Massage

Massage has been used for centuries as a way of aiding relaxation,helping with sleep,as well as relieving anxiety and stress. It is usually a safe therapy for all age groups.
 

Our massage therapist Helen Storey uses a wide variety of massage techniques designed to address your specific needs. For example someone needing  a relaxing massage to decrease stress levels will need a very different approach to someone needing training support for the great north run.  

We will tailor treatment to your needs.

Massage for relaxation
Therapeutic / Remedial massage
Deep Tissue and Sports massage
Back, Neck and shoulder massage
Massage during pregnancy
Indian head massage
Massage in the work place
Reflexology
Appointments in your own home
Treatment times and tariff

Relaxation Massage

This helps to promote deep relaxation and a sense of calm and relieves anxiety and stress.

Massage signals the brain to release ‘endorphins’ – the chemicals which give us the feelings of wellbeing and are also our natural pain killers. It reduces the amount of stress hormones we make – high levels of which tend to impair the immune system.

Lymphatic drainage strokes and techniques are particularly helpful for releasing tension.

Therapeutic/ Remedial Massage

This style of massage involves working with tissues on a variety of levels and is often used after injury or strain, but can also be used on a regular basis to “maintain” well being.

Remedial massage may reduce stress induced muscle tensions.
During treatment we may work on specific ‘trigger points’ where an area of contracted muscle refers pain to a distant area.

This style of massage is an excellent way of helping to ease musculoskeletal problems.

Deep Tissue/ Sports Massage

These types of massage may benefit people participating in sports and regular exercise and those working in demanding physical jobs.

Treatments vary from back and shoulder work, to deep tissue and muscle work of the legs for runners or people playing sport regularly.

These massages may aid the bodies own natural lymph circulation which eliminates toxins and transports nutrients to the cells.

Back, Neck & Shoulder Treatments

Various levels of pain and sometimes loss of mobility can be caused by problems arising from the head, neck and shoulder areas.
Problems may be caused by stress, injury, posture and other lifestyle factors.

Many of our pains and strains are caused by routine activities such as desk and computer based work, repetitive strains from driving, or even awkward sleeping positions.

As a lot of tension is carried in the neck, shoulders and chest, this massage focuses on opening up the chest, relaxing the shoulders and relieving tensions in the back. This treatment combines a number of stretching and passive movements, guiding the joints gently. 

Massage in Pregnancy

The back frequently needs additional support during pregnancy, due to weight gain, hormonal changes and the slackening of ligaments around the pelvis and lower back. 

Massage may be helpful in relieving musculoskeletal problems caused by pregnancy.

Massage in pregnancy may help with relaxation, aiding sleep and promoting a sense of well-being. 

What should I expect from treatment?

A confidential case history will be taken, you will be asked about your general health and your expectations of the treatment.
So that we may assess and treat you we will ask you to read and sign a written consent form.

Massages usually require you to remove clothing from the area being treated with but this is done with discretion, keeping you warm and comfortable.

Plant and vegetable oils either on their own or combined with pure essential oils for different situations are used so that you have a choice of smells or plain base oil as well as creams for face, foot and hand massage.

After treatment you may like a glass of water before going about your daily business – it is recommended that you try to take things easier for a few hours

Everyone is unique and all therapies are tailored to your individual needs.

Indian Head Massage

Indian Head Massage has been used for thousands of years and is now very popular as a Westernised treatment.

What does it involve?

Indian Head Massage uses different techniques and movements including stroking, kneading and gentle compressions on the tops of the arms, shoulders, neck, head, scalp and face. Muscles are gently stretched and relaxed to promote a feeling of relaxation and well being.

• It may help release stress accumulating in the tissues, muscles and joints of the head, neck and shoulders.
• It may help minimize tension in the neck and head.
• It may help with blocked sinuses and the remnants of cold symptoms.
• It may help joint flexibility and mobility of the neck and shoulders.

The final part of the treatment includes strokes and smooth movements around the pressure points of the face.

*Some people may want to opt out of the face movements or may want to include the use of a favourite cream to moisturise the skin.

Stress-busting at work

A shortened Indian Head Massage can be tailored to help relieve a stressed and cluttered mind and is especially beneficial for people working at a desk or within an office for long periods of time. It is a therapy that can be enjoyed during a break and may help to create a personal ‘feel good’ factor and because you do not have to undress it can be accessed anywhere.
It is a calming and relaxing therapy after which you may find it easier to concentrate.

What should I expect from treatment?

Indian Head Massages are done fully clothed, with you sat comfortably in a chair. It is usually done without oils unless specifically requested.

Reflexology

Reflexology has been around for more than 5,000 years in China and Egypt. Introduced to the UK in the 1960s we have westernised and developed it to form a relaxing, non-invasive and enjoyable treatment to help combat the stresses and strains of modern day living.

What does it involve?
Reflexology uses thumb and finger pressure on different areas of the feet which correspond to different areas of the body – as if the feet are a mirror of the body*.

*Reflexology is not used to cure or diagnose serious illness or disease. Medical attention should always be sought when you are concerned about continuing symptoms.

How does reflexology work?

In oriental medicine it is believed that our bodies hold an energy force like a magnetic field and when blockages occur we need to open up the pathways to allow the energy to re-circulate.

A western theory is that lactic acid builds up causing tiny crystals which disturb energy flow and if they can be recycled energy is allowed to circulate again.

It could also be that when tension and stress cause pain, relaxation helps to ease it and physical touch is one of the most comforting ways to show care and empathy.

• May help to ease stress and relieve anxiety  
• May help with relaxation
• May improve mood and promote a sense of well being
• May help to relieve tension and therefore can aid sleep

Who can have Reflexology?

Reflexology can usually be received by all ages

What should I expect during an appointment?

 After a brief medical history is taken the therapy takes place in a comfortable chair or on the therapists couch.                                          Reflexology is carried out with a fine powder and is completed with a relaxing foot massage, using cream.

How long is a treatment?

This will vary according to individual needs.
Massage and reflexology sessions are generally between 40mins and 60mins.                                                                                                          If you would prefer a shorter treatment or would like to lengthen the time of your massage this can easily be catered for.
Standard Indian Head Massages take approx 30 mins but can be added to other massage sessions                                                                             An on-site stress-buster session can be done as a 15 or 20 min therapy.

Appointments in your own home

You can also take advantage of our mobile service and enjoy a treatment in the comfort of your own home so whether you have difficulties getting to a clinic or whether you would simply enjoy a therapy more at home so that you can relax afterwards we can tailor a home appointment to your needs too.

We can also offer therapy ‘parties’ so if you and some friends want to get together and have a few healthy treats for a birthday, pre-wedding celebration or just a get-together for a quiet morning/evening with special friends what could be nicer than a relaxing face massage, foot treat or shoulder massage to enhance your day.
These again can be done at someone’s home or can be arranged around hiring a warm and comfortable room in your neighbourhood.

How much can I expect to pay?

Prices are according to length of treatment and if an appointment is mobile will also be dependant on distance.

Cost will usually be between £33 and £45.

Stress buster prices are on application

N.B. There are however offers at different times of the year. These may be seasonal, linked to multiple appointments, linked to work at Bedale Osteopaths or to the ‘Shop Local’ scheme.

Please ring to enquire about  packages , offers or any aspect of treatment.