I completed my training with the Scottish School of Professional Massage and Remedial Studies (SSPM).   The SSPM is the only institution in Scotland to offer courses that are both educationally valid (SQA Accredited) and approved by the Professional Lead Bodies – the Sports Massage Association (SMA) and the Institute of Sport & Remedial Massage (ISRM).

Yes. I hold Professional Diplomas in Sports Massage and Therapeutic & Foundation Remedial Massage. I'm also a member of the Sports Massage Association. I'm also qualified in Hyperton-X, Work Related Upper Limb Disorders & Indian Head Massage.

Yes, I have full Professional Indemnity Insurance and I'm qualified in First Aid. I'm also a registered member with The Federation of Holistic Therapists.

Sports Massage is used before, during and after athletic events and as a maintenance treatment, as part of an athletes training programme. This form of massage therapy manipulates and stretches muscles and connective tissues, using specialised techniques, thus enhancing movement and range of motion. Sports Massage helps prepare the athlete for optimal performance. It helps to relieve muscular tension and tightness, reduces swelling, alleviates fatigue, promotes flexibility and aids in the prevention of injuries. Sports Massage is not solely utilised by the athlete. This type of massage can be used for everyone with different levels of strain and stresses on the body; from gardening, carrying heavy handbags, from sitting at a computer all day, carrying babies, to individuals who's muscles are tight with restricitve range of movement cause by inactivity or injury.

Therapeutic massage is a versatile therapy, whereby it can stimulate and 'wake up' the mind and body, leaving you refreshed and invigorated or it can be very relaxing and a perfect way to loosen off tense muscles and unwind. It can help reduce stress and tension and induce feelings of deep relaxation and well-being.   It can help lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and promote better sleep, thus reducing the onset of insomnia.  

Hyperton-X is a form of applied Kinesiology. It is a highly effective treatment used to test for and swiftly correct imbalanced hypertonic muscles that are in a state of tightness or in an over protective state. Hyperton-X employs the PNF (Proprioceptor Neuro-Muscular Facilitation) method, which improves strength, increases muscle tone, helps dissipate adhesions and has the ability to stimulate healing and repair within the muscle tissue.  Hyperton-X can provide pain relief by identifying, assessing and alleviating extreme hypertonic muscular tension integrating the brain, mind and body. As a result, range of movement is increased, equilibrium   in the musculoskeletal system is restored, and overall well-being improved.

• Over exertion: athletics, accident, injury, work
• Misuse: wearing high heels, adopting a poor posture, lifestyle
• Emotional Stress: neck & shoulder tightening, jaw & fist clenching, illness
• Quick unexpected movement: fall, slip/trip or jerk  

Hyperton-X is suitable for the young and old, the not so active to the elite athlete. The effects of speeding injury recovery, increasing range of movement, improving memory, releasing emotional tension and enhancing endocrine function can help you towards achieving optimum performance and well-being.

Indian Head Massage (IHM) is based on ancient ayurvedic medicine which has been practiced in India for more than 3000 years.

IHM is a firm, yet gentle massage, non-intrusive and versatile. The massage is performed with the client seated and the IHM involves the shoulders, upper back, neck, upper arms, scalp and face. It can be performed through lightweight clothing or it can be carried out with massage oil direct to the skin. We tend to accumulate the majority of our stress and tension in our shoulders and neck.  As a result, we can suffer with poor concentration, eyestrain and headaches. IHM is an extremely soothing and effective massage therapy.   It can:

• Improve circulation and relieve muscular tension
• Encourage hair growth and improve the condition of the hair
• Help reduce stress and fatigue
• Increase mental clarity and promote a general feeling of well-being and calmness

I'm available for appointments at Capital Chiropractic, 26 Frederick Street, Edinburgh. EH2 2JR.  Tel: 0131 226 1336.

The initial appointment involves the completion of a confidential health & lifestyle questionnaire, during a consultation. The consultation is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions or raise any concerns you may have. This will be followed by a postural assessment and an examination of the area causing you   discomfort.  For the postural assessment, you will be required to undress to your underwear or you may bring shorts/vest/sports bra if you prefer. At the end of the consultation I will explain and advise you on what course of action and massage treatment you would benefit from. During the treatment, only the body part being worked on will be exposed whilst towels will cover the rest of you. During the massage you will be covered and kept warm with two large towels. Only the section being massaged is undraped at any given time, ensuring your modesty is maintained.

Please allow up to one hour for your initial appointment.

Massage is a non-invasive complementary therapy, however depending on the reason for receiving a massage, some symptoms indicate that massage therapy maybe inappropriate or precautionary measures are taken into account.

If you have a clinical medical condition and/or taking heavy medication please obtain written approval from your General Practitioner (G.P)

If you have any of the following conditions/symptoms, massage treatment at this time, cannot be performed: