FAQ's

 

Sports Massage

 

What Is Sports Massage?

 

Sports massage is a deep tissue massage technique that deals directly with the body's soft tissue. When injuries to muscle tissue occur the fibres often heal themselves in a haphazard manner, causing the fibres to be misaligned. Normally, when the covering of our muscles (fascia) is healthy, moving muscle is a soft, gel like substance. However, when our muscle movement is restricted, in the case of an injury or postural misalignment, tissue fluids are unable to reach the areas they need to, in order to lubricate the fascia. The fascia begins to become hard and scar tissue forms, trapping toxins such as lactic acid within that specific site. This causes pain and dysfunction as the body tries to remedy the situation, often by setting up a series of structural compensations, which can lead to further pain and problems.
So sports massage can assist the healing and rehabilitation of injuries and dysfunction and can also aid the facilitation of movement.
In this way a sports massage becomes a great form of treatment for anyone, from an office worker or long distance driver, to an elite athlete.

I'm Not A Sports Person - Is Sports Massage Still For Me?

 

Yes! Sports massage is a form of massage that deals directly and efficiently with the muscles. Sports massage is simply called this because it is a style of massage popular with sports people. However, just like sports people we all have challenges whether they be physical, mental or emotional, so it is completely appropriate that we give our bodies the same quality of treatment.
So whether you're a bodybuilder, a stressed desk bound office worker, or a long distance driver, the treatment is designed around your specific needs. We will provide you with a tailor made session every time.

 

What Do I Wear For A Sports Massage?

 

Generally you should wear as little as possible during your treatment. We ask that you wear shorts and t-shirt to the session, and when conducting a muscular or biomechanical assessment, or dependent upon the type of treatment you are receiving we may well ask you to undress to your underwear. Your modesty will be maintained at all times by covering you with a towel during your treatment, which will only be moved to reveal the area we will be working on.
Some clients wear just light, stretchy underwear on the lower body, which is also fine. More restrictive undergarments such as men's long cotton boxer shorts (especially those with no stretch) can make getting access to the hamstring/adductor attachments very difficult.
The most important thing is that you are comfortable throughout the sports massage session.

 

Does Sports Massage Hurt?

 

Sports massage can be a little uncomfortable, but it is only ever a 'good' pain and you generally feel the release of tension that this brings almost immediately. You are the only judge of how you feel, and our Sports Massage is very much interactive, placing you in the driving seat and dictating how we proceed if you become too uncomfortable. Sometimes clients tell us about going for a massage treatment using different approaches or styles and found it unsatisfactory as it was too light and didn'’t get to the route of the problem. There is always a place for this type of massage, however in order to gain the results quickly, we find that our form of Sports Massage is what our clients request more often. As we have previously said however, you are in charge of how light you would like the massage and we will always aim to provide the massage you are expecting and request.
You may feel a little post massage soreness for 24- 48 hours after a Sports Massage. This is normal and demonstrates that your body is responding well to the treatment and is beginning to heal itself. We generally recommend placing some ice to the affected area if it becomes too uncomfortable, and we will always provide you with Post Care Advice specific to your treatment, which will include stretches and strengthening exercises. If you are worried in any way about being sore, or have an important event the next day or two, please let us know, and we will be able to work around this.

 

Aromatherapy

 

What Is Aromatherapy?

 

Aromatherapy is the term used for an application involving essential oils . Essential oils are aromatic essences which have been extracted from plants and flowers. Their medicinal properties have been known for thousands of years and were widely used by the Indians, Egyptians and Chinese. Skilful blending of oils can clear the mind; lift the spirit bringing deep relaxation allowing the body to rebalance.

 

Can Anyone Have Aromatherapy?

 

There are some contra-indications, however treatment can generally go ahead with GP approval. It can be extremely beneficial to all from babies to elderly, and your Aromatherapist will be able to advise you what essential oils would be best to blend in order to combat the symptoms or ailments you are experiencing. The session will begin with a consultation providing you with the opportunity to explain your current condition s well as any other ailments including allergies.

 

What Happens During An Aromatherapy Treatment?

 

During the assessment and consultation stage your needs for that particular treatment will be discussed and your Aromatherapist will select the essential oils to suit your specific requirements. You will then be given the opportunity to smell the oils before the therapist mixes the final blend. Your therapist will explain which items of clothing need removing, which way to lie on the couch before leaving the room to allow you to get ready. During any massage the only part of the body being exposed will be the part being massaged. The rest of you will be covered up to ensure your modesty and warmth during treatment.

 

How Many Aromatherapy Sessions Will Be Needed?

 

This can be open-ended and will purely depend upon what you require from the session. Just a single session can produce some beneficial results and, as with most therapies, a few sessions over a period of time are recommended to achieve any significant benefit.

 

Reiki Healing

 

What is Reiki?

 

Reiki is an ancient form of hand-on-healing dating back many thousands of years. Its origins go back to the ancient land now known as Tibet. Rediscovered by Dr Mikao Usui, a Japanese scholar and monk, Reiki is a powerful holistic therapy that uses energy to revitalise the mind, body, spirit and emotions. The effect of Reiki is to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities. Just like acupuncture, shiatsu, reflexology etc Reiki utilizes the energy meridian system and Chakras. Reiki is not a religion and will not contravene any personal beliefs.

