Indian Head Massage

What is an Indian Head Massage?

An Indian Head Massage revitalises your mind, body and spirit. It originates form over 4,000 years ago. In India its know as Ayurveda. It is believed to promote circulation, stimulate energy pathways and encourage physical and emotional harmony. It helps relax the body but balance the flow of energy and improve overall health.

Champi (Indian Head Massage) was common practice in barber shops. Champi - means to knead or to press, over time it included the neck and shoulders to create a holistic therapy. In the 1970's it was introduced to the Western World by Narendra Mehta.

Principles of Indian Head Massage

Indian head massage is based on the belief that physical and emotional tension can block the flow of energy in the body. The specific techniques used: kneading, tapping and circular motions, helps the flow of energy. Balances the energy pathways or "chakras". Encourages mental clarity and relaxation.

Why have an Indian Head Massage?

Relieves Headaches and Tension.

boosts Circulation and Energy.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Promotes Better Sleep and mental Clarity

Nourishes Scalp and Strengthens Hair

An Indian Head Massage is an holistic practice, as well as a physical treatment, with deep cultural roots. It provides relaxation, healing to people and stood the test of time.

Book now to get that wonderful deeply relaxing experience

Contact

Plantar fasciitis

What is Plantar fasciitis?

Inflammation of the plantar fascia. It is a part of your foot that connects your heel bone to the heel. The pain can feel very sharp and can cause you difficulty in walking.

It may be worse in the morning as the Plantar fascia tightens up over night. ]

CAUSES of Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is often caused by repetitive motion or anything that puts a lot pressure on the arch of your foot
Activities like:

running

Jogging

Walking

Tight calf Muscles

The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

Heel pain.
Pain in the arch of your foot.
Stiffness.
Swelling around your heel.
A tight Achilles tendon.

Does plantar fasciitis ever go away?

Plantar fasciitis can go away on its own, but it can take more than a year for the pain to subside. Without treatment, complications can occur.

To reduce the pain of plantar fasciitis, try these self-care tips:

Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can put extra stress on your plantar fascia.
Choose supportive shoes.
Don't wear worn-out athletic shoes.
Stretch you calf muscles.
Roll a golf ball where the pain is.
Use a small bottle of iced water and roll back and forth under the foot.
Use insoles in your shoes.
Do not stand or walk for long periods.
Wear supportive shoes.

Common causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Aged 40 to 60 years.
Overstretched your sole of your foot during exercise.
Wear shoes with poor support or cushioning.
Exercise with tight heel or calf.
To much exercise on a hard surface, build it up.
Recently started doing a lot more running or walking.

Massage and Plantar Fasciitis

Pain Relief - Reduces inflammation increase blood flow and helps the body release endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.
Improved circulation - helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to the area, improve blood circulation which aids the healing process.
Scar Tissue - the plantar fasciitis becomes tight and massage helps relieve the tightness, improves flexibility.
Chronic Pain - Regular massage of the legs and foot, helps the plantar fasciitis going to Chronic pain.
Relaxation and Stress - constant pain affects our wellbeing, massage is proven to help reduce stress.

Contact

Interested in getting your plantar fasciitis sorted, get in touch now.

What is the Graston Technique?

The Graston Technique

Chiropractors, massage therapists, occupational therapists, osteopathic doctors, and physical therapists are the ones who use the Graston Technique the most. It is a type of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation used to help people heal from injuries.

A water skier who was just starting out and hurt his knee badly came up with the method. He was upset by how few people recovered from surgery and regular therapy, so he talked to medical professionals and used his experience as a machine operator to make the tools. In 1994, the method was given a patent.

How does the Graston Technique work?

The The Graston Technique is a manual therapy that uses stainless steel instruments to perform muscle mobilization. The tools are used in two ways:

After identifying the muscle knot or tissue, practitioners use the tools to disperse it, which rehabilitates function and mobility.
Practitioners move the instruments over the skin to find any muscle knots, fibrous tissue or scar tissue that can cause the patient pain or restrict movement.

