My Blog

Sports Massage Course Weekend 5

11/18/2011 10:00:00

Compleated the 5th weekend last wk. Everything has fallen into place nicely. The moves are flowing and the anatomy is sticking my brain. took a mini test and got approx 85% pass mark is 60. Almost finished the assignments and half way through case studies. Well on target for March.

Did a first aid course on the second day and was pleased that now much had change din the 17 years thatI last did a first aid course. Even knew a lot of the answers :) This course has been a life changing experience for both myself and my clients.

Weird thing is if I hadn't met Paul Gillingham of Boxfit Academy who has studied in Sports Massage I may never have signed up to the course. Through treating him I gain the confidence that I could do the course and even gained a treatment couch out of it as well as he had now officially retired from massage :) Cheers Paul its come in handy despite me having to use a step to climb up on it :)

Sports Massage Techniques

11/02/2011 10:56:00

Since I started studying Sports Massage Level 4 in June I have learnt some amazing techniques which have made such an impact on the way I now treat my clients. The result have been amazing, tensions have eased quicker than when applying the usual massage techniques I previously used. Clients are able to function so much better afterwards and love the combination of massage techniques and stretches. One of the methods we have learnt is Neuromuscular Technique (NMT) I have applied NMT on a few of my clients since we learnt it. One of them did come out in a small bruise the size of my thumb which can happen where a lot of tension is present but he generally felt that his calf mussle was a lot looser after the technique was applied and had no trouble with it in between visits which was two weeks. I thought it would be nice to publish some blurb on the techniques which I use so people can understand what is happening to them throughout ththeir treatments.

Neuromuscular Technique (NMT)

Neuromuscular Technique is form of friction using gradual pressure on the area affected. The pressure is increased according to the clients pain threshold. The pressure is applied whilst consulting with the client at all times, this will ensure that no further damage will occur. The pressure is maintained until the pain begins to decrease. The pressure can be applied by using the thumb or finger, elbow, palm of the hand or forearm. Deep pressure on a damaged area helps the nervous system to provoke a reflex which helps the muscles to relax in the area being treated. NMT can be carried out alongside a normal routine and does not need to be treated just on its own. NMT is a more precise form of deep tissue and pressure techniques used within massage. Using NMT techniques can help elevate ongoing symptoms of pain where there is a change within the tension in a muscle caused by musculoskeletal problems within the tissues. This can occur naturally and is controlled by the nervous system. Tension builds up within the affected area to help prevent any further damage this can also occur in areas that are habitually held a shortened position as a result of postural, occupational or even emotional every day routines. Neuromuscular techniques are non-invasive and a comprehensive system of soft-tissue manipulation techniques. NMT techniques provide a therapist with information regarding tissue tone, oedema, fibrosity and areas of soft tissue changes such as change in sensation, pain. and hypersensitivity. NMT can move painlessly from investigative mode to treatment mode in an instant, if deemed appropriate as part of a massage routine. During a massage deep pressure can cause some discomfort and pain but the person receiving the treatment can sometimes feel that it is a nice pain and that it results in relaxation in the area afterwards. NMT has been studied in great depth since it was developed in the early 1900’s. one of the theories behind NMT is that the application of pressure results in pain which then instigates the body to release endorphins that suppress the pain which in turn releases the tension. The pressure being applied to the area restricts the blood vessels within the area which starves the immediate area of blood, this is referred to as Ischaemia. When the pressure is removed the blood is allowed to return to the area and the nervous system reacts to the extreme changes to the localized area which in turn results in relaxation

Boxfit Academy teaching in Schhols in Crawley

09/28/2011 09:09:00

As part of Inner Being and Boxfit Academy working relationship I had a meeting with the Head Master of my Sons School about getting Boxfit lessons into the school as an after school activity. After a free taster session where over 30 kids showed up there is now a class running on a Friday afternoon and again there are over 30 kids taking part in the class and loving every minute of it. After school clubs are essential to keep kids active and healthy as part of change for life. Too many kids sit in front of the tv when they get home and do not really move till bedtime. Technology has made it too easy for them to get lazy with games consoles, numerous tv channels etc. Organisations such as Boxfit Academy are helping to change this and get kids active again and more importantly teaching them that exercise can be fun.

ITEC Sports Massage Course

09/28/2011 08:59:00

Well I am approaching the end of the allocated class time slots. Only this weekend and 1 other weekend to go and then revision time before the exam in March. Been a good course, hard work but enjoyable all the same. Course work almost done, 5 out of 10 assignments compleated and 4 case studies started out of 10. No longer working at TBFC no time. Between college, work and being a full time Mum I do not have anymore spare time. Almost compleated event hours anyway so enjoying the evenings back to my self to catch up on things that have got left behind.

