A massage specifically targeting dysfunctions in the body causing pain. A variety of techniques are used to release tension, knots, adhesions and facial tightness. Remedial massage can help to ease nerve pain, correct bad posture and take away every day aches and pains allowing the body to function better in day to day life.

This is a full body massage employing long, slow strokes, designed to calm the central nervous system. It can assist in boosting the immune system, lowering stress levels, improving quality of sleep, lowering blood pressure and easing anxiety. The anxiety-reducing and mood-enhancing benefits of massage are probably related to changes in EEG activity, decreased levels of cortisol, and increased activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which acts automatically to calm the body and brain during stress.

Numerous studies show that moderate pressure massage is more effective than light pressure massage for reducing pain associated with different medical problems including fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Moderate pressure massage also improves attention and enhances the body's immune response by increasing the activity of natural killer cells. Functional brain imaging studies show that changes take place in many areas of the brain involved in regulating emotions and stress response including the amygdala and the hypothalamus.

Sports massage is designed to help athletes before, during and after training. It is useful for anyone who exercises to increase flexibility, prevent injuries and help with healing after a sports injury.

Sports massage is specifically tailored to different sports and sporting injuries. It is not a relaxing form of massage and can often be quite strenuous. It works by stretching tight muscles, stimulating inactive muscles and improving the condition of the soft tissue

The aim of sports massage is to reduce the stress and tension that can build up in the soft tissues of the body during exercise. This form of massage is used to:

• increase endurance

• improve performance

• reduce the chance of injury

• reduce recovery time after an injury

This is a very useful tool especially when applied during a Remedial or Sports Massage to help release locked up muscle areas. These are the same needles as used in acupuncture, they are sterile and I am fully qualified and insured to use them. There may be some tenderness in the area treated for a day or so post treatment, but usually the relief from tightness/pain is very long lasting.