It could take anywhere from six to twelve treatments to see real effects from the technique. Your doctor or nurse can tell you how long your treatments will last and when you can expect to feel better. What you're trying to treat and how bad your symptoms are will determine what to do.

Graston Technique Benefits

The benefits of using the Graston Technique include:

Pain relief
More mobility in soft tissue
Fewer mobility restrictions in fibrous tissue
Fewer muscle spasms
Increased blood circulation to Tissues
Improved flexibility

Graston Technique Risks

The good things come with danger. It's too bad that not many of the benefits of this kind of therapy have been thoroughly researched by scientists. Instead, case reports and studies are done on muscles and tissue that are not human.

The risks of the Graston Technique include:

Bruising of the skin where the treatment was performed
Failure to provide relief
Redness of the skin where the treatment was performed
Spontaneous connective tissue release, which happens when scar tissue breaks away from healthy Tissue

For what types of conditions is the Graston Technique used?

Among the several ailments that the Graston Technique can be applied to is carpal tunnel syndrome. A disorder of the carpal tunnel, which is a small space where tendons and ligaments meet the median nerve, is known as carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve becomes trapped in the tunnel as a result of overusing the muscles and tendons, which causes discomfort, weakness, and numbness in the hand and fingers.

Besides its use for carpal tunnel syndrome, the Graston Technique can also be used for:

Ligament sprains, such as of the ankle, knee or wrist
Myofascial pain, which can develop in any muscle in the body
Other musculoskeletal imbalances, such as rotator cuff injuries or trigger finger
Plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the tissue that connects the toes to the heel bone
Scar tissue caused by surgery or trauma
Tendonitis, which occurs when a tendon is inflamed

Instrument Assisted Massage Tools the Guide

Instrument Assisted Massage Tools in. Massage Therapy

Instrument assisted massage tools (IAMTs) are a valuable addition to any massage therapy practice. These tools are designed to enhance the effectiveness of massage techniques by providing targeted pressure and stimulation to specific areas of the body.

They can be used to increase blood flow and circulation, improve range of motion and flexibility, reduce muscle tension and soreness, and enhance muscle recovery and healing. Incorporating instrument assisted massage tools into your practice can greatly benefit your clients and help you achieve better outcomes.

Key Takeaways of IAMTs

Instrument assisted massage tools can help improve circulation, reduce pain, and increase range of motion.
There are various types of instrument assisted massage tools, including gua sha tools, foam rollers, and massage guns.
When choosing an instrument assisted massage tool, consider your specific needs and preferences, as well as the tool's features and price.
Techniques for using instrument assisted massage tools include applying pressure, using a rolling motion, and targeting specific trigger points.
Instrument assisted massage tools can be effective for treating injuries and painful muscles, but it's important to take precautions and consult with a healthcare professional if necessary.

Benefits of Instrument Assisted Massage Tools

One of the key benefits of using instrument assisted massage tools is increased blood flow and circulation. The tools are designed to stimulate the muscles and tissues, which helps to improve the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the area. This increased circulation can help to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and relieve pain.

Another benefit of using these tools is improved range of motion and flexibility. By targeting specific areas of the body with the tools, you can help to release tension in the muscles and fascia, which can lead to increased flexibility and improved joint mobility. This can be particularly beneficial for clients who have limited range of motion due to injury or chronic conditions.

How to Choose the Right IAMT

When choosing an instrument assisted massage tool, there are several factors to consider. First, you'll want to think about your budget and how much you're willing to spend on a tool. Prices can vary widely depending on the brand and features of the tool, so it's important to set a budget before you start shopping.

Next, you'll want to consider your specific needs and goals. Are you looking for a tool that can target specific areas of the body, or do you need something more versatile? Do you have any specific conditions or injuries that you're looking to address? Thinking about these factors can help you narrow down your options and find a tool that will meet your needs.

