Tag Archives: Sports & Remedial Massage Therapy

W is for Winging

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Winging Scapulae are a sign that something is not quite right in the shoulder, and some muscles may either be out of synch with each other, or might not be working at all. When you move your shoulder, theoretically the scapula – or shoulder-blade – should move up, down and around on the rib cage. It shouldn’t really come off, or splay outward, which is known as winging. We can class this suboptimal movement as either “true winging” where the entire inner edge of the shoulder-blade is prominent away from the rib cage, or “pseudo winging” where only the bottom … 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 →

Sports Massage in Switzerland

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The time had come for the Global Therapies team to take a break. Since starting out nearly three years ago we’ve taken a few short breaks, had the obvious break down at the Olympics last year, but not had a full battery recharge on a trip abroad. When our running club, Glossopdale Harriers, announced the 2013 annual trip was to the Swiss Alps we booked our flights and started planning. Extending the club trip by another week meant we had the opportunity to travel around the alps a little, visiting Bettmeralp, Kandersteg, and Grindelwald. Along with running shoes, sun cream … Continue reading →

Dig Deep Ultra Weekend

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This week has been fairly busy for different events that we have been helping out at. First Offerton 10k and then this. The Dig Deep Ultra Weekend, with a 60, 30, 12.12 and 6 mile races organised by EightPointTwo. The days were gloriously sunny (though the runners may prefer to say it was stiflingly hot), and we were set up, alongside Outside, in the event centre, a barn on the site of Whirlow Hall Farm, which was the venue for the event. Saturday was the day for the long events – the 60 and 30 milers. Conditions were tough out … Continue reading →

Hope Wakes Fell Race

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For the third year in a row we were invited, and went over to Hope for the Hope Wakes fell race to help out with post race massage for the runners. We have had a cracking time there every year, and this was no exception. I decided that running it was not going to be an option this year, courtesy of a slightly twisted ankle at the weekend, so settled down to watch. There was again a record turnout of well over 250 runners, so registration and the start line were crowded. Stuart Bond won the race again, and broke … Continue reading →

T is for Thrombosis

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Thrombosis is a blood clot that forms within a blood vessel and restricts blood flow. There are various causes and types of thrombosis, here we look at DVT – Deep Vein Thrombosis: What is DVT? This condition occurs when a vein is blocked by a blood clot. The risk factors leading to it can be many, including physical trauma, varicose veins, local infection, reduced circulation, immobility, pregnancy/childbirth, some types of cancer, surgery, certain contraceptive pills or other factors such as smoking or cardiovascular disease. Signs & Symptoms The most common things are pain, heat, redness, localised itchiness, swelling and the … Continue reading →