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“Sports” massage is normally advertised as being useful to athletes and those that like to keep fit and active. It is claimed that therapists can identify and loosen areas of…

The most common footballing injuries, not surprisingly, tend to affect your lower limbs. From hips to feet, injuries from running, twisting, tackling and jumping are affecting athletes during training sessions…

Your skin is the largest organ of your body and protects you from bacteria and the outside world. It also helps regulate your body temperature, and lets you feel heat…

The Hamstrings are a group of three muscles located at the back of the thigh. They are: Biceps Femoris,Semitendinosus andSemimembranosus All three Hamstring muscle originate at the Ischial Tuberosity (Sit…

There are many different types of scarring that can result when tissues are damaged. All types can benefit from Scarwork™ therapy although results will vary depending on maturity and size…

Just as Runners are prone to knee and foot overuse injuries, Swimmers often experience pain in the shoulders. “Swimmers Shoulder” is an umbrella term that can be attributed to any…

Who can Scarwork™ help? Anyone who has a scar from an accident or surgery could benefit from this therapy.Our bodies have an amazing ability to heal but sometimes the process…

Now that Summer has begun, we are all hoping for “good” weather. However, after the heatwave of 2018, we need to be prepared for it to be “too good”. When…

A strain in the Adductor muscles of the inner thigh is often called a “Groin Strain”. This type of injury is most common in sports that involve sharp increases in…

Many people have scars that cause them no problems at all. However, there are a number of common complaints that I hear from clients who do have issues: Pain, itchiness,…

It is a sad fact of life that many people see scars as a disfigurement. They are often associated with “the bad guy” in a film or we try to…

The Quadriceps group (commonly known as Quads) comprises of four large muscles in the front of the upper leg. They are: Vastus Lateralis (Outer) Vastus Medialis (Inner) Vastus Intermedius (between)…

There are many Vitamins and Minerals that our bodies need to stay healthy and active. I do not usually give nutritional advice to my clients but here is a short…

Our bones play many important roles in the body. They provide our structure, protect our organs, provide an anchor for our muscles and store excess calcium. Although it’s important to…

A muscle cramp is a sudden and involuntary contraction of one or more of your muscles. Almost everyone will suffer with a cramp at some point and often the cause is not known. Though generally…

Allow plenty of time to get to your appointment so you are not rushed and stressed before you start. Be open and honest during the health screening part of your…

Most people with back ache are told by health professionals, including myself, to move more. The majority of lower back pain is caused by muscular tension and movement should ease…

Although swimming is non-load bearing, considered low risk for injury and an excellent sport for all round fitness, overuse injuries can occur due to the repetitive nature of the strokes.…

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve of the arm gets compressed in a narrow tunnel passing through the centre of the wrist. This causes irritation…

With many different types of massage available and numerous therapists offering their services, how can you decide where to get the best treatment? Here are some tips that may help:…

When we reach Menopause, usually in our late 40s or early 50s many of our biological processes change and find a new “normal”. This changing process usually takes a few…

Runners knee is the common name for patellofemoral pain syndrome which causes pain around and behind the knee cap. It is one of the most common overuse injuries in people…

Many people carry their handbags, backpacks or laptop bags on one shoulder and they tend to have a favourite side to carry it on. Even if the bag is empty…

From an early age, we learn that the touch of a hand can ease pain. When a toddler bangs his knee, he’ll instinctively rub the sore spot. Likewise, an office…

We often hear the terms Over and Under pronation, particularly with respect to running and running shoes, but what do these terms mean? And why are they important? OVERpronation means…

When you see a mushroom emerging from the ground, all you notice is the fruiting body of the fungus. Sometimes they can be tiny, sometimes they group together and sometimes…

Many of us suffer from poor sleep quantity and quality. This is likely to be caused by a number of factors with stress, lack of exercise and using screens late…

Impact injuries Crashes are an unfortunate part of cycling. Potholes, careless drivers and mis-communication amongst group members can all result in you ending up on the road or in the…

Adhesions are fibrous bands, formed in the same way as scar tissue, which inhibit movement between soft tissues. They are often called “knots” and can form in muscles, ligaments or…

When you see how many layers of the abdomen are cut in a caesarian section to get to the baby, we can realise what a major operation it is. No…

Spring has sprung and many of us will be starting to spend increasing amounts of time in the garden. Some of this time will be spent relaxing but much of…

Your scars can tell the story of your life but sometimes they are constant reminders especially if they are tight, uncomfortable and affect how your body moves ScarWork is a…

Frozen shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) is a condition where pain and stiffness develop in the joint to such an extent that the patient finds it difficult to move their arm. This…

Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis is a condition that produces pain on the outside of the elbow and upper forearm. It is particularly noticeable when bending your arm, gripping small…

Tension headaches are the most common form of head ache and many people will experience one at some point in their lives. Teenagers and adults are most likely to suffer…

High heeled shoes have long been an essential part of smart, fashionable dress. From court shoes at work to sparkly sandals on a night out, many people wear shoes with…

