At BOP we offer a whole host of different types of massage, all of which can be adapted to your personal requirements and needs.
Some of the common reasons people may have massage are; to relieve muscle strain and tension, aid sleep, improve mood and wellbeing, relieve tension, everyday anxiety and stress.
Remedial Massage combines general massage with deep tissue techniques. It and can be used to treat both superficial and deep tissues.
Clinical Massage uses stretching, joint mobilisation, fascial stretching, trigger point work and generalised massage to enhance mobility, relax muscles and reduce tension
Remedial and Clinical Massage are our most popular massage treatments and are suitable for people of all ages and levels of activity. As well as being used alone to help with specific problems, massage is often used as a follow-up treatment to osteopathy.
Mostly for people involved in sports. Muscles that have been worked hard can become sore and tight and this makes them more prone to injury. Regular massage can loosen muscles, increase flexibility and lessen chance of injury. Recovery from injury can also be speeded up and scar tissue broken down with treatment. Pre and post event massage is popular amongst sports people for these reasons.
This involves the use of basalt stones which are heated in water and then used with oil to smooth away stresses and strains. It is said that a stroke of the stone is equivalent to 7 of the hand. The treatment can aid relaxation, may improve sleep and enhance a feeling of wellbeing.
PLEASE NOTE- Hot stone massage is currently not on offer at the practice
Aromatherapy massage involves the use of essential oils extracted from plants, herbs, flowers, grasses and fruits. These are blended specifically for your needs and applied via massage to improve a sense of wellbeing.
PLEASE NOTE- Aromatherapy massage is currently not on offer at the practice
The technique involves massage of the face, head, shoulders, arms, neck and upper back. It is carried out in a seated position and can be given through light clothing, or directly onto the skin using oils. Indian head massage is suitable for all ages, if you are able to sit comfortably for 30-45 minutes. If you would prefer not to have the technique done directly to the skin, please wear loose clothing. It is also advisable to remove any make-up prior to treatment.
Bowen Therapy
Bowen Therapy is a gentle soft tissue (fascia and muscle) release technique that follows the osteopathic principle that the structure of the body governs its function.
During the treatment gentle rolling moves are applied across muscles, ligaments and tendons at specific points in order to trigger a neural response. The amount of pressure used is appropriate for that individual.
Between each set of moves, the body is allowed to rest for a few minutes, to allow it to process the information it has received and initiate the healing process. Many clients become so relaxed they fall asleep during the session.
Emmett Technique
The Emmett Technique is a gentle muscle release therapy using light finger pressure. This method is applied to specific locations on the body, aiming to initiate the gentle release of heightened tension in muscles and muscle groups.
In order to get the best out of Bowen or Emmett treatments, they are best applied directly on the skin. Light clothing may be warn if you prefer.
PLEASE NOTE- Bowen and Emmett are not currently on offer at the practice.
Find out about what to expect from your first visit to Broadwater Osteopathic Practice.
If you are unable to make an appointment, without notice, a Full Fee will be charged. A covid screen and reminder text is sent or calls made, 24 hours prior to all visits, so this allows ample time to call and let us know if you are unable to attend.
Missed appointments at this time are very frustrating. We need to allow more time for each patient appointment, to screen, clean, aerate and risk assess your visit. For this to happen we need to allow at least 15-30 minutes extra for your allocated appointment. We have a waiting list of patients who would also love your appointment if you cannot make it.
Please consider other people and make that call. Save yourself a missed appointment fee, but most importantly, allow someone else to take your appointment.
Many thanks
Team BOP
In this second installment on running injuries, Chris looks at common problems below the knee that we encounter and advise upon in the clinic.
Going the extra mile – part 2: The most common running injuries, their causes, symptoms and how to help yourself.
Shin splints
Location of the pain
Along the inside of the shin.
Symptoms
Recurring pain in the middle and inner aspect of the tibia (shin bone). Often described as an aching or a sensation of increasing pressure that intensifies until the pain forces the person to cease activity.
The detail
In summary, it is the inflammation of the connective tissues joining the muscle to the inside of the tibia. It is caused by overuse or too sudden increased activity levels. Running on surfaces that are hard and/or an upwards gradient probably can also contribute.
