Copyright © 2004-2020
David Allen
WHAT HAPPENS AT YOUR VISIT
I work as a “holistic” therapist and treat the body as a whole, not just the expected area where the pain may be felt. I use my hands to explore for areas of abnormal tension or restricted movement that can then be immediately released.
Massage is a “hands on” therapy that involves the application of oils to the skin by rubbing. My techniques also include the application of pressure to inhibit muscle spasm in tense areas of the body, and the application of mechanical vibration in the form of intrasound - sound wave therapy and low frequency vibro-massage.
The work that I do is all about changing and improving the state of your body so that it will be better able to heal itself. It is not pleasure or relaxation massage, and will certainly feel uncomfortable at times! It can take up to 6 days after the treatment for your body to adjust, and you should try not to make up your mind about it’s effectiveness before this time. Certain people who bruise easily may be affected by the deep tissue releases and should allow a week to 10 days for any residual bruising to clear.
BRING A FRIEND
I always recommend that you bring someone to sit in with you - but this is compulsory only for your first session.
Very occasionally the release of tension may leave you a bit lightheaded, so it can be reassuring to have a friend to drive you home. A companion may help you remember details of my treatment and advice. I will happily give them massage instruction so they can help to continue your treatment at home. A friend may perhaps be able to help you reduce tension from between your shoulder blades in an area that may be quite inaccessible yourself.
ON A FIRST CONSULTATION
You will be asked why you have come in order to assess your broad suitability for this type of treatment.
You will be asked about your medical history in order to check that the treatment will not conflict with any pre- existing condition or drugs you may be taking.
You will be asked a few general lifestyle questions in case there may be any significant links between this and your need for treatment.
The treatment generally starts with an assessment of the function of the feet and the muscles of the legs whilst you are sitting down. You then kneel forwards over a support whilst I place my hands on your back and move you from side to side to check and treat your back and pelvis.
You may sit on a stool whilst I assess your neck and shoulders, and then place my hands on your head to check the cranial muscles and make an assessment of any cranial restriction.
You may lie on the treatment couch whilst I assess the abdominal muscles, pelvic support muscles and the legs. Sometimes tension from the spine will affect the groin as well as the legs.
During treatment you will keep your underwear on and just move it aside a bit as needed. It is usually necessary to undress only to the waist, unless you have a pelvic or leg condition.
I am likely to perform massage treatment as described previously using oil and herbs, and I will probably suggest ways in which you can continue your progress by self treatment at home.
ON SUBSEQUENT CONSULTATIONS
We will discuss your progress since your last treatment.
We are likely to introduce rehabilitation exercises, and consider any further measures necessary to help prevent a recurrence of your condition. I always try to educate you to help yourself as well as to treat you.
My priority is always to get you back on your own feet, and to help prevent you coming back for any more treatment as soon as possible!
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