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Alternatively you can select what you need from the list below:

I suffer from:                               OR                                I'm looking for:

Back pain                                                                                         Full body massage in Leeds
Shoulder pain                                                                                 Full body massage in Bradford
Lower back pain                                                                            Sports massage in Leeds
Neck pain                                                                                        Sports massage in Bradford
Leg pain                                                                                           A physio in Leeds
Knee pain                                                                                        A physio in Bradford
Joint pain                                                                                         An aromatherapy massage in Leeds
Shoulder tension                                                                           An aromatherapy massage in Bradford
Calf pain                                                                                          Back massage in Leeds
Hip pain                                                                                           Back massage in Bradford
A sports injury                                                                                 Injury treatment in Leeds
Tired musles                                                                                  Injury treatment in Bradford
                                                                                                          Beauty salons in Leeds
                                                                                                          Beauty salons in Bradford
                                                                                                          Therapists in Leeds
                                                                                                          Therapists in Bradford 
                                                                                                          Therapists in York or a Massage in York
                                                                                                          Therapists in Harrogate or a Massage in Harrogate
                                                                                                          Therapists in Wakefield or a Massage in Wakefield
                                                                                                          Therapists in Huddersfield or a Massage in Hudderfield
                                                                                                          Therapists in Halifax or a Massage in Halifax
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Sports Massage in Leeds/Bradford
In all types of massage, the therapist has specific aims in mind, and in sport we focus on the individual needs of the athlete. With the ever growing number of people taking part in sport, combined with the increasing competitiveness and intensity of physical exercise, the demand for sports massage in leeds and sports massage in bradford is also increasing and sports massage in general is becoming more and more recognised as a skill which may aid recovery and enhance performance.

Sports massage in Leeds does have some aims in common with other forms of massage and it is especially important to have a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology, in particular the muscular and skeletal systems. By understanding these systems and the effects of exercise, we may also appreciate how massage may benefit the sports person and becomes an integral part of the athlete's training program.

Athletes who are looking to improve performance and increase their competitive edge do so by adopting a training schedule to enhance their skill, strength, stamina, suppleness and speed. The degree to which they develop and utilise these qualities will depend on other factors such as the level of competition, the sport played, and possibly their position in a team. However, no matter which sport, the aim is nearly always to increase the level of training and thereby subject the body to gradual and controlled overuse. It is then recommended that you would seek a sports massage in leeds to assist this growth and improvement.

It is this overuse that may often create problems and imbalances in the soft tissues. If these are ignored and allowed to become chronic, they will not only hinder the athlete's rate of improvement, but also in many cases their performance may well suffer and ultimately the athlete may be susceptible to developing more conditions that are serious. Certainly if they are unable to perform at their best, they may be more at risk from other more traumatic forms of injury. For example, a player involved in a contact sport who is Sports massage in Leeds "carrying" an injury may not have their usual level of agility. The result might be that they might suffer an extrinsic injury because of not being fully prepared for the contact suffered from an unexpected tackle.


Benefits of Sports Massage in Leeds
Sports Massage, when applied skillfully, is the most effective massage therapy for releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to the musculo-skeletal system. Received regularly this may help athletes prevent injuries, which might otherwise be caused by overuse. A constant build up of tension in the muscles from regular activity may lead to stresses on joints, ligaments, tendons, as well as the muscles themselves.

These muscle imbalances may develop and often go undiagnosed until they are serious enough to cause the athlete discomfort or impede performance. The skilled massage therapist will be able to detect variations in the soft tissues and by using the correct techniques, help the sports person maintain a much healthier physical state.

It may therefore be reasonably claimed that one of the greatest benefits of sports massage in leeds is in helping prevent injury.

Contraindications for Sports Massage in Leeds
There are times when sports massage could be detrimental rather than beneficial to you. The contra indications to massage are:

Click here to book in for a Sports Massage in Leeds, Bradford or Surrounding Areas.

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Full Body Massage in Leeds/Bradford
Full Body Massage – the manipulation of the soft tissue of the body – has been used as a healing therapy for many thousands of years. Records dating back to 2700 B.C. show that in China massage was used to treat paralysis, chills and fever. Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician writing in 400 B.C., recommended that physicians should treat sports and war injuries with massage and rubbing.

The ancient cultures of Japan, Egypt, Rome and Arabia all considered massage to be calming, soothing and relaxing, and also very important as a healing therapy. Now, in the 21st century, there are many different kinds of massage therapies available, each of which offers specific benefits to the mind and body.