Techniques for Using Instrument Assisted Massage Tools

When using instrument assisted massage tools, it's important to use proper techniques to ensure the best results and avoid injury. Here are some tips for using each type of tool:

Gua sha tools: To use a gua sha tool, apply a small amount of oil or lotion to the skin to reduce friction. Hold the tool at a 45-degree angle and use gentle, sweeping motions to scrape the skin. Start with light pressure and gradually increase as needed. Focus on areas of tension or discomfort, and be sure to move in the direction of the muscle fibers.
Foam rollers: To use a foam roller, position yourself on top of the roller and use your body weight to apply pressure to the muscles. Roll back and forth over the targeted area, pausing on any tight or sore spots. You can also experiment with different angles and positions to target different areas of the body.
Massage guns: To use a massage gun, hold the device firmly against the targeted area and turn it on. Move the gun in slow, circular motions over the muscles, applying gentle pressure as needed. You can also experiment with different attachments and speeds to find what works best for you.

It's important to adjust the pressure and intensity of the tools based on the client's comfort level and the specific area of the body being treated. Some clients may prefer lighter pressure, while others may benefit from deeper pressure. Always communicate with your client and ask for feedback to ensure their comfort and safety.

Incorporating IAMTs into Your Massage Therapy Practice

Incorporating instrument assisted massage tools into your massage therapy practice can greatly benefit your clients and help you achieve better outcomes. These tools can increase blood flow and circulation, improve range of motion and flexibility, reduce muscle tension and soreness, and enhance muscle recovery and healing.

If you're curious about the benefits of instrument-assisted massage tools, you'll definitely want to check out this informative article on Lesley Lattimer's website. It covers everything you need to know about the advantages of deep tissue massage and how it can help alleviate muscle tension and promote relaxation. Additionally, there's another interesting article on stress relief through massage therapy that you might find helpful. Lesley Lattimer also offers a range of services that cater to different massage needs. To learn more about these topics, visit https://lesleylattimer.com/the-benefits-of-deep-tissue-massage/, https://lesleylattimer.com/stress-massage/, and https://lesleylattimer.com/services/.

FAQs

What are instrument assisted massage tools?

Instrument assisted massage tools are handheld devices that are used to apply pressure and manipulate soft tissue during a massage. They are designed to help massage therapists work more efficiently and effectively, and can be used to treat a variety of conditions.

What are the benefits of using instrument assisted massage tools?

Using instrument assisted massage tools can help to reduce pain and inflammation, improve range of motion, and increase circulation. They can also help to break up scar tissue and adhesions, and can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including sports injuries, chronic pain, and post-surgical recovery.

What types of instrument assisted massage tools are available?

There are many different types of instrument assisted massage tools available, including handheld devices that use vibration, percussion, or oscillation to apply pressure to the soft tissue. Some tools are designed to be used on specific areas of the body, while others are more versatile and can be used on multiple areas.

Are instrument assisted massage tools safe?

When used properly, instrument assisted massage tools are generally safe. However, it is important to use them under the guidance of a trained massage therapist, as improper use can cause injury or exacerbate existing conditions.

Who can benefit from using instrument assisted massage tools?

Instrument assisted massage tools can be beneficial for anyone who is experiencing pain or discomfort in their soft tissue. They are commonly used by athletes, people with chronic pain conditions, and those recovering from surgery or injury.

How do I choose the right instrument assisted massage tool?

Choosing the right instrument assisted massage tool depends on your specific needs and the condition you are trying to treat. It is important to consult with a trained massage therapist to determine which tool is best for you, and to learn how to use it properly.

Sports Massage, Everything you Need to Know

Sports massages are specialised massages intended to enhance athletic performance or lessen the side effects of strenuous practice or competition. Athletes should definitely use it, but even inexperienced trainers can gain from it.

What is Sports Massage?

When you get a sports massage, the therapist moves soft tissues to help someone who does a lot of physical exercise. Soft tissue is connective tissue that hasn't turned into bone or cartilage. It includes skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia, which is a type of connective tissue that wraps around and lines other soft tissues. Sports massage is meant to help fix problems and imbalances in soft tissue that are caused by overuse, trauma, or repetitive, hard physical exercise. Getting a sports massage before and after exercise may help you do better, heal faster, and avoid getting hurt.

