JEFF EVERITT FHFST

What is stress?

Virtually everyone is affected by stress at some point in their life and if left untreated over a period of time it can eventually lead to psychological, emotional and physical problems. The problem is caused by the body's physical response to stress which is called the 'fight or flight' response. To help us prepare for the stressful situation the body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline which affect the heart rate and blood pressure.

Unfortunately modern day stress rarely calls for 'fight or flight' and as the stress continues and the hormones continue to be released they can begin to suppress the immune system, damaging health and affecting our ability to cope. This in turn can create even more stress, and so the cycle continues on its downward spiral.

Does everyone react to stress in the same way?

People all react differently to stress in the sense that people find different levels of it easier to cope with. In fact a small amount of stress is deemed to be good for us and some people actually thrive on stress as it gives them a competitive edge, whilst in others the same amount of stress can cause an adverse psychological and physical reaction.

How does massage help?

Massage is one of the oldest methods of stress relief and evidence of its use has even been found in cave paintings of the ancient cave dwellers. The Greeks later used it before sporting events to improve performance and after to relieve fatigue and aid recovery. So its benefits have been known about for centuries.

Some of the potential benefits of massage are:

• Relief of stress and tension
• Improved blood and lymph circulation
• Release of endorphins (feel good hormones)
• Relief from pain caused by stress and tension
• Feelings of relaxation and well-being

All of my treatment programmes are individually tailored to the requirements of each client and are designed to promote a sense of physical as well as mental well-being.

Techniques include:

• Sports Massage and stretching programme to help relieve muscular aches and pains and return them to their pre-stressed state.
• Relaxation Massage to help promote a sense of mental well-being as well as physical relaxation.

It is also a time for the client to relax for a short time and recharge their batteries away from everyday pressures.

Fibromyalgia

This very painful and debilitating condition, which can affect any muscle of the body, can be helped by massage. Using a personalised programme, similar to that used for stress, I can help to reduce the amount of tension in the muscles, especially in the parts of the muscles known as trigger points, thus reducing the amount of muscle dysfunction.