For pain & injury...

Remedial Massage is one of the most effective and readily available ways to prevent and treat muscle injuries, pain and soreness.

Remedial Massage is based on the fact that soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia) respond to touch. Most pain is myofascial (soft tissue) in origin. Trigger points (sensitive points in muscles, which radiate or refer pain to various parts of the body) can mimic many conditions. Muscles not only move our joints, they stabilise them, and they provide armour for the internal organs. Minor problems with these functions cause more pain than most people realise. Most headaches originate in the muscles of the neck and head. Much of the pain of such conditions as angina comes from the hypercontraction of the chest muscles. Much abdominal and pelvic pain can be caused by trigger points in the abdominal and pelvic muscles. Low back pain and sciatic pain are far more likely to originate in muscles than in vertebral disc problems.

Although many clients who come for Remedial Massage have pain as a result of specific injuries (whiplash, falls, sports injuries, etc.), RSI (repetitive strain injuries) and other work-related problems, the vast majority originates in postural (structural) alignment problems that sometimes go back to childhood.

Orla has attained advanced massage training (Diploma in Sports & Remedial Massage), which included much more in-depth study in anatomy and physiology. This extra knowledge and understanding enables Orla to carry out an assessment and provide appropriate treatment for a wide variety of conditions.

A Remedial Massage employs techniques designed to treat both deep and superficial tissues, not dissimilar to those used in Sports Massage. Orla uses skilled manipulation combined with in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology to bring about pain relief, correcting and normalising the body’s muscles and soft tissues.

What to expect?

Remedial Massage is more like what you would normally expect from a physiotherapy treatment except more hands-on. In contrast to a relaxing massage you have an active role to play in the session by providing feedback which allows Orla to assess progress.

A normal appointment will comprise a variety of stages including:

• Health & lifestyle consultation covering your health history & circumstances giving rise to the pain or injury
• Postural check (including gait if appropriate)
• Palpation, checking for areas of heat, muscle tone etc.
• Active, passive and resisted assessment of your movements to assess aspects such as pain, strength and range of movement
• Muscle tests & various safety tests if the spine is implicated
• The treatment itself which comprises a variety of advanced massage therapy techniques such as deep tissue massage, muscle energy technique, trigger point therapy, neuromusclular therapy, active/ passive/ resisted stretching and positional release
• Post-treatment assessment; has there been an improvement?
• Aftercare advice plan which covers appropriate exercises & stretches, posture, lifestyle and follow-up treatments if necessary.

The purpose of Remedial Massage is to find a “remedy” to your muscular pain, therefore if there is no evidence of progress after 3-4 treatments Orla will refer you on to another appropriate healthcare professional. Following your exercise plan is very much part of the treatment and is essential for healing to take place.

If you are unsure as to whether your condition relates to soft tissue it is adviseable to contact your GP in the first instance.

Orla holds a Diploma in Sports & Remedial Massage with the Advanced Massage Techniques School in Edinburgh.

To book an appointment please contact Orla on 07854 196 955 or email info@orla-beaton.co.uk