In fact, in this guide we look in detail at a number of techniques including Biodynamic, Indian head, Shiatsu and Thai massages. In addition, there are some highly specialised massage techniques which are specifically designed to meet the needs of clients at certain, very special times in their lives.

Full Body Massage in Leeds- How does it work?
Full Body Massage uses either the therapist’s hands or, in some cases, mechanical means, to manipulate the body’s soft tissue, especially the muscles.

Full Body Massage in Leeds - What does it involve?
There are numerous different kinds of massage which focus on healing the body and mind. In addition, there are some highly specialised forms of full body massage in leeds including:

  • infant massage
  • massage for children
  • massage during pregnancy
  • massage for cancer patients
  • massage for the elderly

Infant massage
Infant massage has traditionally been used throughout many cultures around the world, but has only recently gained popularity in the West. European and American mothers are now discovering that massage has massive benefits for both their baby and themselves. Research has shown, and mothers agree, that because touch conveys nurturing and love, massage enhances bonding between mother and baby. Also, because massage releases endorphins (the body’s natural pain reliever) it helps to reduce the pain of colic and teething, helps to clear sinus and chest infection, helps baby to relax and induces sound, healthy sleep.

Full Body Massage in Leeds for children
For many children in the 21st century, growing into their teenage years can be very stressful. As John Killinger observes in his book The Loneliness of Children (Published 1980, Vanguard Press): ‘Childhood is a very difficult time of life. For many children it is filled with fear, anxieties and confusion. Adults often forget how hard it is to be a child.’ Research has shown that children who are massaged show decreased levels of stress hormones. And children who are experiencing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma or diabetes show less anxiety and report feelings of increased well being after massage. Massage therapy is used to help children suffering chronic pain, and research has also shown that children with ADHD, autism and other special needs also benefit greatly from the massage experience. When organising massage for children, it’s especially important to ask the child for permission before the massage begins, and also to ensure that the therapist is thoroughly qualified to work with, and sensitive to, the needs of children.

Full Body Massage in Leeds during pregnancy
More and more women are finding that a weekly or monthly Full Body Massage in Leeds during pregnancy helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation; provides emotional support (especially for those women who are going through the experience alone); relieves muscle spasms, cramps and general aches and pains; increases circulation and thus reduces the possibility of varicose veins and swelling in the feet and legs; helps with digestion and reduces the likelihood of stretch marks. Pregnant clients report that their full body massage sessions leave them feeling relaxed and comfortable, and with increased self-confidence and an enhanced body image. However, massage during pregnancy should be avoided by women with placental dysfunctions, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, toxaemia or threatened miscarriage. If in any doubt at all, have a chat with your doctor before booking an appointment for a Full Body Massage in Leeds. sports massage in leeds

Full Body Massage in Leeds for cancer patients
Research carried out by Marie Curie Cancer Care in London (2002/2003) has provided new clinical evidence that aromatherapy massage in Leeds or Full Body Massage in Leeds (using Roman chamomile essential oil) is beneficial for cancer patients. The results of the research revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in anxiety levels between those patients who were massaged, and those who were not. Overall, the massage helped to improve patients’ physical and psychological symptoms, as well as their quality of life.

Further research undertaken at the University of Miami Medical School showed that breast cancer patients have improved immune and neuroendocrine functions following massage therapy. Cancer patients must always inform their massage therapist of the site(s) of the cancer(s), as the tumours themselves should never be massaged. Generally, cancer patients of all ages report that massage (with or without aromatherapy oils) helps them to relax, reduces some of the symptoms of the illness and leaves them feeling more positive and better able to cope with the illness.

Full Body Massage in Leeds for the elderly
Full Body Massage can be especially helpful for the problems that most people experience as they grow older. Gentle massage can be used to soothe conditions such as muscle stiffness and soreness, loss of flexibility, arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, and help with respiratory disorders such as asthma and emphysema. But, perhaps most important of all, for elderly people who have lost their partners and live alone, massage provides the sense of nurturing that comes from being gently and respectfully touched.

Elderly people with Alzheimer’s or who have had a stroke and find it hard to communicate verbally benefit greatly from massage. Very frail or modest clients can benefit just as much from a foot, hand or face massage as they might from an all-over body massage. It’s important to make sure that the therapist is told about any medication the elderly client is taking.

