Susan Martin Soft Tissue Therapy

18/02/2026

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold resin and is built on the idea that by embracing flaws and imperfections, you can create a stronger and more beautiful piece of art.
When we expect everything and everyone to be perfect, including ourselves, we create a world where people’s positive qualities are overlooked in favour of their perceived flaws and our standards become impossibly limiting and unhealthy.
This 400 year - old technique highlights the "scars" as a part of the design. It shows us that when repairing things that have broken, we can create something that is unique and magnificent. This is true of people as well as pottery.

If you wish to discuss how I can help you to manage any scars that are causing you discomfort or restricting your movement, please get in touch.

16/02/2026

Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It is sometimes called “Brittle Bone Disease”. Osteoporosis usually develops slowly and is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a bone to break.

If you have been diagnosed with this condition, manual therapy pressure needs to be adjusted, so please let your therapist know before treatment.

Bone density is built up through our childhood and as young adults. After that, it naturally declines. Weight bearing exercise and a healthy diet can help to reduce the decline and keep your bones stronger, for longer.

This infographic from the Royal Osteoporosis Society explains the basics. If you would like more information, please read my blog using this link.

https://sportsmassageearley.co.uk/blog/lifestyle/osteoporosis

14/02/2026

Best of luck to anyone running or helping out at the Bramley 10/20 event tomorrow. I hope that your training went well and you achieve the desired result. If you need a post event massage, please get in touch and mention this post for a 10% discount.

12/02/2026

Today is NATIONAL HUG DAY !

On this special day, it is good to remember that physical touch makes you healthier. Hugs, massages and holding hands all reduce stress while boosting the immune system. If you can hug someone today, then I urge you to do so. If not, please give yourself a hug. You deserve it, it will make you feel better and it's a great stretch for your shoulders.

09/02/2026

There are a number of local running races over the next few weeks. Some of you may be considering whether a pre or post event massage will help you with your preparation and recovery. Here is some information that may be of help. If you want to discuss, please get in touch.

In the run up to an event, massage can be used to reduce stress, relax the muscles and calm the nervous system. It can also increase flexibility and range of motion around joints, improve circulation and iron out any last - minute niggles. This will result in improved sleep and a general feeling of well - being.
The purpose of pre event therapy is to prepare the athlete, both physically and mentally, for the high intensity activity ahead. It should be performed on the day of competition, usually between 1 and 2 hours before the event and should last 10-20 minutes. The athlete is in the final stages of preparation and the therapist’s role is to loosen the muscles by bringing warmth and increased blood flow to them. Communication between athlete, coach and therapist is vital at this stage to enable the best outcome with minimal fuss. Another common technique used at this time is Soft Tissue Release (STR). This stretching technique can be used quickly and specifically without the use of lubricants.
The purpose of post event therapy is to help the athlete to recover from their high intensity exercise. This should be performed between 30 minutes and 24 hours after the event. At long races such as Marathons or Triathlons, there may be massage therapists stationed at the finish line to treat athletes after they have finished their cool-down exercises. The therapy should be fairly brief at up to 30 minutes long (often 10-15 mins is enough) and include techniques to enhance circulation and calm the muscles after their intense activity. Massage will improve the venous return of blood and lymphatic circulation. This will refresh the muscles with fresh oxygenated blood and help to flush out toxins such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid. This should help the athlete to avoid Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness over the coming days. Massage can also help the muscles to regain their normal resting tone and can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system which improves the immune system. All these things will help the athlete to feel better recovered from their exertions.
If you have any questions about how massage can help you before or after your events, please get in touch.

07/02/2026

Caring for others is often a valuable and essential part of our lives. Looking after children, family members with extra needs or elderly parents can all take its’ toll on our physical and mental wellbeing. However much you love and value the person you are caring for, the sheer amount of extra work involved can cause aches, pains and worries in your own body.
We are unlikely to get specialist training for the caring role we have taken on and asking your body to move in new ways, that it is not used to, can result in muscle tensions and soreness.
These tensions can be soothed away with a regular, relaxing massage along with some advice about how to move more effectively during your day-to-day life. Self-care will improve your ability to look after your loved ones so, please, get in touch if you want to discuss how I can help you and your family.

