Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is a form of physical therapy involving manipulation of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia.
Our approach includes deep tissue massage, sports massage, trigger point therapy, manual lymphatic massage, Thai massage and myofascial release.
What we treat:
Back pain – Neck pain – Muscle, tendon and ligament sprains / tears – Hip pain – Knee pain – Foot and ankle pain – Shoulder pain – Tennis elbow –
Golfers elbow – Carpel tunnel – Sports injuries – Running injuries – Cycling injuries – Disc prolapse – Trapped nerves – Sciatica – Arthritis – Head aches – Pre/post natal care – Pre/post surgical rehabilitation – Repetitive strain injuries.
Meet the team:
Valeria Lodovisi BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy. London School of Massage accredited.
Valeria specialises in remedial massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy and myofascial release.
Valeria also offers a hands-on manual therapy approach to physiotherapy treatment together with strengthening and flexibility rehabilitation exercises and postural education.
Governing bodies: Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the Health Professions Council.
Ana Seymenska BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy. MSc Orthopaedic Physiotherapy. Diploma in Massage therapy. STOTT Reformer Pilates Instructor.
Ana offers a hands-on manual therapy approach to physiotherapy treatment including joint mobilisation, stretches, trigger point therapy, myofacial release and deep tissue, remedial and yoga massage together with strengthening and flexibility rehabilitation exercises, clinical reformer Pilates, yoga and postural education.
Governing bodies: Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the Health Professions Council.
Conor O’Sullivan BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy. Diploma in Sports Massage. Level 3 Personal Trainer. Chartered Physiotherapist.
As a Chartered Physiotherapist, massage therapist and personal trainer, Conor’s treatment approach uses manual therapy, myofascial release, trigger point therapy and sports massage alongside strength and conditioning rehabilitation.
Governing bodies: Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the Health Professions Council.
Lucinda Carveth. Massage Therapist.
Lucinda specialises is Sports Massage, Remedial & Deep Tissue Massage, Indian Head Massage, Swedish Massage, Aromatherapy, Manual Lymphatic Massage and Thai Table Massage.
Governing bodies: Federation of Holistic Therapists.
Prices:
45mins: £52
30mins: £45
How does massage therapy work
Three physiological processes of massage therapy:
1) Replenish:
Encouraging the blood flow within the muscle, flushing out lactic acid and increasing the levels of oxygen and nutrients:
Lactic acid is a toxin produced when the muscles break down glucose in the absence of an oxygenated blood supply (ischemia). A build-up of lactic acid causes fatigue and potential damage and fibrosis in the muscle tissue.
2) Reset:
Stretching the muscle, allowing for a resetting of its resting tone:
Skeletal muscle contraction is controlled by the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) with signals being relayed to the muscles through neuropathways.
Skeletal muscle contraction can be divided into two types: Resting tone which is a necessary passive, low-level muscle contraction vital to maintaining postural balance and stability and co-contraction which by contrast is an active increased level of muscle contraction necessary for a greater degree of strength in order to carry out a particular movement or function.
Most commonly an increase in resting tone is due to poor posture and overuse such as sitting in front of the desk for too long, lifting weights and running. This constant state of increased low-level muscle contraction can be damaging to the muscle and lead to a build-up of fibrosis through restricting blood flow, reducing oxygen supply to the muscle (ischemia) and increasing the level of lactic acid (a by-product of anaerobic respiration where energy is released in the absence of oxygen).
3) Regenerate:
Breaking apart the straight collagen fibers of fibrosis, allowing the release of stem cells which regenerate new healthy muscle fibers:
Fibrosis is an excessive accumulation of collagen fibers, allowing for a quick soft tissue repair response after injury or ischemia. In fibrosis the collagen fibers are the same as those in normal soft tissue however their orientation differs. In normal tissue the fibers form an irregular matrix of fibers however in fibrosis the collagen fibers cross-link and form an alignment in a single direction. This difference in alignment affects the function of fibrosis making it less flexible and more prone to further injury than normal tissue.
Further reading: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3156644/
Frequently asked questions:
Is the treatment right for me?
Please call us and arrange to speak to a massage therapist, physiotherapist or osteopath if you are unsure about the nature of your injury or what treatment would be right for you. If treatment is not deemed appropriate there will be no charge made for your appointment.
What does the treatment involve?
Massage therapy regenerates muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia by physically encouraging blood supply, breaking down ‘knots’ of fibrosis and by resetting the muscle to accept a more supply state. It is very common to feel some bruising for a couple of days after a treatment, similar to a gym training session or long run.
What should I wear?
As the treatment involves massage and stretching techniques you may need to remove some outer layers of clothing such as shirt, jumper or trousers. If you are suffering from low back pain or leg pain you may wish to bring shorts or loose trousers to change into. Women suffering from back and upper limb pain may wish to wear a vest top.
How is my medical data stored?
Your initial consultation involves the physiotherapist or osteopath taking a full medical history, treatment notes are then also taken at subsequent visits. Medical histories are kept on our secure practice software in accordance with data protection and the code of practice set out by The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists and General Osteopathic Council. Medical notes are not disclosed to any third party such as General Practitioners or health insurance providers without written permission from the patient.
Do I need to see my GP first?
Physiotherapists and Osteopaths are trained as primary healthcare practitioners and patients can seek treatment without referral. If necessary you will be advised to see your GP or you may be referred for further investigations such x-ray or MRI. Please note most Health Insurance companies ask that you contact your GP before seeking treatment.