Soft Tissue Techniques
Including sports massage, manual therapy, cupping and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation.
Sports Massage
The primary aim of Sports Massage Therapy (SMT) is to alleviate the build-up of tension and stress brought about by activities. Where overuse and exertion occur during prolonged activities, SMT aims to promote recovery caused by micro-trauma in the soft tissues, and preventing them from progressing to an injury.
Maintenance massage: regular massage can be vital to improve or maintain sports performance and tissue recovery for those who compete on a regular basis with the primary aim of maintaining and restoring muscle flexibility and strength.
Pre-event massage: this is specific to the athlete and the activity levels expected. The primary aim is to target muscles and fascia by stimulating the neuromuscular systems with the use of an invigorating medium pressured technique.
Post-event massage: differs from techniques used pre-event with the aim being to reduce the build up of metabolites in soft tissues and aid the body’s natural healing process, reducing recovery time and the risk of injury.
Manual Therapy
This describes all ‘hands on’ therapies such as mobilisation, manipulation or even massage. This can be useful in restoring joint motion to reduce pain - ultimately restoring function. Leanne has received extensive training on the application of manual therapy and carry out all treatments to an extremely high standard.
Cupping
Cupping is a vacuum type massage technique performed with handheld cups. Placing suction cups on the body creates a partial vacuum to reduce tension on the skin and tissues underneath. By creating suction and vacuum pressure, it can soften tight muscles and tone, loosen adhesions and lift up restrictive connective tissues. The specific technique brings hydration and blood flow to the body's tissues. It can be used to move deep inflammation to the skin surface for release and drain excess fluid and toxins by opening lymphatic pathways. Cupping can be used over any region of the body as long as there is a seal between the skin and cup, therefore cupping is more suited to larger areas of muscles.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation
Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation (IASTM) is a specific treatment to locate and treat soft tissue dysfunction with the use of tools. IASTM can be used to treat musculoskeletal conditions by applying friction type techniques across the skin. It is a useful treatment type to effectively break down and release scar tissue restrictions.
The technique itself is said to be a modern evolution from Traditional Chinese Medicine called Gua Sha. It can help reduce your pain, increase range of movement and aid muscle recruitment issues.
“Leanne gave me my confidence back following a year of struggling with a traumatic ankle injury. I worked with her on a programme of exercises to increase mobility which increased my flexibility greatly.
At each session I had oedema massage therapy to decrease swelling and we worked with hot / cold immersion, theraband stretching and wobble board exercises.
I highly recommend Leanne’s professionalism as a Physiotherapist..”
“I wanted to thank you so much for getting me back on my feet after ligament reconstruction surgery on my ankle.
Your hands on treatment accompanied by the use of ultrasound and acupuncture made the healing process so much quicker. Also the different exercises you gave me to perform each week strengthened the joint and surrounding soft tissue which enabled my mobility to return sooner than I expected.”
Jacqueline O Rourke