Susan Martin Soft Tissue Therapy

08/12/2025

“Sports” massage is normally advertised as being useful to athletes and those that like to keep fit and active. It is claimed that therapists can identify and loosen areas of tightness in the tissues and stop the client from developing injuries. Whilst there are differing opinions on whether this is true or not, there is evidence that massage in general can relieve muscle tension, reduce post exercise soreness and help to manage stress. Therefore, many people find that a regular “Sports” massage is beneficial within their training regime and particularly before and after a race or special event.
If you are considering finding a massage therapist to work with you then you may be amazed at how many there are around and may be confused as to what to look for.

Qualification levels in the UK massage industry vary but are usually expressed in levels between 3 and 5. Often this number has an Acronym in front of it signifying the training body that has developed the course. BTEC, ITEC and VTCT are the most common. All have the same criteria and should be equivalent to each other.

My qualification in Soft Tissue Therapy is a BTEC level 5.

Level 3- A level 3 therapist will have learnt the basics of anatomy with a focus on preparing the body for sport, maintenance, and recovering from an event.
Level 4- A level 4 therapist has received more in-depth training and understands the role that posture and muscular imbalances play and can also treat common sports conditions.
Level 5 - A level 5 therapist builds on this training by learning about a wider range of sports conditions, understanding the role and impact of gait mechanics, the peripheral nervous system and knows a range of assessment methods. They learn more about treatment planning and rehabilitation and will probably have learned additional techniques including assisted stretching and home care.

As a personal service, the connection between therapist and client is the most important factor in terms of choosing who to work with but this information may be of use when compiling a short list. Being a member of the governing bodies SMA or ISRM is also a good indicator that the therapist is keeping up to date with their professional development and following established ethical guidelines.

06/12/2025

Today is Small Business Saturday. A day when everyone is encouraged to buy goods and services from their local, small businesses rather than on-line from international mega corporations. If you need a Gift Voucher for Xmas, please get in touch.

Firstly, I would like to thank you all for your support so far this year and hope that you enjoy my posts.

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03/12/2025

It is a sad fact of life that many people see scars as a disfigurement. They are often associated with “the bad guy” in a film or we try to cover them with heavy make - up, long sleeves or a high collar. In a society obsessed with beauty, this negative attitude can all too often lead to low self – esteem and a difficult relationship with our bodies.
Logically though, scars are a natural result from any accident or surgery. Almost everyone we know will have a scar of some kind. They are the sign that the body is healthy and well enough to heal itself. They should be seen as a good thing.
Many of our surgical scars are caused by life saving operations, child birth or joint replacements which should enhance our lives but if they leave you feeling unhappy about your appearance then you won’t get the full benefit of the surgeons’ skills.
Here are some tips to help you deal with the negative thoughts you may have around your scars:
• Think about the cause of the scar. Try to find any bit of good in the reason you have it.
• Start teaching yourself to be more comfortable with the scar through looking at it more. You may have a more positive outlook after the first tip.
• Gentle massage after your bath or shower can help to soften the scar and make you feel like it is really a part of your body and nothing to fear.
• If the scarring has been caused by a traumatic event you may need professional help to come to terms with this time of your life.
• Scarwork™ therapy can help to improve the feel and function of the scar and surrounding area. If you would like to have a chat, please get in touch.

01/12/2025

The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in the human body and is formed by the joining of five nerve roots emerging from the lower spine. In parts it can be up to 2cm wide. It is so large that it needs its’ own blood supply which it receives from a named branch of the inferior gluteal artery.
When leaving the spinal cord, the Sciatic nerve splits into two branches and travels through the buttocks and down the back of the thighs all the way to the heels and soles of the feet. This innervates the muscles in the back of the thigh (Hamstrings). Once it reaches the knee, it splits again to innervate the muscles of the lower leg and foot through the Tibial and Fibular nerves.
The path of the Sciatic nerve takes it behind your Gluteus Maximus muscles and alongside the Piriformis. This small, hip stabilising muscle can cause irritation of the nerve and lead to symptoms of Sciatica (pain in the buttocks and down the leg). Specific stretches and strengthening exercises can help to alleviate this issue which is fairly common in runners, cyclists and hikers.
Sciatic pain can also be caused by rupture of a disc between the vertebrae. Often called a “slipped” disc, this situation can arise when the disc splits and the jelly inside it leaks out and compresses on the nerve. Therefore, any sciatic pain should be assessed by your doctor before you seek alternative or complimentary treatment. Disc issues can be diagnosed through medical imaging and a range of treatment plans may be suggested, including pain managing injections and surgery.

