Frequently Asked Questions

Amatsu treats your whole body, not just the symptoms. It comprises a number of different techniques such as; Massage, Mobilisation, Repatterning and Cranial Balancing, which can be used in many combinations to suit the client's needs.

Your body has an amazing ability to regain its own health; however the stresses of life can damage or distort your natural patterns leading to poor health in various forms. Amatsu supports and encourages the natural abilities of your body, working with it and not imposing corrections on to it. Regaining natural, healthy patterns is the aim of every Amatsu session by Restoring Balance and producing wholeness in your body

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Amatsu can be Vigorous or Extremely Gentle. This means it can be used on any person from the moment they are born through to their more advanced years. It is safe and effective for all ages.

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Your body has many different systems, all of which need to work in Balance to give you the Health you want.

These fit in to Five Catagories:

1. Physical – Your Structure, Bones, Muscles, Ligaments etc.
2. Electrical – Your Nervous and Energy Systems. Chemical – Your Hormones, Digestive System, The Food That You Eat.
3. Mental – Your Thought Processes, Emotions, Beliefs and Values.
4. Environmental – Where, When and How You Do What You Do.

None of these work in isolation. With Amatsu, by treating the whole body all the elements will be able to work together to regain Health, Function and Balance.

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Nueromuscular / Physical Therapy is used by applying thumb / finger pressure to key trigger points to help break cycles of muscle spasm and pain in order to improve general function. It is used in combination with other treatments such as; Remedial and Sports Massage.

'All the bad stuff is flushed out and all the good stuff is flushed in' During an effective massage, blood flushes through the capillaries and cleanses the body of toxins. Nutrients then flood the freshly massaged areas, strengthening the immune system.

Muscle tissue becomes softer and is able to function more effectively. Body fat is broken up leaving the skin smoother and firmer.

The parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated and serotonin and endorphins are released (our natural feel good and strong painkilling chemicals). Our aches and pains are eased and we feel calm, relaxed and at peace.

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Sports massage is crucial if you are a runner. Most runners train in fits and spurts, which is the common reason they get injured. Others need to cross-train or stretch to improve their flexibility. Sports massage improves circulation, improves elasticity and accelerates recovery from activity and injury.

I often advise runners on programmes, which will help limit their chance of re-injury.

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The above named treatments can help a wide range of problems including;

This is not a comprehensive list; so consult me for information more specific to your problem.

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It helps to be well hydrated, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids the day before and the day of your treatment.

The best way to tell if you are drinking enough water is to check your urine. If it is clear and odour free you are drinking enough. If it has a strong odour and is yellowish or dark in colour then you probably will need to increase the amount you drink, unless you are on restricted water for medical reasons

During your first Session, a detailed history is taken, so that the practitioner has a clear idea of the problem. Using a combination of Observation, Muscle Testing and Palpation (touch) the Practitioner will gather further information about the current state of your body before applying a combination of techniques to suit your needs.

It is not unusual to feel different straight away; although some people feel the changes over the few days following the treatment. Some people feel tired whilst others have a boost of energy. Your body is simply adjusting to the changes. It is always recommended that you drink plenty of water following a treatment to keep your body hydrated.

It may not be possible to attend wearing loose clothing; especially if you are arriving from work, etc; however it is advisable to wear or bring loose fitting clothing; such as training pants, shorts and tee shirt.

The initial evaluation takes 60 – 90mins depending on the complexity of the case. Follow-up appointments typically vary in length and depend on the type of injury and level of rehabilitation that is required. There is no specific time limit.

Yes, I would like to see the shoes you wear most often, (Including sportswear) to see your pattern of wear, as it may be pertinent to the injury you are attending with.

For many forms of massage, most clients will need to undress, however your modesty is always protected and only the area being treated will be exposed. Some clients prefer to wear some undergarments during the treatment and this is acceptable. When the massage is done I will leave the room to allow you re-dress in private.

Yes, I use a very reputable base massage oil, which is I have found to be excellent and I have been using it for many years; however you are welcome to bring your own oil if you wish. I use essential oils from time to time too and find them most effective when combined with massage oil as a blend.

A professional massage is more than an ordinary backrub and when your muscles are tight from stress and pain they often react and feel sore after a treatment. I want any soreness to be tolerable and not 'painful' that's why Its most important to communicate with me regarding your expectations, as well as your current state of health. If you experience unusual soreness after your treatment then let me know, so I can tailor further treatments and make adjustments in intensity or techniques.

Clients may feel sore for a few days following a treatment, as it may take time for the body to adjust to the changes made as a result of the treatment.

That really depends on what your goals are and your budget. I recommend getting a treatment at least every 3-6 weeks, as the effects are cumulative. A few of my clients come in once a week when they have a particular issue and then come once a month to six weeks to maintain good health. Most of my regular clients recognise the importance of self-care and the health benefits that they enjoy from receiving treatment on a regular basis.

I'm asked this question all the time. Rarely, I think the question behind this really is 'will you be able to give me a good massage if I'm your last client of the day'? The answer is yes. One of the ways I've been able to stay in the profession for the past fifteen years is to not over-book myself. I leave plenty of time between treatments to give the client optimum time to relax and unwind and to give myself time to clean the room and prepare for the next client.