Full Body Massage in Leeds - What is it good for? 
These forms of specialised massage can be used to treat a wide range of conditions including stress, insomnia, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, diabetes, the muscle spasms and general aches and pains associated with pregnancy, and the mental and emotional problems associated with cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.

Full Body Massage in Leeds - What are the benefits? Full Body Massage relieves the symptoms of stiff, tired joints, speeds up digestion and encourages improved circulation, promotes relaxation and improved sleep. Clients who have experienced these forms of specialised massage report that they find the treatment soothing

Full Body Massage in Leeds - What are the side effects and when should it be avoided?
Massage of any kind should not be carried out on clients with fever, contagious or infectious diseases. Clients with any form of cancer must obtain their doctor’s permission before having any kind of massage treatment. Clients with cardiovascular disease, arthritis, epilepsy, diabetes or trapped nerves should always have a chat with their doctor first.

Click here to book in for a Full Body Massage in Leeds, Bradford or surrounding areas with Leeds Massage



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Back Pain

Back pain is a common condition and, in the UK, it is the largest cause of work-related absence. Back pain can be very uncomfortable, but it is not usually serious. Back pain can affect anyone, regardless of age, but it is more common in people who are between 35-55 years of age. In the majority of cases, the cause of back pain can be linked to the way that the bones, muscles, and ligaments in the back, work together.

The structure of the back
The back is a complex structure consisting of:

The lower back (lumbar region)
The lower part of your back is known as the lumbar region. The lumbar region:

Back pain can be mild or severe
In most cases of back pain, your back will heal itself, and staying active and continuing with your usual activities will normally promote healing. Back pain will usually last from a few days, to a few weeks. However, back pain that lasts longer usually clears up after about six weeks. However, in severe and persistent cases of back pain, it is important to seek medical advice so that a correct diagnosis can be reached and appropriate treatment given. Treatment for back pain will usually depend on the underlying cause of the condition. For example, back pain that is caused by certain types of arthritis may be treated using specific medicines.

Symptoms
The main symptom of lower back pain is a pain, or ache, anywhere on your back, in between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your legs.

The majority of cases of back pain usually clear up quite quickly. However, if you are at all worried, or concerned, about your back pain, you should seek medical advice.

When to seek medical advice
You should visit your GP as soon as possible if you begin to experience back pain plus any of the following symptoms:

It is important to see your GP if you have symptoms such as these because it may be a sign of a more serious medical condition, such as a spinal infection.

It is also recommended that you seek medical advice if you are experiencing back pain and:

  • you are under 20 years of age, or over 55 years of age,
  • you have taken steroids for a few months,
  • you use illegal drugs,
  • you have cancer, or you have had it previously,
  • or you have a low immune system as a result of chemotherapy, or another medical condition, such as HIV, or AIDS.

You should also ask your GP for advice if your back pain has developed gradually and has got increasingly worse over several days, or weeks.

Treatment
Most people with lower back pain usually experience mild pain, and have occasional bouts of pain that are more severe. This can sometimes make it difficult to determine whether someone's back pain is acute or chronic.

However, generally, back pain is usually categorised as occurring suddenly, over a short period of time (acute), or as continuing over a long period of time (chronic). More specifically, acute and chronic back pain can be described as:

  • Acute - where your back pain lasts for less than three months,
  • Chronic - where your back pain develops gradually, over time, lasts for more than 12 weeks, and causes long-term problems.

Treating acute back pain
Most cases of acute back pain can be treated using self-help techniques. These are discussed below.

Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers
The over-the-counter (OTC) painkiller, paracetamol, is usually recommended to treat acute lower back pain. If paracetamol proves ineffective, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as ibuprofen may be used instead.

Stronger painkillers
If your back pain symptoms are severe, your GP may prescribe a mild opiate-based painkiller, such as codeine, which can be taken in combination with paracetamol or a NSAID.

Muscle relaxants
If your back pain symptoms are very severe, your GP may prescribe a muscle relaxant, such as diazepam.

Diazepam can make you feel very sleepy; therefore do not drive if you have been prescribed this medication.

After your course of diazepam has ended, you should wait at least 24 hours before driving. Diazepam will also make the effects of alcohol worse, so you should avoid alcohol while you are taking the medication.

Diazepam has the potential to be habit-forming, and can causea number of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when coming of the medication. To minimize these effects,Your GP will therefore not usually prescribe more than seven days worth of diazepam.

