Tag Archives: Soft Tissue Therapy

What they want vs what the evidence says: the MaccyD problem

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You walk into McDonalds and order your big mac and fries and a milkshake the size of a walrus, all good and well. The guy takes your order, goes and gets it- but comes back with a Lean Chicken Salad with a veg juice. “What the heck is this?” You think….” I came in here with a certain expectation of what I want and what, at this point, I *need*, and yet *this* is what I get. What the hell”? So you question the guy behind the counter… “What happened to the Big mac, the fries and the milkshake?” “Ah, … Continue reading →

P is for Pelvic Floor

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Your pelvic floor is a hammock or sling of muscles found in the base of your pelvis. Our pelvic floor supports the bowel, bladder and in women, the uterus, all the while, playing a role in supporting the spine. The combined forces of the pelvic floor muscles form a supporting mechanism for the pelvic viscera from below – imagine interlocked fingers cradling a bowl. This hammock of muscles also interacts with the diaphragm when the abdominal pressure inside changes – as happens when we breathe. Breathing can be affected by a weak pelvic floor, possibly contributing to dysfunctional breathing patterns. We … Continue reading →

Migraines, Art & Soft Tissue Therapy

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We’ve recently discovered the world of Migraine art – and spent quite a while searching the images on the internet – the image below grabbed Lynne’s attention, and really reflects how migraines feel for her: Have you found an image that reflects your migraines? Post your image on our facebook page and leave a comment explaining how migraines affect you. While there are common symptoms associated with migraines, your experience and discomfort is as unique as you are. It can be comforting to hear what other people experience, so please do share your story with us. We have both experienced the debilitating nature … Continue reading →

Olympic Dreams for Andy Turner and Ice Climbing

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It’s amazing to think that 18 months ago Tim and I were working at the 2012 London Olympics, and now we’re in the midst of the 2014 Winter Olympics. We’re having a great time watching the winter sports over in Sochi, and even more exciting, one of our regular clients is on his way to Russia right now. Andy Turner set up the Great Britain Ice Climbing Team, and as well as climbing for the team he also coaches other climbers. We saw Andy on Tuesday for his final session of soft tissue therapy before flying out to Sochi. Over in … Continue reading →

X is for Xiphoid Process

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The Xiphoid Process is a small piece of cartilage which is located at the very bottom of your sternum – the breast bone. Although technically a joint, the cartilage and bone of the sternum become fused together in adults, so it really is just a small protrusion. But, it is important, because your diaphragm, rectus abdominal and transversus thoracis muscles attach onto it. As massage therapists we frequently treat muscles associated with breathing – which includes the diaphragm. Any point where a muscle attaches is a potential area for tightness, adhesions or scar tissue to develop and soft tissue therapy … Continue reading →

S is for Stretching

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We’re asked many times about stretching so here’s a summary of the most frequent questions we hear: Why do I need to stretch? First ask yourself what you want to achieve from stretching, then you’ll be closer to knowing why. Here’s a quick summary of the key benefits: Better range of movement Better force production throughout that range of movement (power) More efficient blood flow (and nutrient flow) to the muscles More efficient removal of metabolic waste – both of these mean more efficient muscular recovery from aerobic AND anaerobic activity Better proprioception – knowing exactly where your body is … Continue reading →