Sports Massage

Sports Massage

*** Kat has now returned from her maternity leave and is working on Tuesdays ***

Sport massage is the discipline of using massage for the specific benefit of all sports and exercise participants. It covers the management, manipulation and rehabilitation of the soft tissues of the body, e.g. muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Other benefits of sports massage include improving circulation and lymphatic flow, sedating and stimulating of nerve endings, increasing/decreasing muscle length, assisting in the removal of metabolic waste, and improving muscle tone.

Sports massage can be beneficial during conditioning and training, during injury recovery and also for injury prevention. Regardless of whether you exercise or play sport to keep fit, compete from club to international level, or have a non-sport related injury, sports massage may be beneficial to you.

For more information, see the website of the Sports Massage Association

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the art of combining essential oils to be applied therapeutically through massage. Naturally produced in plants, each oil has its own distinct properties. Through research they have been shown to posses various properties such as being a stimulant or relaxant, analgesic, anti-infectious and anti-inflammatory, whilst the aroma can calm the mind and relax the nervous system.

Aromatherapy can be of enormous benefit to almost anybody aiding a wide range of problems including stress, tension, headaches, insomnia, digestive problems and muscular aches and pains. It can be used alongside orthodox medicine and can be helpful for conditions such as arthritis, heart disease and cancer.

For more information, see the website of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists

Indian Head Massage

Indian Head Massage has been a part of family life in India for thousands years. Traditionally a massage of the head, since its recent incorporation into Western culture the massage has evolved to include other areas of the body that carry stress such as the shoulders, neck and arms. It is one of the few massage treatment that can be carried out whilst the recipient remains dressed. Whilst oils are not necessary for the massage, they can be applied to the head to improve the condition of the hair and scalp.

Indian Head Massage can be enjoyed by almost anybody. The massage will encourage blood flow so oxygen levels to the brain are increased as well as improving the circulation and nutrition levels in the scalp for the skin and hair. Tension and stress can be released from muscles in the neck and shoulders and around the eyes.

Pilates

Pilates was created in the 1920’s by Joseph Pilates. It is a system of exercises designed to condition the whole body improving muscle tone and strength, endurance and flexibility and may include physical activities such as stretching, using weights and using equipment. Likened to Yoga, it is a mind body workout that combines movement and breath through flowing exercises.

Pilates is now one of the fastest growing forms of exercise, and is popular amongst all types of sports men and women for its ability to create long lean muscles and strengthen the core body area. It is also highly recommended by health professionals as it can help improve posture, minimize the risk of injury and reduce stress. Pilates can be practiced by everyone, regardless of age and fitness levels.