If you are visiting this section you may already know about the many evidenced benefits of massage, including:

 If you are new to massage or not sure what treatment type will be suitable for you these are described below…

 TMJ Therapy®

TMJ Therapy® was developed by Tracey Kiernan of Blend Therapy Training. Combining over 40 years of experience as a dental nurse and clinical massage practitioner the TMJ Therapy® speTMJ Therapy® was developed by Tracey Kiernan of Blend Therapy Training. Combining over 40 years of experience as a dental nurse and clinical massage practitioner the TMJ Therapy® specialised protocol was designed to relieve symptoms of TemporoMandibular Joint Dysfunction helping people suffering with this painful and debilitating condition. Sarah is a TMJ 1 practioner.

The soft tissue approach uses an array of light touch techniques including Myofascial release, specific stretches, muscle energy techniques and gentle massage of the affected tissues in the head and neck to relieve symptoms of TMJ dysfunction. This will often be done in conjunction with a whole-body postural assessment.

TMJ dysfunction often happens as a result of combined factors including continuous gum chewing, nail biting, tooth grinding (bruxism), and clenching habits. Whether pain is coming from a physical problem with the disc or soft tissue around the joint pain can be reduced and jaw function improved with gentle and targeted trigger point work.

Where you see the official yellow TMJ button logo you know that a practitioner has completed training with Tracey in this protocol. For more information on the protocol please see the website www.tmjtherapyuk.co.uk

SYMPTOMS

A dull aching feeling in the jaw and surrounding area, including the ears, is often a key symptom of TMJ dysfunction. The pain is sometimes intermittent although some people may have no pain but still report problems using their jaws.

Other symptoms may include:

• Locking of the jaw or being unable to comfortably open and close the mouth

• Clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint

• Headaches which often refer to the temple or around the ear

• Neck, jaw, face, shoulder and back aches and pains

• Vision problems

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear), ear pain, decreased hearing or dizziness

 ScarWork™ and scar massage therapy

This specialist treatment for scars of any age aims to help reconnect and promote healing on the scar surface as well as reduce adhesions in the underlying tissues. It often improves feeling and functionality in the scar; by loosening tight tissue and reducing adhesions movement may be increased between the interconnected layers of skin, fascia and muscles enabling them to glide across each other once again and freeing ‘stuck’ postural patterns.

Scar massage treatment stimulates blood flow, lymphatic and nervous systems to encourage healing and promote optimal tissue health. Typically, between 3-6 treatments are needed and scars often appear smaller, lighter, smoother and less prominent. An improvement in nerve sensation and numbness is often experienced as dense fascial adhesions are reduced. These changes are usually permanent and changes continue as the body adapts after the session continuing its own healing process.

The light touch of the ScarWork™ approach makes it suitable for all patients including children. Nearly all scars regardless of their age or cause are suitable for this type of treatment and a few examples are given below. Sarah has undertaken advanced training for breast, pelvic and abdominal scarring and resulting fascial adhesions.

NEWS! I am now Restore Therapy c-section trained. This treatment focuses on helping new mums feel and move well after c-section / caesarean surgery. Click here for more information.

*A handful of exceptions exist to this such Keloid scars and acne scars which are not suitable for ScarWork. If you have questions as to the suitability of your scar please call to arrange a free 15 minute consultation.

 Myofascial Release

Fascia is very rich in proprioceptive nerve endings so by stimulating these it may reduce nociceptive pain signals. This positive stimulation can be done via manual therapy and also through exercises to help develop proprioception, such as balancing movements. Myofascial Release (MFR) therapy works gently with the sensory mechanoreceptors in fascia – some like compression, some like stretch, some like vibration. The techniques that seem to work best are those which affect the whole body such as arm and leg pulls, cranial work, cross hand releases, deep and slow stretches and waiting for the fascia to mobilise and ‘melt’. Because it is gentle and works with the body, not against it, it is not perceived by the body as a threat which could further stimulate the nervous system.

There is evidence that MFR is a key tool in treating chronic pain disorders such as fibromyalgia.

Myofascial work is starting to become more popular – although by no means a mainstream treatment sadly – largely thanks to recent advances in the understanding of the role fascia plays in sensing and transferring sensory input. The fascial net is the richest and most highly refined sensory organ in the human body. It has recently been hypothesized that there are over 250 million nerve endings in the human fascial system!

Call me if you would like more information about MFR for your specific health needs.

Some people worry that having a massage when you have cancer may make the cancer cells travel to other parts of the body. But no research has proved this to be true”.
(Source: Cancer Research UK )

Massage is recognised as complementary therapy to be used alongside, not instead of, conventional or mainstream approaches such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery or drug therapy. Complementary therapies aim to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms of disease and whilst massage doesn’t treat the cancer itself, it may help reduce the side effects caused by conventional treatments to bring both mental and physical relief and make living with cancer more comfortable.

So how does oncology massage differ from ‘normal’ massage? Oncology massage should be delivered by therapists who have done extensive training, and have relevant insurance, to ensure they have knowledge about cancers and their treatments and be able to tailor their massage to the individual’s specific needs. Oncology massage is suitable for individuals currently receiving cancer treatment and for those living after cancer treatment is finished (survivorship).

If you have had massage before you may notice that Oncology massage is lighter touch and very soothing in comparison because the therapists must take special account of surgery, lymph node removal, scar tissue formation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy related symptoms as well as the emotional toll a cancer diagnosis may bring. Light touch doesn’t mean it’s less effective though! Trained oncology therapists will understand the delicate nature of some treatments, working around medical devices, operations or the side effects.

How can oncology massage help you manage your side effects of cancer treatment? Fatigue can be a huge factor for many individuals having cancer treatment. Medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be physically and emotionally tiring. Hair loss, nausea, muscle and joint fatigue and dry skin are just some of the possible side effects alongside the mental strain of appearance changes. Massage aims to nurture tired muscles, ease joint pain and the lotions are beneficial for moisturizing the skin.

Touch can be a powerful tool to aid relaxation and promote feelings of comfort. Massage is already known for its psychological and emotional benefits by improving serotonin levels, which promotes relaxation and decreases cortisol levels.