Exercise
If you have back pain, it is important to remain as physically active as possible. While bed rest may provide some temporary relief from your symptoms, prolonged bed rest will make your symptoms worse.

Recommended exercises for back pain include walking and gentle stretching.

Your back pain may be so severe that you need to have some time off work. However, if this is the case, you should aim to return to work as soon as possible. While you may not feel any immediate benefit, research has shown the people who continue to work during an episode of back pain recover quicker than people who stay at home.

Compression packs
Many people with back pain find that using either hot, or cold, compression packs helps reduce pain. You can make you own cold compression pack by wrapping a bag of frozen food in a towel. Hot compression packs are often available from larger pharmacies. You may find it useful to use one type of pack after the other.

Treating chronic back pain

Treating chronic back pain will usually require a combination of self-help techniques and medical treatment. Treatment options are discussed below.

Painkillers
As with acute back pain, painkillers are usually the first method of treatment for chronic back pain. Initially, it is likely that paracetamol will be recommended, but if your back pain is severe, an additional painkiller, called codeine, may be prescribed..

The long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, should only be carried out under the advice of your GP. If long term treatment using NSAIDs is required, your GP may prescribe gastro-protective medicines, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

See the indigestion topic listed in 'selected links' section for further information and advice about NSAID-related dyspepsia.

Amitriptyline
If your back pain is severe and does not improve with the use of painkillers, your GP may recommend a one month trial of a medication called amitriptyline. Amitriptyline is usually used to treat depression, but it has also been found to be useful in treating nerve pain.

If you are prescribed a course of amitriptyline, you may experience some side effects including:

  • drowsiness,
  • dry mouth,
  • blurred vision,
  • constipation, and difficulty urinating.

You should not drive if you are taking amitriptyline and it is making you drowsy.

Amitriptyline should not be taken by people with a history of heart disease.

Exercise
As with acute back pain, if you have chronic back pain, you should try to remain as physically active as possible because doing so will reduce the severity of your symptoms. It is also recommended that you continue working, or return to work as soon as possible.

Regular exercise will help to strengthen the muscles that support your back. Exercise also promotes the production of endorphins, which are natural pain killing chemicals. Ask your GP for advice about a suitable exercise plan for you.

Bending, twisting, or placing strain on your back can be painful and it is quite natural to avoid these situations. However, excessively protecting your back can delay return to normal activities. The trick is to be careful when making potentially painful movements, but and to pace return to full normal activity.

Physiotherapy
If you have chronic back pain, Your GP may refer you to a physiotherapist - a qualified specialist who will be able to help you to improve your range of movement.

A physiotherapist will be able to teach you exercises that strengthen the muscles that support your back, as well as improving the flexibility of your spine. They can also teach you how to improve your posture and reduce any future strain on your back.

*courtesy of NHS Direct


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Knee Pain
Knee pain can be related to overuse where small stresses are placed a large number of times on knee without allowing adequate recovery, for example running too much too soon, or excessive jumping. Or knee pain can be acute where the injury is caused by an impact or twisting of the knee such as an anterior cruciate ligament injury. An overuse injury can also be considered to be acute if it is painful or inflammed.



Knee Joint Injuries

Anterior (Front Knee) Injuries

Medial (Inside Knee) Injuries

Lateral (Outside Knee) Pain

Posterior (Back of Knee) Pain

Acute Knee Pain

CMP (Condramalacia patellae) / Patella pain syndrome
Knee pain - One of the most common knee injuries with knee pain originating from the patella or kneecap. A common overuse injury and running injury.

Fat Pad Impingement
The fat pad is soft tissue between the patella and the femoral condyle (end of the thigh bone). It gets pinched, often as the result of a hyperextension (bending back) of the knee resulting in knee pain.

Housemaid's Knee / Prepatella Bursitis
Inflammation or swelling of the bursa or sac of fluid on the front of the knee cap.

Infrapatellar Bursitis (Clergyman's Knee)
Pain at the front of the patella from and inflamed bursa

Jumpers knee (patella tendon inflammation / rupture)
Knee pain - Knee pain caused either by inflammation of the patella tendon or from a partial rupture of the tendon.

Osgood Schlatters disease
Knee pain - An overuse knee injury mainly affecting young people undergoing a growth spurt. Symptoms include knee pain below the knee on the tibial tuberosity which becomes worse with use.