29/11/2025

Restless legs syndrome is a condition of the nervous system that causes an overwhelming and irresistible urge to move your legs. It can also cause uncomfortable sensations in the feet, calves and thighs which are often worse in the evening or at night and is associated with the involuntary jerking of the legs and arms, known as periodic limb movements during your sleep (PLMS).
In the majority of cases there is no obvious cause, although some specialists believe that the condition is linked to how the body reacts to a chemical called Dopamine. This chemical is involved in controlling muscle movement and naturally drops during the evenings as we prepare to sleep. Restless leg syndrome can also be caused by some long term health conditions, Iron deficiency anaemia, stress, lack of exercise or Pregnancy.
If symptoms are mild and not linked to any underlying health condition, then treatment is usually based around lifestyle management. Good sleep habits, regular exercise and avoiding stimulants in the evening can all help. Symptoms can be relieved with gentle massage, a warm bath and relaxation exercises such as Yoga or Tai Chi. Some evidence suggests that a diet rich in Iron and Vitamin D can improve the situation along with Calcium and Magnesium supplements. These vitamins and minerals all help with blood flow, muscle strength and Dopamine production.
If symptoms are more severe or linked to another condition, medication (or a change to your current one) may be necessary so a visit to the Doctor is recommended if this condition is affecting you.

26/11/2025

An Appendectomy is the surgical removal of the Appendix. This small pouch is part of the large intestine but its’ function is unknown. The Appendix can get inflamed and swell causing pain and the possibility of it bursting. This is known as Appendicitis and usually affects children and young adults. If the appendix bursts, it can cause Peritonitis which is a serious infection within the abdomen. In order to avoid the possibility of a burst appendix, infected organs are usually removed. Removal of the appendix does not appear to have any negative effects. This operation is one of the most common in the UK and is often performed with keyhole surgery. Recovery is swift in most cases and the patient only spends a short amount of time in hospital.
The resulting scar(s) from this operation, as well as other abdominal surgeries, can lead to what is known as abdominal adhesions. This is a situation where scar tissue binds layers and structures together during its’ formation. Because there are so many important structures within the abdominal cavity it can get very congested. Scar tissue can develop many years after the original surgery and sometimes causes problems that are completely unrelated to the appendix.

24/11/2025

"Text neck" is the term used to describe the neck pain and damage sustained from looking down at your mobile phone or tablet too frequently and for too long. The human head weighs about 12 pounds and should be positioned directly above the spine but as the angle of deviation from this position increases, so does the weight carried by the neck muscles. At a 60 degree angle the weight can be as much as an 8 year old child. Understandably this causes soreness and pain in the neck that can spread to the upper back, shoulders and even down the arms.

Prevention is always better than cure so try these things if you think you might be affected:

Look down to the screen with your eyes
Raise the phone or tablet up to eye level
Take frequent breaks from your device
Improve your posture generally to be more upright
If you do start getting a sore neck:
Arch and stretch your neck and upper back backwards whilst on your breaks
Exercise regularly to strengthen your core, back and neck muscles
Try to relax your muscles using warm bath, heat pads or a soothing massage.

As always, if you need any help or advice, please get in touch.

22/11/2025

Things to know before getting a SPORTS MASSAGE:
Although the benefits of massage to both sporty and non-sporty people are numerous and well known –
Release of tension in muscles, Improved blood flow, Increased flexibility, Lower blood pressure, Reduced risk of injury and Improved sleep.
There are certain things to consider before booking an appointment:
1. If you are new to massage, book your first appointment well before a race, at least a few weeks out. This will give you time to get over any possible soreness from your muscles being worked and also to see how you benefit in training and if you want to continue having sports massages in the future. Getting treatment less than 48 hours before a race puts all athletes at risk of some race day soreness.
2. The short post race rub downs offered at many events can help calm the nervous system and allow the body to start recovering quicker. You will need to wait a few days before a full post event massage.
3. Before booking an appointment, check out the therapist’s education and experience. Look for referrals from other sports people that you know or speak to the therapist to discuss how they can help you.
4. Dehydration will tighten the muscles and fascia that surrounds them causing a more painful massage. Always keep well hydrated before your appointment.
5. Massage does not have to hurt to be beneficial. There is a fine line between some discomfort and pain and it is unique to you. Remember, it’s your body and your session. The therapist is not a mind reader and you need to communicate with each other to achieve the required outcome.
6. Don’t schedule a post massage workout. Let your body process what has happened. Wait until the next day and take a bath in Epsom salts instead to aid the cleansing process and offset any soreness.
If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch.

19/11/2025

Yesterday, I attended a course at the Royal Berkshire Hospital run by Sage and Thyme Training. This course is designed for those that interact regularly with people who may be worried or upset and just need to talk. It's a system that guides the listener to be effective and really understand what is being said. This can be helpful in all conversations, but particularly when talking to those going through illness or a stressful situation.
I am doing this training as part of my volunteering with My Cancer My Choices . If you want to know more about Sage and Thyme training, please follow this link.