A Brief History of Sports Massage

Over 3000 years ago, people in China, India, and Greece used massage as one of the first ways to treat physical problems. Per Henrik Ling (1776–1839) created the style of massage that is now known as Swedish massage. This style is very popular in the Western world. Ling came up with his own way to massage and work out to help fencers and dancers, which made him famous around the world. A lot of his ideas are at the heart of current sports massage. There are many types of massage available today that can help us stay healthy and happy. People in the US, Canada, and Australia have been able to get sports massages for a long time. In the UK, however, the practice didn't become well known or popular until the 1990s.

What are the Health Benefits of a Sports Massage?

Cutting down on the time your body needs to heal from a sports performance can make the effects of the sport much less severe. It means that people who get a sports massage after working out hard can get back to sports faster and safer than people who don't get one.

In fact, during a sports massage, the therapist can slowly stretch muscle fibres back to their normal length and function, which means they can lengthen and shorten muscles just like they did before.

Also, because the rub increases blood flow, it gives muscles a "pump effect." For a faster healing, this is very important because it helps get rid of the bad catabolites that are easily flushed out of the body.

Getting a sports massage also lowers your risk of getting hurt. Why does that happen? A sports massage gets your muscles warmed up and ready to work out before you do a sport. The layers of muscle and other organs are ready to slide on top of each other as the blood flow goes up. This makes sports ability better and lowers the risk of getting hurt.

Even psychologically, a sportsperson who gets a sports massage feels better and more ready for the performance. This, in turn, lowers the risk of injury and helps the athlete do their best.

How often should you have a Sports Massage?

Pro players always get a sports massage right after a match or hard workout and before the next one. A sports massage won't hurt, and you can get as much work done on another part of your body as you want, with minimal side effects.

Anyone who likes to work out is told to get a sports massage whenever they feel tight, like before a show or after a hard workout or intense session of training, and especially when the weather is bad and it's cold outside.

You might also choose to get a sports massage every so often. In this case, getting a sports massage at least once a month is suggested so that your body can get used to it and never feel really tight or sore afterward.

In the end, we can say that sports massage is very helpful for everyone, but it's especially helpful for athletes. These are great to try if you want to do more than just relax and unwind. They can also help you get rid of pain.

The History of Aromatherapy

A Brief History of Aromatherapy

There is a long history of the use of aromatics for healing and medicine. Aromatic essences were offered as gifts by the Egyptians to their gods. They were used for embalming, medicine and cosmetology. There is also evidence that plants were macerated in wine to be used to make anaesthetic and servants were rewarded with gifts of aromatics.

Ancient practices of aromatherapy

The Ancient Greeks used aromatic preparations to care for the body and to cure illness. The Greeks catalogued their knowledge of healing properties of plants and passed on this knowledge to the Romans.

The Romans had access to many countries producing aromatic essences. Baths and spas were very popular in Roman culture as well as cleansing and massage with fragrant oils.

Around AD 900, Avicenna, an Arabian, is credited with the first distillation of essential oils.

Avicenna wrote several books on the healing properties of plants. The Crusaders learned about essences and aromatics from the Arabs. This knowledge especially included distillation and they brought this knowledge to their own countries between 10th and 12th centuries.

In the 19th century, a wealth of new scientific knowledge was discovered and essences were produced synthetically; however, they often contained mercury and lead. At this time, Opium and Cocaine were legal and the most popular choices for medication. There was consequently a decline of natural medicine and use of aromatic essences.

A look at modern aromatherapy

During the 20th century there was a resurgence in the use of aromatics and essential oils, especially in France. Rene Maurice Gattefosse was a French chemist who documented his accidental discovery of the healing properties of lavender. He is regarded by many as the father of aromatherapy and wrote the first book on the subject in 1937.

Modern trailblazers

During the 1950’s, Dr Jean Valnet worked to establish aromatherapy as a science in France. Much of his research was based in the field of war with soldiers during World War 2. He has written many books including ‘The Practice of Aromatherapy’.

Robert Tisserand is a widely respected aromatherapist who is responsible for bringing the practice of aromatherapy to English speaking nations. His book, The Art of Aromatherapy, is one of the most well known texts on the subject.