Patellofemoral Instability
Patellofemoral instability usually presents with the patient having a sensation of their kneecap (patella) 'slipping away' or feeling loose on movement of the knee.

Patella tendonitis / Jumper's Knee)
Knee pain - Knee pain caused either by inflammation of the patella tendon or from a partial rupture of the tendon.

Pre Patella Bursitis / Housemaids Knee
Inflammation or swelling of the bursa or sac of fluid on the front of the knee cap.

Quadriceps tendinopathy / inflammation at insertion at the Patella
One of many knee injuries caused by over use. The quadriceps tendon becomes inflamed and painful at the point it inserts into the patella or knee cap causing knee pain.

Quadriceps Haematoma
Caused by a direct blow can cause bleeding withing the muscle or a haematoma.

Synovial Plica / Patella Plica
The synovial plica is a synovial fold found along the inside border of the knee cap.


Medial Knee Pain (inside of the knee)

Medial Cartilage Meniscus Injury
Knee pain - Knee injury to the medial cartilage or meniscus causing knee pain to the inside of the knee. Can be caused by twisting the knee, over flexing (bending) or over use.

Medial Ligament Sprain
Knee pain - Sprain or tear to the medial colateral ligament of the knee. Often caused by impact to the outside of the knee. One of many common knee injuries caused in contact sports such as football and rugby.

Osteoarthritis of the knee.
Osteoarthritis (also called degenerative joint disease) is the degradation and degeneration of this articular cartilage. As the disease progresses, the cartilage itself becomes thinner and in some cases may wear away altogether.

Synovial Plica / Patella Plica
The synovial plica is a synovial fold found along the inside border of the knee cap.

Posterior Knee Pain (back of the knee)

Bakers cyst (Popliteal cyst)
A prominent swelling at the back of the knee, often caused by some disorder within the knee joint.

Biceps Femoris Tendinopathy
Knee pain - Inflammation of the hamstring tendons as they insert into the knee. An overuse knee injury causing knee pain.

Biceps Femoris Avulsion
Avulsion of the biceps femoris tendon, is the complete pulling away of the tendon from the bone.

Deep Vein Thrombosis / DVT
Deep Vein Thrombosis is a blood clot in a vein. It is more common in the calf muscle area, particularly following surgey.

Inflammation of hamstring tendons / tendinitis
Knee pain - Inflammation of the hamstring tendons as they insert into the knee. An overuse knee injury causing knee pain.

Posterior cruciate ligament sprain
Knee pain - Injury to the posterior cruciate ligament, often caused by hyperextension or bending the knee back the wrong way.

Rupture of hamstring tendons / tendon strain
Knee pain - Knee pain caused by a rupture or partial rupture of one of the hamstring tendons.



Knee joint injuries (sprains and other conditions)

Anterior cruciate ligament sprain
Knee pain - Sprain or rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, often caused by twisting the knee or an impact to the side of the knee.

Articular Cartilage Injury
Or Osteochondritis dessicans - damage or flakes off the hard cartilage that lines the ends of bones.

Lateral Ligament Sprain
Knee pain - Sprain or tear to the lateral ligament on the outside of the knee, often caused by impact to the inside of the knee which over stretches the ligament.

Lateral Meniscus Tear / cartilage tear
Knee pain - Knee injury involving torn cartilage or meniscus towards the outside of the knee. Caused by internally rotating the knee with the foot, over bending the knee backwards or forwards, or from over use.

Medial Ligament Sprain
Sprain or tear to the medial colateral ligament of the knee. Often caused by impact to the outside of the knee. One of many common knee injuries caused in contact sports such as football and rugby.

Medial Cartilage Meniscus Injury
Knee pain - Knee injury to the medial cartilage or meniscus causing knee pain to the inside of the knee. Can be caused by twisting the knee, over flexing (bending) or over use.

Posterior cruciate ligament sprain
Knee pain - Injury to the posterior cruciate ligament, often caused by hyperextension or bending the knee back the wrong way.

Patella Disclocation
Dislocation of the patella or knee cap.

Tibiofibular Joint Dislocation
Dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint occurs most commonly when the athlete sustains an impact or falls with their knee in a fully flexed position, with their foot pointing inwards (inversion) and downwards.

As you can see, the knee and associated knee pain is extremely complex. We recommend that if you have a knee injury or knee pain then you need to see a specialist.

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