There are very few certainties in life, but change is certainly one of them. Thea looks at the role massage therapy can play in helping people ride through and even thrive through times of change, and all the upheaval that comes along with them.
'Myofascial Release' is the name of yet another modality which is becoming increasingly trendy. However, good MFR (as it's known) is not what you might expect - Zoe takes a look at demystifying this incredible form of bodywork.
Morganne takes a look at the muscles used and common injuries that can occur during skiing, as well as a few conditioning exercises to help get you ready for your time on the slopes, along with the role that sports massage can plan with skiing and snowboarding.
The nature of the relationship between a massage therapist and their clients, that therapeutic relationship, is a many faceted thing, and has the potential to be or become something very precious. At least in my opinion. I think part of me has always acknowledged and respected this, but over the past year I have come to realise just how much I learn, grow and develop as both a practitioner and as a person through the relationships I have with my clients.
There is a certain bugger-ation factor around any injury, most notably in waiting to heal. But how do you know how long this will take? Understanding what you've done will help you manage the road to recovery.
Many might think that you haven't slept well unless you have had a solid 8 hours of refreshing sleep, whereas in fact no two people will have the same night's sleep. Accepting variation is the key to realistic expectations of good sleep, so what can you do to help your sleep?
A minor (grade 1) ankle sprain is a common injury seen by sports and remedial massage therapists, and have a good prognosis and respond well to early massage.
Our thanks to one of Thea's clients for taking the time to provide such a beautifully thoughtful and honest testimonial of their work together so far, and for allowing us to post her words in a stand alone post. We think you'll agree they warrant the attention.
Zoe is no stranger to injury or illness but 8 weeks into a complex foot injury, combined with chronic pain, she reflects on how injuries can be a real struggle and affect your quality of life.
Two clients may have starkly different responses to past experiences of physical trauma and pain which will greatly affected how they live in their bodies.
I’ve been wanting to writing a post about massage and Parkinson's disease for a very long time but have been hesitating. Why? Because, the honest truth is that massage can’t 'cure' a client with Parkinson’s, it might make them feel better, but it won't help them get better. And this is something I really struggle with.
As anyone with any form of hyper mobility knows, exercise is a huge part of a routine of self-care and symptom management. This article explores a little more about the role massage may also play in this regime.
Some advice and aftercare I am regularly giving to clients - take 5-10 minutes to lie down and to rest easy, giving your lower back space to breathe. What's not to love about the idea of having a brief 'toes up' as part of our self-care routine.
Ever experienced puffy ankles or slightly swollen legs at the end of a day or after a flight? You may be experiencing a build up of lymph, and some simple DIY lymphatic drainage techniques might help alleviate these symptoms.
What is the lymphatic system? Why is it important? How can it go wrong, and what can we do when it does?
Anxiety can take many forms and sometimes the thought of a massage might seem relieving, yet others overwhelming. With care and consideration, massage therapy may help to soothe the nervous system and alleviate at least a level of the mental and physical discomfort.
Some massage therapists and centres will not work with clients who have had or are undergoing some forms of treatment for cancer. Why is this? Is it possible to provide massage to people with cancer? Yes ... with a few caveats.
Pain and depression are so closely linked at times that it's hard to tell identify the cause from the effect. Some would argue does it really matter in day to day life? But massage therapy may well be able to help at least turn down the volume of pain a notch, lift the veil of depression a smidge, to allow a moment of respite. Or more.
Whether you are a hard-core exerciser or someone who is health conscious and likes to feel better in themselves, massage may be used to help prevent injuries.
A foam roller is one of many tools which may be used for self-myofascial release ... or self-massage. A very good way of having a massage each and every day.
Recreational runners use the same muscles as elite athletes and undergo the same stresses. Massage may help identify tight calves, rectify a hamstring twinge and perhaps prevent an irritation from becoming a potential event withdrawal issue.
This is not an exhaustive list of the benefits of massage, merely a taster of some of the benefits of massage therapy which may be experienced - physical, psychological and emotional. What's not to love!
These posts are the result of the musings, thoughts, ramblings and opinions of the authors, on behalf of Bristol Massage Therapy, and does not constitute medical advice. Please seek medical advice if your symptoms continue, deteriorate or you experience any other symptoms.
Recently, several of the Bristol Massage Therapy team went to a CPD event to learn how to spot possible signs of Skin Cancer, and when it would be a good idea to refer our clients to an expert for a proper look.