What type of massage suits you best?

Gabe is qualified in various massage techniques and will use a blend of styles best suited to your needs.

IGP5567

Clinical Massage with a toolbox of advanced bodywork techniques to choose from, clinical massage uses a benchmark system to achieve a specific outcome to relieve chronic pain and increase range of movement. Techniques used include myofascial release, trigger point therapy, soft tissue release, deep forearm, use of heat and cold, acupressure and sports stretching. Improved outcomes are usually clearly apparent within 3-6 sessions. The client is also given homecare advice, such as stretches, exercises and relaxation techniques, which may allow them to take control and understand their condition better.
Long-term medical conditions such as fibromyalgia or arthritis benefit from a long-term care plan and discounts are available to help make fortnightly or monthly sessions more affordable.
Clinical massage aims not only to locate the source of the problem, but also to treat the whole person, thus delivering a holistic approach to your health and wellbeing.
Good for: chronic pain conditions such as lumbar pain, sciatica, arthritis, tension headaches.

Deep-tissue massage concentrates, as the name suggests, on deeper layers of muscle in which chronic tension can literally stick muscle fibre together. Slow strokes and deep-finger cross-fibre pressure on contracted areas of muscle, tendons and fascia help release these fibres and allow freer movement which also aids the release of toxins.
Good for: releasing tight muscles. Is intense but should never be painful.

Facial massage using Neal's Yards Remedies organic products, this holistic treatment not only restores skin suppleness by toning the collagen and elastin fibres, but also provides a huge release of muscular tension commonly held in the jaw and forehead areas. Treatment can also include massage of the arms and hands (or feet if preferred), shoulders and neck, or Indian head massage.
Good for: easing jaw, neck and forehead tension, improving suppleness and overall skin condition, is intensely relaxing.

Indian head massage takes place with the client seated on a chair fully clothed. It can also take place on the massage table, but the act of grounding the feet results in the clients remaining more alert while still intensely relaxed. In addition to the scalp, the neck, upper arms, shoulders, back and face are also massaged. IHM is based on the Ayurvedic healing system which has been practised in India for more than 1000 years.
Good for: quieting a busy mind, guarantees a good night's sleep, promoting healthy hair follicle growth, stimulating the endocrine glands, improving lymph circulation which benefits the immune system.

Jing massage is not a bona fide technique as such, but is named after the internationally respected Jing Institute of Advanced Massage Training in Brighton, whose protocol uses a toolbox filled with techniques drawn from both Eastern and Western traditions, specifically chosen for their efficacy in treating chronic pain.
Good for: chronic conditions such as lower back pain, sciatica, RSIs (repetitive strain injuries), carpal tunnel syndrome, frozen shoulder.

Oncology massage learned on a course given by Gail Macdonald, the world-renowned U.S. expert in her field of massage for people living with cancer, delivered in partnership with the Iris Cancer Trust, these techniques provide an effective, safe, flexible and medically-recognised form of massage which avoids any risk of lymphoedema and is tailored exclusively to the unique needs of people living with cancer or other medically frail clients.
Good for: providing comfort and pain relief, boosting energy levels and sense of positivity, improving quality of sleep.

Pregnancy massage using massage techniques acquired on Onie Tibbett's well-established training course (fully accredited by the Royal College of Midwives) and practised regularly at Onie's specialist pregnancy and birthing therapy centre and elsewhere, this treatment addresses the changing demands on the mind and body of mothers-to-be. Tailored to fit the individual needs of each pregnancy trimester, it uses organic oils suitable for pregnant women and the pillow formations follow the unique contours of each client, providing both maximum comfort and effectiveness.
Good for: easing ligament pain, reducing oedema, increasing relaxation for both mother and baby prior to birth, reducing labour-related anxiety and stress, keeping skin supple and reducing stretch marks.

IGP5421

Sports stretching and massage may be used before, during or after athletic events to ease fatigue, swelling and muscle tension, and improve flexibility to avoid injury. It aids recovery from minor tissue damage caused by overexertion, and helps prevent injury which may impede a client's athletic progress, whatever their level or intensity of sport. It uses forearm and knuckle techniques to work deeply on the largest muscle groups such as glutes, quads and hamstrings.
Good for: athletes or runners, pre or post-event or training. Can be intense. Not for the faint-hearted and not to be confused with a nice gentle, relaxing massage!

Swedish massage focuses on the skin and top layers of muscle. Long, smooth strokes, kneading and percussion strokes release metabolic waste (such as lactic acid or uric acid) from muscles, improve the flow of blood to the heart, thus increasing overall oxygen circulation and keeping tendons pliable.
Good for: overall wellbeing, can be both relaxing and invigorating.

Table shiatsu is an adaptation of traditional shiatsu, which is Japanese for "finger pressure". Table shiatsu is performed on a massage table instead of on a futon on the floor. The client is draped or remains clothed throughout and the practitioner uses their fingers, palms, knee, foot and elbow on specific points (acupressure or pressure points, or "tsubos") along the client's meridians (or energy pathways) to release blockages and allow free movement of "ki" or energy life force. Mild or firm pressure is used to create a mild injury which results in a healing response, in the same way as exercise tears muscles which results in repair and stronger growth.
Good for: energising, releases blockages to promote body's own healing mechanism to kick in and releases tension.

Therapeutic massage is another term often used by therapists who have evolved their own style of massage, based on the Swedish style, but also incorporating more gentle elements, predominantly from Eastern traditions, chosen for promoting relaxation. They include reflexology, shiatsu, myofascial release, crania-sacral techniques and Indian head massage.
Good for: treating migraines, stress-related conditions, energising, calming anxiety.

IGP5279

Trigger point therapy was pioneered in the US by Janet Travell, President Kennedy's doctor. She relieved pain from his WWII injuries and wrote (with David Simons) the definitive work on trigger point (TP) therapy in 1952. A TP is a hyper irritable spot located in a taut band of muscle or fascia. When the muscle is in a state of traumatic dysfunction (due to poor posture, injury or inflammation) these TPs produce not only local pain but also referred pain in a referred pain pattern. Janet Travell's TP bible maps all the body's trigger points which a therapist then finds and releases through use of pressure or stretching.
Good for: migraines, chronic pain conditions such as lower back pain, neck and shoulder pain, jaw pain (TMJ).