At the beginning of a session, I carry out a consultation, which can include postural, range of movement and orthopaedic assessments. I plan my treatment taking this information into account, as well as the patient’s preferences for areas of focus. As well as common areas of focus e.g. the back, people are often surprised to find they enjoy a massage that includes less common areas such as the arms and the stomach. Treatment on the abdomen can help improve digestion, as well as to de-stress. Tension in certain areas of the body often has knock-on effects on other areas, and so this is always taken into consideration for a treatment to achieve maximum effectiveness. The aim is to restore homeostasis or balance within the body.
Sometimes if people have a lot of tension, they can feel quite sore after treatment before they feel better, usually soon after or the next day (sometimes after two-three days). This healing crisis (the technical and less alarming-sounding term is the Herxheimer reaction) is a normal reaction due to the release of built-up waste products from the muscles and promotion of fluid dynamics. It is usually experienced by people who have not had a treatment for a long time, or who have a lot of tension, and reduces with regular treatments.
Referrals to other specialists are made where necessary, and homecare advice is given as part of an holistic approach.
I usually a specially-blended beeswax for massage, as the texture is very good, especially for sports and remedial massage. I use a good brand that uses good quality, natural ingredients, and recyclable containers.
Refined grapeseed oil is good for people with allergies and pregnant patients, and it contains the omega six essential fatty acid linoleic acid, which nourishes the skin and can also assist circulation.
I also use some other herbal oils that feel very soothing, e.g. for sore muscles.