04/02/2026

Since I started my journey into massage almost ten years ago, I have become more and more aware of the amount of people who are living with cancer, going through treatment or managing the side effects of the disease or treatment. I have learnt that massage and Scarwork™ from an appropriately trained therapist can have huge benefits for the client and help with problematic scarring, mental health impacts and pain management. On this World Cancer Day I would like to thank all those that have helped me with my training and continue to support me as I aim to bring these benefits to people in my home clinic and through volunteering for a brilliant local charity, My Cancer My Choices. (https://mycancermychoices.org)

02/02/2026

February - For most people it's the month of love, but in our family it's also the month of birthdays. I have six cards to buy this week!
Whatever the occasion (Valentines, Mother's Day, Birthdays), why not treat your loved one to a relaxing massage to ease out all the aches and pains that life throws at them?

Sports and Remedial massage is not just for 'sporty' people, it's also very useful for those that sit at their desk all day or have aches and pains from manual labour, housework or child care. Everyone can benefit from the improved blood flow, relaxed muscles and feeling of well being that it gives us.

If you would like more information about purchasing a gift voucher or booking an appointment, please contact me for a chat.

www.sportsmassageearley.co.uk

31/01/2026

Ehlers Danlos Syndromes:

This group of thirteen genetic conditions affect the body’s connective tissues. Although grouped together under the same name, each condition is separate and distinct. They are caused by a gene mutation which may be inherited and cannot be cured. Day to day management of symptoms is often based on Exercise, Physiotherapy and Self-care.
Connective tissue is made from proteins (mainly Collagen) and lies between other parts of the body. It holds everything in its’ place, supporting structures whilst keeping them separate. In EDS the Collagen becomes fragile and stretchy which leads to a whole spectrum of symptoms and issues. Many systems of the body can be affected at once but EDS is largely an invisible disability and patients often have difficulty getting diagnosed. There are no genetic tests for EDS and diagnosis is often based on joint hypermobility (double jointed, frequent dislocations), stretchy skin, family history and long - term pain.

The most common form of EDS is the Hypermobility type although the exact prevalence of this condition is not known. These conditions are frequently mis-diagnosed as Fibromyalgia, IBS or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as the symptoms can be similar.

The main symptoms of EDS are:
Long – term pain,
Chronic Fatigue,
Stretchy or weak skin,
Dizziness upon standing,
Palpitations and
Digestive disorders.

Anyone suffering from these symptoms should approach their G.P. to discuss possible solutions. If there is a family history of suspected or diagnosed EDS this should be mentioned so that a referral can be obtained to the correct specialist.

More information can be found at:
https://www.ehlers-danlos.org and
https://www.ehlers-danlos.com

28/01/2026

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies and is one of the major building blocks of bones, skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. It accounts for about 30% of our protein composition and could be seen as the glue that holds us together.
Our body makes this collagen by breaking down the protein we eat into individual amino-acids. It then uses these components to make our own proteins. This process uses Vitamin C so a healthy diet including a variety of protein sources as well as multiple vitamins is essential.
As we age, our body produces less collagen. The most obvious sign of this is in our skin which becomes looser and less supple. Our cartilage also weakens with age whilst tendons and ligaments become stiffer and more prone to injury.
In scar tissue, the collagen fibres are aligned differently to the original tissue. This usually means that the repair is inferior. Often scars are less flexible and weaker which leads to other tissues in the surrounding area having to take over and work harder. Scarwork™ therapy can help with scar tissue flexibility whilst massage and soft tissue therapy can relax the overworked original tissue.
Please get in touch if you have any questions or want to discuss.

26/01/2026

In the management of soft tissue injuries, we are used to the acronyms RICE or even PRICE (Protect, Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) but medicine is forever adapting and developing new strategies to help the body heal faster and stronger. This article advocating PEACE and LOVE is well worth a read.

  By Blaise Dubois and Jean-Francois Esculier Rehabilitation of soft tissue injuries can be complex. Over the years, acronyms guiding their management have evolved from ICE to RICE[1], then to PRICE[2] and POLICE[3]. Although widely known, the evidence for these treatments...

24/01/2026

We all know that sitting for long periods of time is not good for our posture or health. Here are a few simple suggestions that will enable you to move more during your working day, most can be adapted when working from home:
1. Get a pedometer or use your phone/watch to monitor your activity levels. Setting a target will help your motivation to move.
2. Set a reminder to leave your desk every hour. If this is not possible, schedule in breaks at the end of every meeting.
3. Drink lots of fluids. This leads to frequent toilet breaks. If you’re working from home, use the toilet furthest from your desk.
4. Eat away from your desk. A walk outside is best.
5. Walking meetings are a great way to get moving with others.
6. A variable height desk is useful.
7. Walking phone calls. Now we are not tied to landlines we have more flexibility of where to take the call.
8. Visit your co-workers instead of phoning or e-mail.
9. Use the office (or nearby) gym before or after work.