Marguerite Maury, a biochemist, also working in the 1950’s, was the first person outside the medical world to study the penetrative power of oils through the skin. She based her work on that of Maurice Gattefosse and her own clinical experience and led the way in the use of essential oils in beauty therapy and health care. She developed the therapeutic treatment combining oils and massage that we recognise as Aromatherapy.

Stress & Massage

Massage Can Lower Blood Pressure

A study in Florida in 2007 that regular back massages significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with clinically diagnosed hypertension. A potential cause of which is chronic stress.
A 1999 study in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies also found reduced blood pressure in hypertensive people who received massage. A massage a has real proven benefits.
Massage remains valuable for its ability to temporarily distract people from the outside world and given then some me time.
Massage has positive impact on the both the body and mind.

Facts

MASSAGES effect the parasympathetic nervous system. It helps lower the Heart Rate and calm us down.
If you can get the body to stand down from its state of emergency, the mind often follows.
Anything you can do to disengage the thinking part of the brain for a little while can put the body into a state of relaxation.
Dr. Fowler says. “By making you more mindful of what’s happening in the present, massage removes your focus from whatever stressors you have. That change in focus alone is a huge benefit.”

International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork

Although you can’t stop your body’s reaction to stress, you can manage and mediate it. Massage therapy is a tool to managing stress. Because of its positive impact on both body and mind.

INTERESTED? Have friends or family who may benefit?

Book your free 15 minute consultation to find out how we can help you.

Contact

Shoulder Pain

What causes shoulder pain?

Explaining the shoulder joint and muscles of the shoulder.

Three bones make up the shoulder joint: humerus, scapula, and clavicle.
The shoulder has 2 distinct joints – called the ‘shoulder complex’

Shoulder girdle is formed by the sternum, clavicle and scapula.
Glenohumeral joint formed between the scapula (glenoid cavity) and head of humorous.

The shoulder girdle enables the scapula to glide across the thorax Movements of the shoulder girdle:

Elevation
Depression Protraction
Retraction

ROTATOR CUFF MUSCLES

4 MUSCLES:
SUPRASPINATUS: Holds your humerus in place and keeps your upper arm stable.
INFRASPINATUS: The main muscle that lets you rotate and extend your shoulder.
TERES MINOR: The smallest rotator cuff muscle.
SUBSCAPULARIS: Holds your upper arm bone to your shoulder blade and helps you rotate your arm, hold it straight out and lower it.

3 shoulder muscles asklepios medical atlas

The rotator cuff muscles help stabilize the shoulder joint and facilitate various movements of the arm.
These muscles enable us to move our holds and arms.
Elevation, depression, protraction and retraction.

This enables the arms to: Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, external rotation, horizontal flexion, horizontal extension

What causes shoulder problems?

Daily wear and tear can cause injuries to the rotator cuff muscles.
Sporting activities: tennis, throwing or similar.
Job: painters, Repitive tasks, or use of the shoulders.
Irritation of the tendons and ligaments through Repitive work, overload or injury.
More common aged 30 plus.
If left untreated can become serious.

Treatment: manual therapy, strengthening exercises, rest and ice if an injury. If no improvement refer to GP or specialist.

SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT:

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT?

Commonly rotator cuff impingement has the following symptoms:

An arc of shoulder pain approximately when your arm is at shoulder height and/ or when your arm is overhead.
Shoulder pain that can extend from the top of the shoulder down the arm to the elbow.
Pain when lying on the sore shoulder, night pain and disturbed sleep.
Shoulder pain at rest as your condition worsens.
Muscle weakness or pain when attempting to reach or lift.
Pain when putting your hand behind your back or head.
Pain reaching for the seat-belt, or out of the car window for a parking ticket.

There are different stages to shoulder rehabilitation.

Early Injury: Protection, Pain Relief & Anti-inflammatory Treatment.
Regain Full Shoulder Range of Motion.
Restore Scapular Control and Scapulohumeral Rhythm.
Restore Normal Neck-Scapulor-Thoracic- Shoulder Function, including posture correction.
Restore Rotator Cuff Strength.
Restore High Speed, Power, Proprioception and Agility Exercises.
Return to Sport or Work.

