How to choose the
right treatment
The good news is that you don’t have to, the four options below act as a guide to the range of approaches available. Prices are based on professional time and are the same, whoever you are and whatever your aims are. Take time to consider what it is that you want to achieve - this is more important than choosing a particular style of treatment. Mandy will employ the most appropriate techniques to help you achieve your desired outcome. The balance of techniques depends on individual expectations and physical/emotional response to massage.
Please also be aware that the root cause of any discomfort may be in a different part of your body and so treatment may include areas of the body that you haven't considered part of the 'problem'.
If your aims are any more than pure relaxation, please book 90 mins for your first appointment. If the aim is a mixture of relaxation and remedial work, or for a full body treatment then a 90 min treatment is best. 1 hour appointments allow enough time to focus on half a body, ie back shoulders arms and neck, or, hips, legs and feet.
Massage
Swedish Massage
When Swedish massage first landed on the UK scene, its image was of a heavy handed pummelling. Over time this has settled down to become the term for a basic body massage, with the prime goal of relaxation at its core. In Mandy’s hands this means you can switch off while she applies her knowledge to unwinding and releasing knots and tension.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue massage is performed more slowly and deeply than Swedish massage. For many this creates a deeply relaxing treatment which also focuses on under and over used muscles and seeks to redress the balance. Please note that deep acting techniques are very often quite gentle, or directed at areas away from the site of any pain. The detective at work!
Remedial Massage
Remedial Massage is the umbrella term for the toolbox of techniques available to address symptoms of overuse, postural imbalance and chronic holding patterns; it requires more input from the client in terms of feedback, changing position and performing small movements to assist soft tissue release.
Sports Massage
Sports Massage is suitable for those who enjoy an active lifestyle, providing an effective way to catch any niggles your training might create to help prevent injury and improve performance. Sports massage may include the use of heat, ice or mechanical vibrations to increase the effectiveness of treatment. The treatment varies depending on whether the massage is pre-event, post-event or maintenance.
Techniques
Muscle Energy Technique
This is one example of working with the body in a very gentle, yet effective deep tissue way. Micro movements of specific muscles open up a window (neurologically speaking) for potential change. Mandy will guide you into a specific micro-movement, the area is then manipulated to maximise gains.
Soft Tissue Release
Soft Tissue Release is a technique for working into specific parts of a muscle. The targeted area is fixed by the therapist using appropriate pressure, micro stretches are created either by the therapist’s other hand or by taking a limb through a particular range of motion.
Trigger Point Release
This targeted technique uses a single point, usually just the size of a fingertip, to achieve release through sustained pressure at an agreed level. Trigger points may be super sensitive, feel a bit sore/bruised, or even numb. These sensations may be felt very locally to the spot, may ‘travel’ some distance, or create a ‘mirror’ sensation at a seemingly unrelated location elsewhere in the body.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation can be many things, depending on the situation. Mandy always has her eye on finding casual ways for her clients to perfect and practice functional movements. This approach allows the body to learn (through repetition) more efficient movement patterns that protect against future problems. Pictures and text can be provided to ensure good home practice.
How many treatments do I need?
There is no single answer to this question as different bodies respond differently, some change readily and others are more resistant. If you are recovering from surgery, injury or have a chronic (3 months or longer) issue, it is generally best to have 3 treatments with a 7-10 day gap in-between. That might be enough, or it might be time to start to lengthen the time between further treatments. If this sounds like the option for you, check out the Commit and Save bundle in Gift Vouchers.
Mandy aims to get you feeling better as fast as possible and on your way to tell others how marvellous she is! Her approach is one of calm reassurance and practical advice. She will not try to pressure sell you more treatments than you need, or invent new things for you to worry about.
Some people choose to have regular maintenance or wellbeing treatments on a monthly or quarterly basis; others just get in touch when they feel the need.
It’s your body, your budget, your choice.