SAGE & THYME isa simple guide for listening to worried people SAGE & THYME isa simple guide for listening to worried people

17/11/2025

The Vagus Nerve is the longest nerve in your body. Vagus means “Wandering” and this nerve connects your brain to many organs throughout the body including the gut, heart and lungs. Studies have shown that it plays a key part in your Parasympathetic nervous system which is the sub-system that controls our relaxation, digestion and resting heart rate. An active Vagus Nerve can help us to relax faster after stressful situations and has a huge impact on our mental health and ability to switch off.
Here are a number of ways in which you can easily stimulate your Vagus Nerve and improve your overall health:
• Expose yourself to the cold – Not always pleasant, but regular exposure to low temperatures through a cold shower or going outside with minimal clothing on, can lower your “Fight or Flight” response and increase Parasympathetic activity. Ease yourself in gently by sticking your face in cold water and building up to finishing your shower with a cold blast.
• Deep and Slow breathing – Deliberate deep and slow breathing activates the Vagus Nerve. Reducing your breathing rate to about 6 per minute is a great way to relieve stress. Breathe in deeply from your Diaphragm and exhale long and slow.
• Singing, Humming or Chanting – The Vagus Nerve is connected to your vocal cords and the muscles at the back of your throat. Singing, Humming, Chanting and Gargling activate these muscles and, therefore, stimulate the nerve.
• Healthy Diet – A diet that contains Omega – 3 Fatty acids and promotes good gut bacteria has been shown to improve brain functionality by affecting the Vagus Nerve. Good dietary sources are Fish, Yoghurt and some Fermented foods.
• Exercise – Many brain health experts recommend exercise to improve cognitive function and mental health. It’s also been shown to stimulate the Vagus Nerve. Choose a sport or activity that you enjoy so that you will stick with it. Activities with friends are particularly beneficial.
• Massage – Massage is known for its’ ability to get us to relax and to help ease our aches and pains. It has been used for thousands of years as a health and wellness tool. Although all touch taps into our nervous system, feet and neck massages have been shown to be particularly beneficial at stimulating the Vagus Nerve.
If you need any help or advice about how Exercise or Massage can help you to lead a healthier and more relating life, please get in touch.

15/11/2025

A stitch is a pain in the abdomen (usually on the side) that's brought on by exercise. It is medically known as Exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP) and the effects can range from sharp, stabbing pain to mild cramping, aching or pulling. At some point in their lives, most athletes will suffer from this debilitating, if short lived, condition so what causes it and how can we prevent it?
The exact cause of a stitch is unknown, but the leading theories are a lack of blood supply to the intestines (because it has been sent to the muscles) or irritation of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity (caused by repetitive movement of the exercise).
Prevention techniques include:
• Avoid eating large meals, fatty foods or dairy products 1-2 hours before exercise (Morton et al 2005).
• Belly breathing (rather than chest breathing) may help.
• Warming up prior to exercise with some movements designed to improve flexibility in the mid-back (Morton et al 2004).
• Get fitter - stitches are less common (but not unknown) in more experienced athletes. Their occurrence also usually decreases as we age.
• Strong trunk muscles, especially the deeper abdominal muscles, the transverse abdominus, may help by offering more support to abdominal organs and improving your posture.
• Decrease the length of your workout and up the intensity instead.
If you do get a stitch whilst exercising, try the following. They usually calm down pretty quickly and you can carry on:
• If you’re running, take a break or slow down to a walk.
• Breathe deeply and exhale slowly.
• Stretch your abdominal muscles by reaching one hand overhead.
• Stop moving and try pressing your fingers gently into the affected area while you bend your torso slightly forward.
• Stay hydrated while exercising, but avoid sugary sports drinks if they irritate your stomach.

12/11/2025

As part of my Continuous Professional Development, in early 2020, I completed a six - month course on how to adapt my massage techniques in order to help people who are either living with, having treatment for or who have recently finished treatment for Cancer.

This style of treatment is called Oncology Massage and the extra training helps me to understand the implications of the disease and treatment on my clients. This may be because of surgery, the side effects of the drug treatments, low immunity or skin problems from Radiotherapy.

Numerous studies have shown that massage can help to reduce common symptoms such as stress, nausea, pain, fatigue and depression that can be caused by living with this disease and the medical treatments involved. If you have had surgery, Scarwork™ therapy can improve the health of your scar tissue, increase range of movement at joints and have a positive impact on your body image.

MASSAGE CANNOT CURE CANCER. IT SHOULD ONLY BE USED AS A COMPLIMENTARY THERAPY.

If you are currently having treatment and your immunity is compromised, I would advise you to discuss with your medical team the pros and cons of seeing a therapist at this time due to the heightened risk from winter viruses. You may be able to access massage within a clinical setting. However, if you have finished treatment, feel relatively well and would like to find out more then please get in touch for a confidential chat.