York Clinic
Massage
Debbie Priestly and Christine Wilkinson practise massage here at the York Clinic for Complementary Medicine. Debbie practices Sports Massage - often alongside acupuncture, and Christine practices Aromatherapy, Therapeutic and Swedish Massage.
Sports Massage
Sports Massage involves the use of deep massage, soft tissue manipulation techniques and exercise advice to reduce aches and pains whether caused by sport, injury or simply the stresses and strains of daily life. To benefit from a sports massage you do not need to be a sports performer. Whatever the cause we have something to offer.Sports Massage is the management, manipulation and rehabilitation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, ligaments and tendons. The techniques used have been developed to ensure effective and efficient results are gained from each massage given.The reported benefits of Sports Massage include:Improve circulation & lymphatic flowAssist in the removal of metabolic wasteIncrease or decrease muscle toneIncrease or decrease muscle lengthRemodel scar tissue when requiredPain reductionIncreased flexibility and range of movementAssist in mental preparation for sporting participation Some conditions that can be helped by Sports massage are :SciaticaFrozen shoulderTennis / Golfers ElbowKnee problemsAchilies tendonitisMuscular Injuries
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage combined with a sensible lifestyle, is an excellent way of maintaining health and preventing imbalances which give rise to illness. It also helps the body to return from an imbalanced state to the ideal balance representing health and well-being. During an Aromatherapy massage the profound effects of massage are intensified by the use of essential oils. These are often referred to as ''plant hormones'' Just as our glands produce hormones which affect bodily systems, so plant hormones are capable of giving different effects. Each essential oil has it's own curative properties which influence the body and the mind. Aromatherapy massage, working on meridians and pressure points, is combined with Therapeutic massage, lymph drainage and gentle rotation and stretching of joints. Circulation is improved, muscles are relaxed, joints become more flexible, the immune system is strengthened, toxins are eliminated and energy flow is balanced. On an emotional level, stress and tension are replaced by feelings of relaxation and contentment. A regular Aromatherapy massage will bring about and retain for much longer a dramatic improvement in well-being and general health.
Therapeutic & Swedish Massage
Therapeutic and Swedish Massage has profound effects upon the health. It improves circulation, relaxes muscles, improves muscle tone, aids digestion and by stimulating the lymphatic system, it speeds up the elimination of toxins, thus enabling the entire body with all it's systems, to function more efficiently. These direct benefits, combined with the psychological benefits of relaxation, freedom from stress and a feeling of being cosseted and cared for, quickly produce a marvellous sense of well-being that cannot be matched by modern drugs. Today, the therapeutic value of massage is being recognised. It is regaining it's rightful place in health care, as a complement to other medical treatments and as a means of helping us all to maintain positive health.