAUMAHaving been a massage therapist since 1997 in addition to working as both a nurse and a midwife, combined with my own personal experience of domestic abuse, PTSD and unresolved trauma, it will probably c...

The Importance for Massage Therapists of Understanding Medical Conditions - Jan 2021

The Importance for Massage Therapists of Understanding Medical ConditionsWhen I commenced my journey into massage therapy back in 1997, it all seemed very straight forward, the biggest thing to remember was the list of contraindications.But as massage the...