Claire Evans, Professional Massage Therapist at Atlantis Leisure

Sports and Deep Tissue Massage

Massage is a long established and effective therapy widely used in sports medicine for the relief of pain, swelling, muscle spasm and restricted movement. It has much to offer both the injured and uninjured athlete because of its diverse therapeutic effects.

Those who don't participate in sport are also prone to joint problems and muscular aches and pains. Therefore, sports and deep tissue massage have much to offer both sporting and non sporting bodies. Some of the therapeutic effects of sports and remedial massage include:

• Relieve tension and inflexibility caused by scar tissue in soft tissue; this may be present as a result of past injury or repetitive micro trauma.
• Increased tissue permeability - Causes pores in the tissue membrane to open which improves the removal of waste products such as lactic acid.
• Stretches muscles, tendons and fascia; Sports Massage stretches tissues which are difficult to reach and stretch the fascia that surrounds the muscle releasing tension.
• Improves sports performance and endurance - by removing build up of general aches and pains it can prevent injury and loss of joint mobility.
• Enables a fast return to activity after injury; manipulation of the injured tissue helps prevent adhesions forming.
• Releases Muscle spasm - lowering stress levels placed on the body - thus extending the overall life of an athlete's career and helps to maintain the entire body in better physical condition.

Indian Head Massage

Indian Head Massage has been adapted from Ayurvedic techniques to ease tension and strain in the shoulders, neck, scalp and face. It is a highly effective technique for the treatment of stress and stress related conditions. The numerous benefits of Indian Head Massage include:-

• Improved circulation and lymphatic drainage to the head, neck, scalp, face and shoulder area.
• A deep sense of relaxation and a feeling of total well-being.
• Relief from headaches.
• Relaxation of the muscles of the head, neck and shoulder area.
• Stimulation of hair growth.
• Improvement in concentration and memory.
• Relief from anxiety and insomnia.
• Alleviation of eyestrain.
• Healthy skin, removes toxins and boosts energy levels, Confidence and improved self-esteem.
• Indian Head Massage can be performed without the need to undress and may be performed with or without oils.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot Stone Massage involves the application of water-heated basalt stones of varying sizes to key points on the body, giving a deep massage and creating sensations of comfort and warmth. These treatment dates back 5000 years to the Indian and Mayan cultures. The therapists used "tools" provided from the earth to better heal and calm; their hands were only used for manipulation and some healing. The rocks come from river beds and were warmed on hot coals. One stroke from a hot stone penetrates as deep as is the equivalent on 10 strokes of the hand.

What are the Benefits of Hot Stone Massage?

The direct heat relaxes muscles, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity than with regular massage. Hot stones expand blood vessels, which push blood and waste through the nervous system. This gives the body a sedative effect. Hot Stone Massage is a deep, healing massage.

In cases of muscular injury or inflammation, cool marble stones are used in place of the heated stones. This creates a thermo-therapeutic healing in the circulatory system, helping the body to detoxify and heal. The cool stones constrict blood vessels, which stimulates the nervous system by drawing blood and waste products along the body. By doing this, every cell in the body receives more nutrients and oxygen while removing waste through the lymphatic system. Healing improvement occurs in clients who suffer from the following conditions:

• Muscular aches, pains, sprains and strains
• Poor circulation
• Rheumatic and arthritic conditions
• Back pain
• Stress, anxiety and tension
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Fibromyalgia
• Muscular Dystrophy

Contact Number for bookings: 07831 811576