Massage therapy is recognised as one of the oldest methods of healing, with references in medical texts nearly 4,000 years old. In fact, Hippocrates, known as the “father of medicine,” referenced massage when he wrote, in the 4th century B.C.: “The physician must be acquainted with many things, and assuredly with rubbing.”

Now days, in addition to “rubbing,” massage therapy, often referred to as bodywork or somatic therapy, refers to the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, vibration, rocking, friction, kneading and compression using primarily the hands, although massage therapists do use other areas of the body, such as the forearms, elbows or feet. All of the techniques are used for the benefit of the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body. In fact, massage therapy positively influences the overall health and well-being of the client.

Treatments I offer:

To BOOK A MASSAGE TREATMENT, please CONTACT ME for availability.

* Please note, I am a professional therapist and only accept respectful and legitimate requests from clients. If you’re looking for “something more” than a massage, then please DO NOT contact me! Thank you. 

Physical and mental benefits of massage:

  • relaxes the whole body, releases tension and stiffness
  • loosens tight muscles and breaks down fibrositic nodules (muscle knots)
  • relieves tired and aching muscles
  • increases flexibility and range of motion
  • diminishes chronic pain
  • calms the nervous system
  • lowers blood pressure and heart rate
  • enhances skin tone, leaves skin softer, smoother and more radiant
  • assists in recovery from injuries and illness
  • excellent stress relief; can improve sleep and function of your immune system if done regularly
  • aids detoxification of the body
  • reduces tension headaches
  • triggers release of endorphins, the “happy hormones”, which will improve your mood and overall feeling of wellbeing
  • reduces mental stress and promotes restful sleep
  • can really improve concentration (particularly head massage)
  • helps with mental fatigue, induces relaxed state of mind

Contraindications:

Massage treatment is non-invasive, relaxing and natural. It is therefore generally considered a safe treatment for most people. However, there are three types of contraindication:

  • TOTAL, when massage should not be performed at all.
  • LOCAL, when massage can be performed but not over the contraindicated areas.
  • MEDICAL, when massage can only be performed once medical permission has been granted. The following restrictions are in place to protect your health and well-being. Thank you for taking them as seriously as I do.

Total Contraindications:

When you have any of these conditions, please do not book a massage:

  • Fever
  • Contagious and infectious diseases, including any cold or flu, no matter how mild it may seem
  • You are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including prescription pain medication
  • Recent operations or acute injuries
  • Neuritis
  • Infectious and contagious kin diseases

Local Contraindications

The therapist can massage but not over any areas affected by:

  • Varicose veins
  • Undiagnosed lumps or bumps
  • Pregnancy
  • Bruising
  • Cuts
  • Abrasions
  • Sunburn
  • Undiagnosed pain
  • Inflammation, including arthritis

Medical Contraindications

If you suffer from any of the following conditions, massage can only take place once it has been approved before your session in writing by your physician (please bring a copy of the document when you come for your treatment):

  • Cardio-vascular conditions (thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, heart conditions)
  • Any condition already being treated by a medical practitioner
  • Oedema
  • Psoriasis or eczema
  • High blood pressure
  • Osteoporosis
  • Cancer
  • Nervous or psychotic conditions
  • Heart problems, angina, those with pacemakers
  • Epilepsy
  • Diabetes
  • Bell’s palsy, trapped or pinched nerves
  • Gynaecological infections

Does a contraindication mean that treatment cannot take place?

Not always. In fact, massage can be very therapeutic for many medical conditions. However, in the above cases it is best to have advice from your doctor. A massage therapist (unless also qualified doctor – which I’m not), may not, under law, attempt to diagnose any health condition.

If you have further questions or concerns, please contact me for more information.

After care advice:

During the different treatments, the massage movements that are used release unwanted and excess toxins from the body. Consequently, following a massage treatment it is possible the body may experience what is known as a “Healing Crisis”.

Over the next 12-24 hours, it is quite normal for you to experience any of the following:

  • Cold like symptoms
  • Increased sweating
  • Stuffy, blocked or runny nose
  • Heightened emotions – high or low
  • Sleepy & fatigued or deeply relaxed
  • Irritable
  • Energised
  • Muscle soreness
  • Temporary worsening of symptoms
  • Increased thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Sounder sleep

As everyone is different and may ‘react’ differently to a massage these symptoms are quite normal and are a good sign that the treatment is working.

To help the “Healing Crisis” along over the next 12-24 hours, it is advisable to do the following, as these will help the toxins to be released from the body:

  • Drink plenty of water over the next 24 hours following treatment  (this can assist your body to flush out toxins that massage helps to release from your body).
  • Eat light meals  (when you eat a heavy meal, your blood will be directed to the intestines, and away from the massages areas; in other words, the demands of digestion will divert the energy away from the healing).
  • Rest as much as possible.
  • Avoid heat treatments (bath, sauna etc) for at least 24 hours.
  • Avoid  excessive sun exposure if certain oils have been used (photo toxicity).
  • Avoid strenuous activity or exercise for the rest of the day after treatment or for at least 24 hours.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine for at least 24 hours.

If you feel concerned about anything following your treatment do not hesitate to call your therapist for advice.

If however, you can not reach your therapist and you feel poorly in any way, or your symptoms worsen, always call you family doctor.

“All my life, all I’ve ever wanted to do was help people in a healing and supportive way.

It has brought me my life’s greatest satisfaction and joy to do that through massage therapy, and if I can help you in that way, I know that my life will be more fulfilled.”  – Anna