Is quite a common condition, where a tendon rubs or catches on the bone or tissue as your lift your arm. This tendon connects the muscles around your shoulder to the joint on the top of your arm.

Manual Therapy, shoulder exercises, ice packs and painkillers can help with shoulder impingement.

It can be caused by over use of the shoulder or injury. Age can also be a factor due to wear and tear

REHABILITATION

Stage 1

Mobility and pain reduction
Soft tissue work
Mobility exercises
Hot/ Cold therapy

Move onto Stage 2 when no pain at rest,

exercises elicit no more than a 4/10 pain
Stage 2 Soft tissue work Improve ROM
Isometric Strength through all ranges

Move onto Stage 3 when all exercises elicit no more than a 4/10 pain

Stage 3 Concentric/ Eccentric strength and return to sport Prevent relapse

Contact

A Power That Runs You

We all have different types of running gait, this is normal. It is important you have the correct running sports massage shoe.

Wet Foot Print Test

How do I find out what shoe I need? Wet your feet and step on to a towel, take a note of your footprint.

Cushioned running shoe

A neutral runner requires a cushioned shoe. If your footprint leaves a thin band or gap between your forefoot and heel on the outside of your foot. If you’re a neutral runner you will have a normal arch.

Underpronator, your foot doesn’t pronate (roll inwards), you will probably have a high, rigid arch.

Support Shoe

Mild to moderate overpronator.

Your footprint will leave around half of the footprint on the outside of your foot. This means the arch will collapse through the gait cycle and the foot will roll inwards excessively.

Control

Severe overpronator.

This means the arch of your foot will collapse through the gait cycle and the foot will roll inwards severely. If you’re this type of runner, you’re likely to have a flat arch.

TRAIL SHOES

Trail shoes are specifically designed off road running, they are water proof and a more solid shoe for trails.

Choose you shoe depending on where your run the most, roads or trails.

TOP TIP: When a make upgrades it style it usually makes changes to the width weight so may not me the same shoe, if you like a shoe look on line as you can usually find the older version a lot cheaper than the newly designed shoe.

Always change your shoes after 500 miles and have a couple of pairs if you run a lot to rotate your shoe.

Lacing your shoes

You can lace your shoes in different ways to suit your running style:

Loop Lacing – snug fit
Cross lacing – for a high arch
Skip lacing – allow more room
Extra eyelet – Black toes, helps your foot stay in the shoe

BASE LAYER:

This is the layer nearest your skin, they provide warmth but wick the moisture away from the skin to keep you dry and cool. Depends on the time of year, what kit you would wear and the weather.

It is useful to have vest tops, t shirts, thermal, wind proof and waterproof tops. Hats to keep the heat in, cap to protect your head from the sun, and gloves.

LAYERING CLOTHES:

A t – shirt that wicks the moisture, short or long sleeved.
Thermal top depending on the time of year over that.
A windproof or running coat.

WHAT DOES WICKING MEAN?

Modern fabrics that wick the moisture from the skin. Running clothes are normally a mixture of polyester or polyester blends as they dry quicker, wool or cotton are absorbent and hold to much water.

Socks

It is important to get proper running socks, this will help with keeping your feet dry, blister free. There are lots of choices, I preferred thin socks, I found that thermal running socks gave me blisters, try a few makes.

25 Reasons to get a Massage

Relieve stress
Relieve postoperative pain
Reduce anxiety
Manage low back pain
Help fibromyalgia pain
Reduce muscle tension
Enhance exercise performance
Relieve tension headaches
Sleep better
Ease symptoms of depression
Reduce OA pain
Improve cardio-vascular health
Decrease stress in cancer patients
Improve balance on older patients
Decrease rheumatoid arthritis pain
Temper effects of dementia
Promote relaxation
Lower BP
Decrease symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
Help chronic neck pain
Reduce joint replacement pain
Increase range of motion
Decrease migraine frequency
Improve quality of life in hospice care
Reduce chemotherapy related nausea