Sports Massage
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Sports massage can benefit people engaged in repetitive or strenuous activity, such as recreational and performance athletes and those with a physical occupation.
Used as both a rehabilitative therapy and in maintenance, techniques can be stimulatory or calming depending on diagnosis, patient preference, treatment intent and timing. It warms the tissues and increases flexibility ahead of activity, or calms the tissues, aids recovery and encourages the removal of metabolic wastes afterwards. Maintenance treatment can benefit peak performance and act in injury prevention.
Our treatments may include the use of essential oils, arnica or balms containing camphor or capsaicin. These are selected according to treatment intent, and in line with patient preference, for their warming, cooling and anti-inflammatory properties.
Jane holds the ITEC Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy
Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage is a treatment that aids the removal of excess fluid from the tissues. It involves very light-touch to non-oiled skin and slow, rhythmical pumping techniques that encourage the return of lymph to the circulation.
It is particularly useful in alleviating swelling associated with injuries, lymphoedema, venous insufficiency, pregnancy and in post-surgery. It may also be used where lymph nodes have been removed or compromised as part of cancer treatment or obstructive disease.
Lymph returns to the circulation through ducts which pass over the collar bones, thus drainage always starts here. The principle is one of clearance. If the exit is compromised, drainage is compromised. The pathway is unable to cope with fluid load from the site of the swelling and it falls back down under the influence of gravity. We therefore work backwards to the site of the problem, monitoring fluid movement and clearing upwards as we go. The gentle nature of this treatment can make it a relaxing therapeutic experience.
Jane is trained in the Vodder method, considered the gold standard for manual lymphatic drainage in the UK.
Cupping
Cupping is an age-old therapy dating back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures.
Vacuum cups are placed onto the skin, which lifts up due to the negative pressure inside. This increases local blood flow, bringing oxygen, nutrients and tissue repair factors into the area. They also stimulate venous and lymphatic capillary networks to enhance drainage and the removal of metabolic waste products. The degree of suction applied depends on the condition being treated, age, health-status and tolerance of the patient. The cups are either left in place or moved around as part of a massage treatment.
Cupping can be used as a stand-alone therapy or in combination with Acupuncture treatment. It should not be significantly painful, although stronger suction may leave dark circular marks on the skin for a few days, especially in fair-skinned individuals.
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