Massage Glasgow : Your questions about sports, therapeutic and relaxation Massage in Glasgow

Sports and therapeutic massage are no-nonsense massage techniques that deals directly with the body’s soft tissue.

When injuries to muscle tissue occur the fibres often heal misaligned. Our muscles are covered by a layer connective tissue called fascia. This fascia covers all the individual muscle fibres, the larger bundles of muscles and the whole muscle groups. It is one continuous piece of tissue that never stops growing and covers our whole body. Normally, when covering healthy, moving muscle it is a soft, gel like substance. However, when our muscle movement is restricted, in the case of injury or postural misalignment, tissue fluids cannot reach the areas they need to, to lubricate the fascia. The fascia begins to become hard and scar tissue forms, further trapping toxins such as lactic acid within that specific site. This causes pain and dysfunction as the body tries to remedy the situation, often by setting up a series of structural compensations, which can lead to further pain and problems.

So sports and therapeutic massage is often combined with remedial massage, which uses the same techniques, to assist the healing and rehabilitation of injuries and dysfunction and to facilitate movement.

In this way a sports and therapeutic massage becomes just as relevant to an office worker, crippled by an unsuitable desk arrangement as it is to an Olympic athlete suffering a torn hamstring.

Yes, I'm currently available for appointments on Wednesday evenings at Woodland Herbs, but book early if you can! It's ALWAYS worth calling up for a last minute massage as occasionally there are spaces or last minute cancellations. (please note that cancellations giving less than 24 hours notice incur a £10 charge and cancellations giving less than 1 hour notice or not attending at all will incur the full charge).

Yes, I currently offer home visits as an option to my regualar clients only. Prices are avialable on request.

Generally you should wear as little as possible during your treatment. During the session you will be covered with a towel to retain your modesty, and only the area being worked on will be uncovered.

Usually clients wear just light, stretchy underwear on the lower body. More restrictive undergarments such as men's long cotton boxer shorts - the type with no stretch, can make effective treatment of the hamstrings and adductor muscles very difficult and are not advised.

Shoulder pain is a common complaint - and can be relieved by working into the chest, and even armpit areas! This makes the chest feel more ‘open’ and releases the shoulders, allowing the body to strengthen and improve posture. Should you find these areas too sensitive however, they will not be worked on. And don't worry, armpit massage is generally not ticklish at all!

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and your permission will always be sought before working on any areas of your body. You will be actively encouraged to take part in your own treatment - including giving frequent feedback as to whether the techniques being used/areas being worked on feel helpful, relevant and not too painful!

Sometimes sports and therapeutic massage can be a little uncomfortable, but it is only ever a ‘good’ pain. Please remember that you are always in charge, so if you’re uncomfortable in anyway please say, I aim to give a massage you want, not a massage that I deem ‘appropriate’.

It is usual to feel a little soreness for a day or two after a deep massage. This is normal and shows that useful work was done – and that the body is healing! Common post massage advice includes warming the area with a hot bath or a hot water bottle, gentle but progressive and persistent stretching and Arnica gel may be advised if an injury is being treated.

If you are worried in any way about being sore, or have an important event in the next day or two, please do communicate this, it really is no problem to work around.

As often as you like, as long as you are not contraindicated (see below). Your individual needs will most likely dictate how often you should have a massage. Some people find that a weekly maintenance massage is necessary to address niggles and prevent problems, whereas others find that every few weeks or once a month is enough to keep stress levels at bay.

Yes, there are some individuals who may be ‘contraindicated’ i.e. massage is unsuitable. During the initial consultation questions will be asked to assess whether you are suitable for massage.

Fractionated coconut oil is used. It is an odourless, colourless, light, non-staining oil that washes easily out of fabric. It soaks into the skin and will not leave you feeling greasy; rather it has a pleasant moisturising effect, leaving skin feeling silky smooth. Also, grapeseed is sometimes used, it is a gentle emollient, leaving the skin with a satin finish without feeling greasy. Absorbs easily into the skin, hypo-allergenic and rich in vitamins and minerals. Due to its mild astringent properties it is especially good for oily skin.

Disclaimer

Everything presented on this web site expresses my opinion only, not facts or medical advice. What you do with the information is entirely your own responsibility. I am not liable for any injury you suffer that seems to be related to anything you read here. Ideally, the information presented here would be a good starting point for discussions with health care professionals in your local area. No information presented on this web site should replace advice received directly from a qualified health care professional. If in doubt about the seriousness of any injury or symptoms, please make an appointment with your local GP or other appropriate health care provider.