Self-management
Use ice to decrease localised inflammation.
As hard as it will be for you really keen runners, it may be necessary to stop running for a prolonged period. You can of course maintain cardiovascular fitness by diversifying into non-weight-bearing exercise, such as cycling or swimming.
Consider foot and gait analysis to see if there is an underlying predisposing factor such as dropped medial arches of the foot and resultant tibial torsion.
Achilles tendonitis
Location of the pain
In the Achilles tendon itself, but also felt in the back of the heel where the tendon attaches.
Symptoms
An ache in the Achilles tendon that is often made worse with activity. Continuing to run through the discomfort can make the micro-tears associated with tendonitis worse and result in a longer recuperation period. The injury may also cause redness or swelling around the tendon and a sensation of tightness within the lower calf. Where there is a palpable lump within the tendon or an audible snapping sound, this may be due to a build-up of scar tissue due to a longer period of successive micro trauma.
The detail
The Achilles tendon is what connects your calf musculature to your heel. It is the biggest tendon in your body, and it needs to be, as it has to deal with large forces when walking, let alone running or jumping. The problem will often begin as a mild ache in the area after sporting activity. Prompt action can reduce the length of time needed to rehabilitate the area. Many factors are thought to predispose someone to Achilles tendonitis, including an increase in the intensity of activity, poor running technique, inappropriate footwear.
Self-management
Ice the area, especially after activity.
A small heel lift may be helpful in reducing discomfort in the tendon itself – the lift slightly shortens the calf musculature and so reduces pull and stretch on the Achilles.
Plantar fasciitis
Location of the pain
Underside of the foot.
Symptoms
Tenderness, stiffness or even a sensation of bruising in the sole of the foot. It often begins around the base of the heel. Stiffness in particular may be more evident upon weight-bearing for the first steps of the day or after a period of inactivity. Discomfort is also more likely when barefoot or wearing unsupportive footwear.
The detail
The plantar fascia is an extremely strong band of connective tissue that supports your foot arches. Its main purpose is to absorb much of the impact of heel strike and help to reform the foot arches after toe-off. With micro-tears in the fascia we get discomfort. Some people appear to be more prone to this and it is likely that there are several predisposing factors such as increased weight, inappropriate footwear, lack of stretching and increased activity.
Self-management
It is possible to continue running through the discomfort for a prolonged period, but doing so will cause an exponential increase in healing time.
While applying a moderate amount of pressure, roll the sole of the foot over a rolling pin for around five minutes a time, up to five times a day. This can also be done with a frozen water bottle if you wish to combine the benefits of icing with the facial stretch.
Stop wearing any non-supportive footwear such as flip flops, sandals, etc.
Liberal foam rolling of the calves and stretching of the calf muscles can be of benefit when suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Ankle ligament sprain
Location of the pain
On the side of the ankle.
Symptoms
Swelling, bruising, instability, pain and difficulty weight-bearing fully on the affected side, depending on the severity of the sprain. Often it may just be mildly uncomfortable with residual stiffness. However, when severe, all the above symptoms will present themselves in the days following the injury. It is also worth noting that pain, swelling and inability to weight-bear can be a sign of a fracture, so if you are worried you should visit A&E as soon as possible.
The detail
Inversion strains (when you roll on to the outside of your foot) are fairly common. Most people have experienced this to some extent, perhaps after losing their footing in a pothole, or during sporting activity where they have had to change direction quickly. Severity can range from a mild tear to a complete rupture.
Self-management
Rest
Ice the area regularly – for up to 10 minutes at a time.
Compression bandages can help with the initial swelling.
Elevate the ankle from time to time to aid with the reduction of swelling.
Once the initial discomfort and swelling have reduced, proprioceptive exercises that help your body control the movement of your ankle can be undertaken in order to decrease the likelihood of further sprains.
Hopefully these two blogs on common running injuries have helped to give you an insight into how to self-manage. Of course, it is always a good idea to get the problem looked over by a musculoskeletal expert, such as an osteopath.