 

What can Reiki help?

 

Reiki is an excellent stress buster and has been shown to help with the following:
* Releasing blocks and suppressed emotions
* Calming the nervous system.
* Allergies
* Back problems
* Strengthening the immune system
* Headaches/migraines
* Muscular aches and pains
* Confidence
* Coughs/colds
* Digestive problems
* Exhaustion
* Learning and concentration difficulties.
* Shock
* Sleep problems
* Balancing of the organs and glands and their bodily functions
* IBS
* PMT
* Addictions (drug/alcohol)
* Endometriosis
and many other problems.

 

What Happens During A Treatment?

 

A Reiki treatment usually lasts for about an hour with the recipient fully clothed on a massage couch. The practitioner will place his hands on a number of positions and the healing energy will flow to where it is needed. The treatment is very relaxing and the recipient will often drift off to sleep. They may also be aware of hot, cold or tingling sensations coming from the practitioners' hands as well as seeing colours or experiencing an emotional release.

 

Is Reiki Safe?

 

Reiki is a non-invasive therapy and works well with and actively empowers all other therapies or treatments. Reiki can be used during pregnancy, during a prescribed course of medication and is highly beneficial after surgery. There are no side effects and it is safe to drive after a Reiki treatment.

 

Personal Training

 

How do I know which Personal Trainer to choose?

 

There are a whole host of Personal Trainers available both on the internet and within your community. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and knowledge. Jude has a Sports related degree, a teaching qualification, a Diploma in Personal Training and Sports Massage from Premier Global, and is also a REPs Level 3 on the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs). She is highly qualified and REPs have ratified all qualifications so you can be sure of her credentials.

 

How Many Times Per Week Should I Train?

 

There is no set answer to this question, as everyone is different and will have different needs and requirements. However, the general school of thought is at least 3 times per week in order for you to see any real improvements. You will need to train with me at least once per week so that we gain a true idea of how you are progressing and so that we can make the necessary changes to your training programme. All this can be discussed during your FREE consultation.

 

How Do I Know If Personal Training Is For Me?

 

You are more than welcome to book a FREE consultation with me, which will last no longer than 30 minutes. This will entail the completion of a short questionnaire to allow me to learn some more about you, your goals, and to answer any questions you may have, and also more importantly so you can learn some more about me and if you feel we could work together.

 

How Long Does A Personal Training Session Last?

 

This is entirely dependent upon you, your goals and the time you have spare to train, but generally 1 hour. Again, this can be discussed during your FREE consultation.

 

Can I Train With A Group Of Friends?

 

Without a doubt the best way for you to stick to any training programme is to have a training partner or group. We are more than happy to undertake group training sessions. Not only will you enjoy your sessions even more, but it is a more cost effective way of having a Personal Trainer.

 

Are You Able To Help Me With My Diet?

 

We are able to offer you a nutritional advice package at a small additional cost. This will require you to complete a 1 week food and mood diary which we can then analyse and make suggestions for a food plan which will compliment your training programme, and aid you to achieve your goals faster.

 

What Space Do You Need To Train In?

 

It is possible to conduct a Personal Training session in any room, garden, or park. I provide all the equipment, so all you need to do is turn up in your training gear and be ready to work.

 

On-Site Massage

 

What Is On-Site Massage?

 

On site massage incorporates traditional styles of massage including Swedish, Acupressure and Shiatsu techniques. Treatments are carried out over the patient's clothes to combinations of the back, neck, shoulders, arms, hands and scalp depending on the time allocated for each session (typically between 10 and 30 minutes). No oil or cream is used which means less preparation time, more relaxation time for your patients, and ensuring the clients comfort for the remainder of the day. Treatments are carried out in a specially designed ergonomic massage chair, or anywhere where the patient can sit comfortably with his or her back supported. On site massage is quick and easy to deliver relieving back, neck and shoulder pain along with stress & tension in the client.

 

Thermal Stone Massage

 

What is Thermal Stone Massage?

 

The heat induces muscular relaxation to release deep-seated physical and emotional tension, improving circulation and removing toxins. This is followed by a total body relaxation massage which will leave you in a deeply relaxed state. The benefits of this treatment can include:
*Stress relief
*Release of tension in muscles and connective tissues
*Improvement of circulation and lymphatic function
*Relaxation
*Improvement of joint mobility
Cold stones can also be used to help reduce inflammation, swelling and pain from muscular injuries. Alternating hot and cold stones can flush toxins out of the body and help assist the healing process.

 

Hopi Ear Candles

 

What Are Hopi Ear Candles?

 

Hopi Ear Candling originates from South Western America where the Hopi Pueblo Indians used it for ceremonial and spiritual purposes. The candles are made from pure beeswax, untreated cotton, Sage, St Johns Wort, honey extract and some include essential oils.

 

How Do They Work?

 

The candle is hollow and works like a chimney, with a mild suction resulting from the burning process. The vibration caused by the rising air will gently massage the ear drum and in turn help to regulate the pressure, and induce a feeling of warmth and a 'lighter feeling' in the ears, forehead and sinuses. We always follow a treatment with a gentle facial massage which will help to increase the circulation of lymph and blood, drain sinuses, stimulate energy points and leave you feeling totally relaxed. The entire treatment lasts for approximately 1 hour.