What is the difference between new pain and old pain? In simplistic terms, new pain is a way of your body letting you know that something is wrong. Your brain…

Sports injuries are usually caused in two ways – Impact and Overuse.Impact injuries would come from a fall or tackle whereas Overuse injuries are due to repetitive strain. Overuse injuries…

It’s mid-winter and very cold, particularly when most people have to do their training (morning and evening), so how can you stay safe and still train well? Here are a…

I have recently heard the expression “Motion is Lotion”. I take this to mean that the more we move, the better we move. Regular movement avoids stiffening of the joints…

Soft tissue therapy and massage has been used for centuries to heal, invigorate and relax the mind and body. In order for our bodies to work efficiently, many complex systems…

What is Reflexology? Reflexology is a holistic theory and therapy that treats the feet in order to harmonise the flow of energy in the whole body, and so balancing mind,…

Stress is the body’s reaction to potentially harmful situations. These can be real or perceived but when we feel threatened, a chemical reaction occurs in our bodies that allows us…

Developed in Japan in the 1970s, Kinesiology taping (KTape) has now become a common sight at all major sporting events and is gaining popularity amongst non-elite athletes and the general…

Proprioception is the sense of knowing the relative position of ones’ body in space. It is necessary to maintain posture and balance and helps us to co-ordinate movements.The information needed…

Text neck is the term used to describe the neck pain and damage sustained from looking down at your mobile phone or tablet too frequently and for too long. The…

For most people, the festive season includes a large amount of shopping. This can be for food or presents and can be a hazardous pastime. Here are a few things…

When injury strikes or everyday aches and pains need a little attention, it can be hard to decide what action to take. This chart gives a simple explanation about when…

Nobody likes to be injured but, unfortunately, it happens to most of us at some time. Overuse injuries are the most common and can sneak up on athletes then suddenly…

When we exercise and ask our muscles to do more work than they are used to, the microscopic fibers inside them tear apart. This “Microtrauma” is perfectly natural and is…

Massage therapy of all types is becoming a popular treatment for the relief of sports injuries, muscle soreness and everyday aches and pains. However, its’ benefits are more than just…

Sports Massage can also be known as Deep Tissue or Remedial Massage and in Soft Tissue Therapy additional techniques can be used including assisted stretching, remedial exercises and lifestyle advice.…

There are so many different types of massage practiced in the U.K. and a vast array of therapists offering their services that the whole idea of “getting a massage” to…

What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis? Deep vein thrombosis or DVT, occurs when a blood clot forms in a major vein of the body. This occurs most often in the lower…

Our modern corporate life means that many of us struggle to achieve a healthy work : life balance… Let alone a work : training : life balance! Whatever type of…

Following on from my MASCED (Melanoma and Skin Cancer Early Detection) accreditation, I would like to share the following facts about skin cancer with you all. Skin Cancer is the…

Many of you will be approaching a holiday period or some time out of your usual routine over the next few weeks. Travelling, either for business or pleasure, can play…

Foam Rolling has become very popular as a form of Self massage, but what does it actually do and is it worth it? As discussed in a previous post, Fascia…

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is one of the most common causes of ‘Runners Knee’ and accounts for up to a quarter of overuse injuries in runners. The ITB is a…

The Piriformis muscle is located in the buttocks, beneath the Gluteus Maximus . It runs diagonally from the Sacrum (base of spine) to the top of the Femur (thigh bone)…

Fascia is a dense sheet of irregular connective tissue that supports and surrounds all muscles and organs of the body. This means that everything is connected together. Fascia is made…

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where cartilage gradually thins and becomes rough. The loss of this protective cushion between bone ends can cause them to rub together and results…

With a number of Marathons coming up in the next few weeks and the Triathlon season about to start, here is some information about what you should expect from a…

Also known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (M.T.T.S), “Shin Splints” is a catch – all term for pain felt in the lower leg along the Tibia or shin bone. This…

A stress fracture is a series of microscopic fissures or severe bruising within the bone. It causes localised pain at the fracture site which may increase during exercise and subside…

The plantar fascia is a thick strap of connective tissue that runs from the ball of the foot to the heel. It supports the foot arch and gives us the…

Although the benefits of massage to both sporty and non-sporty people are numerous and well known –Release of tension in muscles, Improved blood flow, Increased flexibility, Lower blood pressure, Reduced…

D.O.M.S. is the soreness we feel in our muscles a day or two after a high intensity workout that our body is not yet used it. All athletes can be…

Lower back pain is very common with office workers and drivers. Sitting all day will lead to the lower abdominal muscles becoming lazy as they do not need to support…

Ligaments are a connective tissue made from collagen fibres and they attach bone to bone at joints. Ligaments help to stabilise the joint and can become damaged if the joint…

A muscle can be strained when some or all of its’ fibres cannot cope with the demands being placed on them. This strain can occur in the muscle belly, where…

During the acute inflammation stage of a soft tissue injury (24 to 48 hours), I would recommend the P.R.I.C.E. or P.OL.I.C.E. procedures: Protect – The damaged area should be protected…