Precious Time

Gillian has completed a diploma in remedial and sports massage from AMTS (Advanced Massage Techniques School). This training has enabled her to treat people with injuries ranging from competitive or recreational sports, to postural or overuse injuries from the workplace.

A remedial/sports treatment involves a thorough case history and assessment of the injured area, including active, passive and resisted testing of the affected joint. Areas of restriction or weakness are identified and treated to restore proper function and alleviate pain. Treatment techniques may include: myofascial release, muscle energy technique, neuromuscular technique, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, trigger point therapy. The client will be given stretches and exercises to do at home to maintain and build upon gains made in their treatment.

For more extensive injuries a rehabilitation programme will be agreed upon with regular massage and restorative exercises appropriate to the stage of healing.

For clients suffering from muscle tension, a deep tissue massage is a great proactive measure to prevent further injury.

Massage can be given as part of an athletic training programme to promote faster recovery, increase flexibility and relieve fatigue.

Gillian has completed a 3 day foundation course in massage therapy for people living with cancer, run by Gayle MacDonald, from the Perigine Institute of Oncology Massage, and author of "Medicine Hands: Massage Therapy for People with Cancer"

This course has provided her with the information and experience to work safely and confidently with clients who have a history of cancer or are currently in treatment for the disease. The massage is tailored to the individual based on any surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy they are receiving or have undergone and takes into account current health issues. This massage is gentle and comfort-oriented in style. The main focus is on working with an open heart and being present. Other kinds of massage are inappropriate for cancer patients because they tend to be too deep, painful, draining and may cause more harm than good. Or the practitioner may not understand how to make the appropriate adjustments for a person when lymph nodes have been removed (which can cause lymphodema).

The essence of comfort-oriented massage is summed up in these words:

Massage offers a safe and warm holding place for the person with cancer. Deep human compassion and caring are communicated without words and without threat. It is a gentle, non-invasive form of therapy. It addresses the whole person in a gentle, human and uncomplicated way. The essential elements of massage are both simple and profound. In its essence it is touch. Touch is a vital and basic form of communication, conveying nuances of feelings, often more expressively and effectively than verbal communication.

From "Massage for People With Cancer" by Patricia McNamara

Swedish massage, sometimes known as therapeutic massage, is the rhythmic moving of soft tissues to produce therapeutic effects. It can be done slowly and lightly to soothe and relax, or more deeply to release tension and invigorate.

The benefits of therapeutic massage are many and include pain relief, helping to restore function and movement, improved concentration and vitality, boosting of the immune system, improvements in sleep, relaxation and promoting the “feel-good” factor.

The treatment takes place on a massage couch, where the client is undressed, but covered with towels. Oils are used to reduce friction on the skin, and to assist with conditioning the skin. On the first visit, there will be an initial consultation to consider any relevant medical issues and what treatment is required. The treatment is tailored to meet the specific needs of the client, with more work carried out on the areas of the body which need it.

The effects of the treatment can be felt immediately in terms of relaxation and pain relief, and will continue to enhance the client's wellbeing cumulatively with further treatments.

Indian head massage incorporates the shoulders, arms and neck and then progresses on to the scalp, ears and ends in a light facial massage.

If necessary, the therapy can be effective without the need to undress or use oils.

Poor posture, work environment and stress cause tension to accumulate in the head, neck and shoulders which may cause stiffness, pain and headaches. By reducing muscular tension and improving lymphatic flow, Indian head massage helps to relieve these and is also beneficial in relieving migraines, nasal congestion and improving sleep. Other benefits include improving skin and hair condition.

Whether you have a specific ailment or just fancy pampering yourself, this treatment is restful and refreshing, and it also feels great!

Hot stone massage is an Ancient practise using heated stones to cleanse and purify the body. Today, heated basalt stones are used to apply traditional massage techniques, allowing an even application and depth of pressure to improve local circulation and relax muscle tissue. Benefits of this treatment include a deep sense of comfort and relaxation, helping to relieve stress, anxiety and tension as well as reducing muscle tension. Truly the ultimate in relaxation therapies.