Louise Hancox – Head2Toe Massage Therapy

Our massage therapists at Head 2 Toe are fully trained and qualified in Remedial Massage Therapy and also have a range of certificates in Advanced Sport, CranioSacral Therapy, Indian Head Massage and Hot Stone Massage. We endeavour to update our skills and knowledge with regular on-going training.

Following a massage, it is suggested that you do not do any heavy form of physical activity, but a gentle walk is always great.

Any soreness that presents itself should ease after 24-36 hours. This can depend on how regular you have massage and the pressure used during the massage.

You may find the use of ice or heat on sore areas can help – check with your therapist which is best.

Increasing your water intake following your treatment is always recommended as it helps flush the metabolic wastes that are released due to massage.

Any previous tightness in the muscles worked should remain noticeably more relaxed for 4-14 days, depending on stress, activity level and severity of pain prior to massage treatment.

Depending on the treatment outcome, your therapist may give you some stretches to do as part of your home self-care. Gentle stretching after a massage enhances the massage benefits and maintains flexibility.

Stretching should not involve pain.

Each of these therapies will have a description similar to the existing site.

• SWEDISH MASSAGE A hands-on full body medium pressure massage which relieves muscle tension, stimulates circulation, increases serotonin levels, improves muscle tone and promotes total mind and body relaxation.
• DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE A firm pressure therapeutic massage. helps alleviate pain, muscle spasms, stress, inflammation and tissue damage. great for anyone with soft tissue problems that produce any discomfort or pain.
• SPORTS MASSAGE A therapeutic massage that includes stretching and compression techniques. Rehabilitates soft tissue dysfunction that can result from physical labor, lifting weights or sports-related injuries. Promotes flexibility, reduces swelling, relieves muscle tension and alleviates muscle fatigue.
• NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY Neuromuscular therapy consists of alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasm. The massage therapy pressure is usually applied with the fingers, knuckles, or elbow. Once applied to a muscle spasm, the pressure should not vary for ten to thirty seconds. Neuromuscular therapy will feel painful at first, but the pressure of the massage should alleviate the muscle spasm. At this point, it is extremely important to communicate with the massage therapist regarding the pressure – whether the pressure is too much, too little, getting better, getting worse. The therapist should listen and respond accordingly. The massage therapy pressure should never be overly painful. In fact, most people describe the pressure as “good pain”.
• HOT STONE MASSAGE Penetrating heat from smooth, oiled and warmed stones is used to relieve tense muscles and sore joints. Combined with Swedish techniques, this creates an unforgettable, thoroughly relaxing experience.
• CRANIOSACRIAL THERAPY This is done with clients fully dressed but in a warm and quiet environment. CST is a light-touch manual therapy that works with the body to enhance the body’s natural healing processes. This is accomplished primarily through utilizing a physiological body system called the craniosacral system – the environment in which the central nervous system functions – it consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, extending from the bones of the skull, face and mouth down to the tailbone area (or sacrum). CST works on the understanding that imbalance or dysfunction of this system can adversely affect the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord and contribute to sensory, motor and/or neurological disabilities.
• ELDERLY MASSAGE Applying passive movements can help maintain mobility, ease stiff joints and general massage will increase circulation along with flushing out toxins.
• AROMATHERAPY Aromatherapy massage combines the natural therapeutic properties of essential oils and healing power of massage therapy. Aromatherapy massage not only has powerful physical, emotional and mental effects, but it is also described as a great relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
• PREGNANCY MASSAGE A gentle massage geared to relieve the muscle cramps, spasms and pain often encountered in the lower back, neck, hips and legs during pregnancy. Side lying body positioning with pillows for extra comfort.
• CORPORATE MASSAGE The increase in work demands and longer hours these days have promoted health and safety issues that can be improved and maintained by corporate massage treatments. We can provide this on site to suit all working environments.
• INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE Is an extremely effective therapy that has evolved from traditional techniques practised in India as part of family traits for over 1000 years. The treatment involves massage to the upper back, shoulders, upper arms, neck, face and scalp with the client remaining seated in an upright position.

The massage is invigorating, revitalizing and an uplifting treatment. It works on significant areas of the body, especially the neck and shoulders where stress affects the major muscle groups and will often bring immediate relief. The areas are massaged in a firm and gentle rhythmic fashion involving acupressure points.

Tensions are eased and fibrous knots and nodules melt away. The efficiency of the circulatory and lymphatic system improves, toxins are dispersed from tense muscles and flexibility and fluidity of movement is restored.