What is the first step?

If you are unsure about the suitability of treatment feel free to call us for a free telephone consultation to discuss your needs and make an initial assessment of your problem.  Assuming we can help you at your first appointment we will

• Take a brief medical history to ensure you receive a safe treatment
• Conduct a physical assessment of your current condition including a postural assessment, an examination of joint movement, muscle balance and the condition of your muscles

Initial sessions focus on alleviating pain by reducing inflammation an reducing muscular tension.  Subsequent sessions focus on other areas of the body which are contributing to an overload of the symptomatic area.

What should I wear?

It is recommended that women bring shorts and either a sports bra or vest top.  Men can wear either shorts, swimming trunks or modest underwear.   This clothing allows an assessment of posture and the performance of stretches and joint releases.  If you are uncomfortable with the above suggested clothing you are free to only remove the minimum of clothing instead.

Is the treatment painful?

All treatment is tailored to suit the individual.  Some treatments i.e. deep tissue massage and connective tissue massage can be a little uncomfortable.  However the amount of pressure used is always negotiable and the strength of treatment adjusted to suit individual preferences.  You are in control.

Will I be in pain after treatment?

The strength of treatment begins conservatively builds through successive sessions to avoid unnecessary discomfort.  There may be some slight aches and pains after treatment but this should only last a day or two.  Thereafter significant benefits should be felt.  If discomfort lasts longer than a couple of days the strength of treatment will be adjusted accordingly.

How many visits will I need?

The length of treatment is dependent on the specific condition.   Typically an initial course of 3-8 treatments are required to remedy the symptoms.  Usually the longer a problem has been experienced the more treatment is required.  Our goal however is not only to remedy your symptoms but to enhance your long term health.  A regular MOT maintenance treatment can help optimise wellbeing and reduce the severity of degenerative change as you age.

When is treatment not appropriate?

There are situations when manual therapy is not appropriate

• Pregnancy-induced diabetes, eclampsia and pre-eclampsia and toxaemia
• Cardio-vascular conditions including unstable angina, thrombosis and phlebitis
• an infectious skin condition

Some conditions require the avoidance of a specific area allowing manual therapy to the rest of the body:

• Sores and other open skin lesions
• unrecognised lumps or unexplained inflammation
• recent scar tissue as a result of recent injury
• a fracture site or open wound
• varicose veins
• Deep vein thrombosis