What I can offer

A deep tissue massage is a type of massage that focuses on deeper layers of muscle and connective tissues. It is used to help relief pain and stiffness. Deep tissue massage techniques are used to break up scar tissue and physically break down muscle "knots" or adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) that can disrupt circulation and cause pain, limited range of motion, and inflammation. Similar to Swedish massage, deep tissue massage uses slower and firmer strokes and pressure than other treatments - deep finger pressure that concentrates on particular areas, and follows or goes across the fibres of muscles and tendons. There are many occasions when a deep tissue massage can help. A deep tissue massage can help chronic muscle pain, reduce high muscle tone, and the following conditions:

• Low back pain
• Recovery from injuries
• Postural problems
• Muscle tension in the hamstrings, glutes, legs, quadriceps, rhomboids, upper back
• Osteoarthritis pain
• Sciatica
• Sports concerns (runners, athletes)
• Tennis elbow
• Upper back or neck pain

Receiving a deep tissue massage can produce effective physiological benefits that include increased venous return, increased temperature, removal of waste products, increased cellular exchange and increased tissue elasticity.

Sports massage is a deep form of soft tissue mobilisation. Sports massage was developed to help athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or function well during training. However, contrary to what the name suggests, you don't have to be an athlete to benefit from sports massage. Sports massage involves a wide range of techniques that include effleurage, kneading, wringing, hacking and trigger pointing. There are four types of sports massages:

• Pre-event sports massage: a short, stimulating massage 15-45 minutes before the event. It is directed toward the parts of the body that will be involved in the exertion.
• Post-event sports massage: given within an hour or two of the event, to normalize the body's tissues.
• Restorative sports massage: given during training to allow the athlete to train harder and with less injury.
• Rehabilitative sports massage: aimed at alleviating pain due to injury and returning the body to health.

A sports massage is used for general relaxation of the muscular skeletal system as well as being directed towards any problem areas. A sports massage helps reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), help as part of a training programme, post event, pre event and relieving tight muscles.

The lymph system is part of your body's immune system and helps fight infection. Lymph itself is a clear, slightly yellow fluid. It transports nutrients and oxygen to cells, collecting toxins on the way and flushing them out through the lymph nodes. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle detox therapy that drains excess fluid from the body to improve overall functioning of the lymphatic (immune) system. MLD is often used to treat lymphedema, characterised by the blockage of lymph nodes in the arms and legs, which often leads to a sensation of “heaviness” and general discomfort. The massage uses very light pressure and long, gentle, rhythmic strokes to increase the flow of lymph and reduce toxins in your body. Lymphatic drainage can prove beneficial in a number of ways:

• immune system stimulation
• reduction in oedema (swelling)
• regeneration of tissues (e.g., from burns and pre and post surgical scarring)
• reduction of symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
• pain relief
• deep relaxation to aid insomnia, depression and stress
• treatment and control of lymphoedema

Relaxation massage is a smooth, gentle, flowing style that promotes general relaxation, relieves muscular tension, plus improves circulation and range of movement. During a relaxation massage there is less emphasis on working out serious adhesions or knots in the muscle tissue. Some people go into such a deep relaxation that they even fall asleep. A relaxation massage has substantial health benefits: improving blood circulation and stimulating the body’s lymphatic system, which carries away waste products, helps with imsomnia, promotes clarity of mind and emotional balance. While relaxation massage is wonderful for you, it is less effective than the deeper styles for changing soft tissue tension.I Normally it is recommend deeper styles when you are suffering pain and leave relaxation for when you just want to ... relax!