Kinesio Taping This is the brightly coloured tape that many athletes use, you don't have to be an athlete to use it though, it is for all patients and conditions including aches and pains, headaches, shoulder conditions, back ache, muscular sciatica, muscle injurys and tension. In essence K Tape helps to reduce muscular pain, increases your mobility and enhances your recovery time, by increasing the natural flow of blood around the muscle. When applied the tape influences the fascia underneath the skin acting as mechanical correction, stabilisation or support. The unique elastic porperties of the tape allow it to provide support to an injured muscle or joint in movement without restricting the tissues beneath it, allowing for a full range of motion. The patient can remain active while injured, is more comfortable and the condition less painful. It is an instinctive medicine - if you have a headache or tummy ache you automatically, instinctively rub it and feel better for it. It is ideal for stress relief, relaxation and as a remedial treatment for physical and emotional problems. It is known for its relaxing qualities, its ability to reduce stress, tension and anxiety and produce a feeling of overall well being when the body releases chemicals known as endorphins - the feel good hormones. Swedish Massage is the most commonly known type of massage, it manipulates the soft body tissues by the use of a firm but gentle pressure to improve the circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improves flexibility and creates relaxation. Circulation is improved and the immune system is strengthened. The main purpose of Swedish Massage is to increase the blood flow to all tissues, taking with it oxygen and nutrient rich cells, and flushing out any acid and metabolic waste, thereby shortening recovery times from muscular strains and keeping muscles flexible. Techniques used stretch ligaments, tendons and muscle fibres keeping them supple and pliable allowing improved range of motion, reduce scar tissue and stimulate and soothe the nervous system.