New massage moves learnt are amazing. Massaging someone on their side and working on the back is fantastic. Can apply so much more pressure to their back and not restrict their breathing. Increased mobility of the neck and shoudlers on one client last week by stretching out their neck and pushing shoulder down towards their feet. Love it and best thing is so did he :)

Hoping to get back to the hut and have another workout soon, miss my nutty business partner Paul Gillingham. Been workingout at home but its not the same without him taking the mickey out of me.

Three bridges Football Club

07/10/2011 14:50:00

I started at Three Bridges Football Club on Thursday as part of my Sports Massage Course and working with Boxfit Academy. Paul Gillingham is working with the team improving their level of fitness. I got to massage 3 of the players before, during and after the training sessions and used some of the stretches I learnt on the 1st week of the course.

I look forward to working with them and improving my skills to benefit them and my other clients.

Workout with Paul Gillingham

07/05/2011 09:10:00

Just got back from another fantastic workout with Mr Gilly. He really put me through my paces this morning. Considering I had the worst nights sleep ever and could hardly move when I woke up i did surprisingly well. Two cans of Mona Vie to keep me going and I completed a grueling 45 min workout. twist, squats, push ups, star jumps, step ups, upright rows the lot. Doing workouts with Gilly enables me to go about my working day and provide my clients with the best service possible. Before I started my work outs I could only manage 3 massages a day and have to stop now I am able to not only do more than 3 treatments if the day requires it but give my clients a better quality massage.

Before I started working with Gilly I used to suffer from constipation this was due to a poor diet and lack of exercise. Now I am able to function without relying on medication and have more energy. Constipation can leave you feeling very tired and can effect your moods as all the toxins are still in your body. By following a healthy diet and exercising regularly energy levels increase and the body functions better. I have not cut out foods as such more changed the way I eat them, times of day. Avoiding carbs at night, fruit only in the mornings as the natural sugar in the turns to fat if you do not have enough time to burn it off before going to bed. Eating healthier options of things so i still get to enjoy my favourite foods just cooked better and have less artificial products in them.

After my workout this morning I treated Gilly and it was my turn to put his through his paces which I always enjoy :) His Quads and calf muscles have been getting put through their paces a lot recently and through the stretches that I learnt on the 1st weekend of my Sports Massage Course I was able to stretch them out so he can continue with his gruelling exercise regime. I did a mini pre massage as well to get the circulation system going and prepare his body for what was coming next.

The new moves have not only benefited Paul but my existing clients as well. Lying in the recovery position is perfect for working on the ITB I can not wait to complete the course and pass on the new movements to my clients.

Check out the exciting exercise options available to you I guarantee you will never look back. Get fit, Stay Fit, Boxfit www.boxfit-academy.co.uk

ITEC Sports Massage level 4

06/29/2011 10:23:00

To take things to the next level I decided to sign up for a Sports Massage Course. A lot of my clients are sporty people and require more specific treatments than a general relaxing massage. Even though I have developed an extensive range of movements over the years that I felt that i needed to refresh my skills to benefit my clients more.

So far I have managed to use the new skills learnt on the course in my treatments and have had amazing feedback as a result. I always recommend stretches as part of aftercare advice for my clients that exercise regularly but did not know any specific stretches just general stretches which I learnt over the years. Through doing this course I am not able to show clients how to stretch properly and inform them of what areas are being stretched.

As part of our working relationship I have started going down to the hut where Paul works and stretching him out before and after exercise and helping the members of Boxfit stretch after their workouts as well.

Stretching is very important to an exercise routine and helps the body recover better with less injuries.

Working with Paul Gillingham - Boxfit Academy

06/29/2011 09:54:00

As part of our working relationship Paul and I are putting each other through our paces. I always recommend exercise and stretches to my clients as part of their after care advice but never really did any myself. To rectify this I work out with Paul 3 times a week in return for treatments. Paul exercises every day and has tired and achy muscles as a result. By having massages on a regular basis he is able to carry on with his intensive exercise regime and not suffer too much as a result.

Today is the 2nd day of week 3 and I am really feeling it. We did some amazing exercises to tone up the areas I am most concerned about. Even though it was hard work and i am aching I feel more alive than ever. My clothes are fitting me better and I have more energy. The scales are finally moving in the right direction. I also have more energy and am able to work more efficiently and for longer periods than i was before.

I can not wait till next time to see what exercises he has in store for me. The summer is around the corner and with his help and dedication on my part I will have the figure I have always wanted and not feel embarrassed to wear summer clothes.