what is therapeutic massage?

Massage therapy is the systematic manipulation of muscles and connective tissue to improve physical and emotional well-being.

The benefits of massage has been well known for many thousands of years.

"The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day..."  Hippocrates

who is it suitable for?

Massage therapy is helpful for a wide range of conditions. Some of the more common benefits are listed below:

what to expect

Your first session will last for 1 hour 30mins, and will include a full consultation to ensure that your massage session is as appropriate and effective as possible for you.

Your massage practitioner will agree a plan for your massage session with you – which could be a full body massage, or a more focused massage on a particular area of injury, such as shoulders or legs. You will be covered with clean towels to respect your modesty and warmth, and only the part of your body being massaged will be uncovered at any time.

One session of massage can be beneficial for stress and relief of muscle tension. Your therapist will advise you if a course of massage sessions could benefit your individual needs. Subsequent sessions may be 30 mins, 60 mins or 90 minutes.

 what do I need to wear

Your practitioner will leave the room or screen you with towels while you undress down to your underwear. At the end of the session they will ensure your privacy while you redress and you will be able to remove any excess oil from your body with paper towels.

It does not matter what you wear, but you may be most comfortable after your massage in loose, comfortable clothes.

 about the practitioners

thepractice has two professional, experienced massage therapists:

Kate Carfrae:

Kate is fully qualified in Holistic (Swedish) Massage, Anatomy and Physiology and Sports Massage. She is also studying sport and fitness therapy, sport injury and advanced massage techniques.

Kate has worked for many years in the voluntary sector, in the field of mental health, education, children’s play and the arts and chose to pursue a career in massage because of its health-promoting benefits.

Emmeline Gee:

Emmeline is fully qualified in Holistic Massage and Anatomy and Physiology and is registered with the Massage Training Institute. Her massage style combines a range of techniques such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, stretching and energy work. She takes into account the client's emotional and spiritual well-being, as well as their physical body, in order to help bring about total relaxation and the relief of pain.

She also specialises in pregnancy massage and runs a Saturday Low Cost Clinic for Teenagers.

Booking is advisable.

Paul Khosla:

Paul practices a style of bodywork known as Myofascial Release (MFR). This approach often integrates both deep tissue massage techniques and very gentle cranial work. Emphasis however is placed on 'the listening touch' whereby the practitioner responds directly to the needs of the body being worked with. Space is created for any 'unwinding' or inner release of tension/stress/trauma in the system which often leads to a sense of deep relaxation  and well-being.

When and where appropriate, Paul is also able to offer Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine.

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what will it cost?

Home visits are available by arrangement

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treatments

Sports/Therapeutic Massage >
Pregnancy Massage >
Teenagers Low Cost Clinic >

Sports/Therapeutic Massage

Sports/Therapeutic massage is an effective and beneficial form of physical therapy, not only for active sports people, but also for anyone seeking relief from muscle tension, and emotional stress. It also helps to help maintain flexibility and good muscle tone.

Sports Massage is based on traditional Swedish Massage strokes, with additional deeper tissue massage and more intensive techniques for the prevention and treatment of sports injuries.

A treatment session may include postural assessment, muscle testing, stretches and mobilisation. Following/between appointments, you may be given simple stretches and activities to support and enhance your treatments at thepractice.

The benefits of sports massage:

• Reduces muscle soreness.
• Increases the ability to relax.
• Enables the body to recover more rapidly, reducing the risk of further injury or chronic problem.
• Proven more effective than passive rest in reducing muscle fatigue from overexertion.
• Maintains soft tissue and muscle in its optimum state of health and nutrition.
• Promotes overall muscle balance by reducing tightness and increasing flexibility
• Reduces cramping and spasm and splinting.
• Promotes fuller range of motion.

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy is a time when a woman can benefit a great deal from massage.

Regular massage can help:

• Alleviate muscle tension as your body and posture change
• Stimulate circulation
• Relieve aching, swollen legs
• Improve sleep patterns
• With relaxation and stress relief

Training for birth partners in simple massage techniques for relaxation and pain relief in labour, and baby massage classes are also on offer.

Teenagers Low Cost Clinic

The free teenagers’ clinic aims to facilitate the emotional transition from child to adult.

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what to expect after treatment?

You are likely to feel very relaxed after your massage and your practitioner will advise you to rest if possible and to drink plenty of water for the following 24 to 48 hours to help your body’s healing response.

You may be advised to do some simple stretching, exercise and/or relaxation between sessions.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Kate or Katie at thepractice.