Archive for the category: Polly news

Are you training for the Bath Half Marathon, (which is just a few weeks away in March), or maybe you’re training for another running event, whatever event you should be looking to incorporate massage into your regime.

We get many enquiries at The Bath Massage Co from runners asking about Sports massage and how it can help them; massage and running go hand in hand, and here’s why…

It is very likely that massage helps improve flexibility and reduces risk of injury, as well as delivering a whole host of other benefits too.

Running requires sustained, repetitive muscle contractions. The greater these contractions are, the greater the force generated is, and the more muscle fibers are required to shorten. These sustained, repetitive muscular contractions translate into speed, power, and distance allowing us to run further and faster. However, this can also translate to shortened, tight muscles, joint range of motion losses, and decreased circulation to compressed tissues.
Massage works to elongate the muscles, relieve muscle tightness, restore joint range of motion, and improve circulation.

Massage improves the effectiveness of the circulatory system.  This system is responsible for oxygen transfer, nutrient delivery, and waste removal at the cellular level. Our circulatory system delivers blood enriched with oxygen and nutrients, like glucose and electrolytes, to muscle tissue. It then picks up and removes muscle metabolic by-products and waste.

Furthermore, the circulatory system impacts all the other systems of the body too. Therefore, increasing the effectiveness of the circulatory system directly or indirectly impacts our entire body. Better circulation means better delivery of nutrients and oxygen to surrounding cells and tissues.

Therapeutic massage can elicit very specific physiological responses, such as, increased blood circulation, increased diameter of blood vessels, and decreased blood pressure. These effects are significant for everyone, but are of particular importance to a runner looking for ways to recover faster, prevent injuries, and improve performance.
Other Benefits include:

1. Dilates blood vessels which promotes circulation and lowers blood pressure
2. Assists venous blood flow
3. Promotes rapid removal of metabolic waste products
4. Improves the oxygen carrying capacity of red blood cell
5. Improves pulmonary function by loosening tight respiratory muscles
6. Reduces muscle soreness and fatigue
7. Increases/restores joint range of motion
8. Reduces cortisol levels and norepinephrine and epinephrine levels
9. Restores posture and gait
10. Improves connective tissue healing

It is important to note that the effects of massage are cumulative. This means that the effects and benefits increase with sequential, repetitive massages. Receiving one massage prior to a race will not reap the same benefits as a regular program of massage therapy throughout your training. Massage therapy also works best as a preventative program. Once an athlete sustains an actual injury, seeking medical attention comes first. After a proper diagnosis and treatment, massage therapy may become part of the recovery process.

When should you have a sports massage?
Massage treatment plans are very individual and we always create one for your individual needs. The most important goal is to set a regular schedule for your massages whether it is once a week, once a month, or every two months. Pre-race massages should be scheduled ideally 3-5 days before the race and, likewise, post-pace massages should be scheduled 3-5 days after a race when muscles are no longer sore to the touch.
Massage is a great training reward to look forward too! And, last but not least, between massages, drink lots of water, stretch after your runs, foam roll often, and eat clean healthy foods to extend the life of your massages.

So, if you’re in training and are interested in massage get in touch and we will help you with a massage plan for your forthcoming event.

The Bath Massage Company will be supporting Mentoring Plus at this years Bath Half Marathon event and providing runners complimentary post event massage.

I will be running Hypnobirthing courses from July 2016 in Bath. These will be available either in a group or 1-2-1.

For more information please see my dedicated Hypnobirthing page here. 

Local Bath website for parents, Mums In Bath, recently interviewed BMC owner Polly Chadwick for their website – you can read the interview here.

The body is a wondrous thing, particularly when it is working hard to bring another beautiful baby into the world.  Pregnancy is different for everyone and our bodies respond in different ways to the changes happening within – this can leave us tired, stressed, anxious, achy and swollen to name but a few side effects.

Massage is a well-known treatment to reduce aches and pains, relieve stress and worries and aid restful sleep.  During pregnancy, it is so important to treat the body delicately and seeing a professional pregnancy massage specialist is a simple way to feel safe whilst reaping the rewards of massage therapy.
Below are FIVE reasons to get yourself booked for a pregnancy massage pronto:

1. Pain relief – our bodies are going through a lot and pain is usual during this time.  Massage can help with leg cramps, tension and stiffness by improving circulation and getting the blood flowing to these areas.
2. Anxiety and stress – growing a human is a big deal and that responsibility can manifest into worries and negative thoughts.  A peaceful, relaxing massage can help settle the mind and allow you time to connect with the baby in your tummy.
3. Sleep – one of the most common complaints during pregnancy is the inability to sleep – too hot, too big, too uncomfortable – the list is endless.  Massage can help you fall to sleep quicker and stay asleep.  Massage encourages the release of the happy hormone serotonin, which in turns transforms into the sleep promoting hormone melatonin.
4. Swelling – cankles are not our favourite look, but by improving circulation and blood flow massage plays a part in reducing swelling in the body.
5. Preparation – freeing the body of tightness, aches and pains can aid us in our preparation for labour.  Opening up the pelvis, reducing swelling and allowing better movement during pregnancy is perfect for when the baby is ready to come out.  If you are having a long first stage of labour a good massage can help the body relax and help you to stay calm and at peace, allowing the body to work it’s magic.

We are so lucky to have a few specialist pregnancy and baby massage therapists at both our locations in Bath and South Devon. With over 40 experience between us , we offers pre and post-natal massage, baby massage courses and Hypnobirthing.

Every month we are going to be blogging about some amazing and inspiring people from all walks of life and introducing you to some interesting therapies, inspiring companies and sharing some incredible individuals stories.

This month we have been chatting to Bristol based runner and Mum, Jen Forster. BMC owner, Polly, met Jen through This Mum Runs which is a community of women on a mission to be happier and healthier. Together they have battled through all elements, the heatwave of 2018, then the beast from the east, and now regularly run together with other females in Bristol. Here Jen tells us a little bit about what made her become a runner and what inspires her…..

Jen on completing the TMR Run60 programme.

Q: Jen, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

A: I live and work in Bristol, living in the Windmill Hill area of the city, it’s a great area to live in with a lovely community, fantastic park and loads of local shops. I work at We The Curious (which used to be At-Bristol Science Centre), so walk in to work most days; my daughter Zoe goes to school just nearby too, so we get our mileage in as a family!

Q: How did you get involved with This Mum Runs (TMR)?

A: I was looking at my Facebook feed last year and saw some photos of some of my friends who had finished the Bristol 10K – they looked so happy, and I felt so proud of them and thought “I wish I could do that” and then thought “hang on, I CAN do that”! But, I couldn’t actually run any distance at all, so a friend recommended TMR and the Run30 course. I signed up in June 2019 and completed Run30, before then signing up and completing Run60 before Christmas.

Q: How did you feel before your very first run?

A: I felt both nervous and excited, more excited I think! It was great, meeting lots of other women in exactly the same position of me, and learning all about who we’d progress through the programme. I felt so chuffed after my first session!

Q: Running can be hard work. How do find the time and motivation to run especially with children?

A: It is hard work to find the time – as a working parent with a child in school, finding time can be a challenge, but I’m starting to find a pattern. I tend to run twice a week (three times if I can), normally an evening run (which requires my husband to be back in time for bedtime) and then an early morning run on the weekend, when my husband and daughter are still in bed! The motivation totally comes from the friends that I’ve made during my running, as I often run with them – it’s the best tonic, having a chat with friends and being active at the same time.

Q; How has running changed you and your perspective about running or runners?

A: I’m really surprised how much it has changed me, and how much I’ve enjoyed the journey into becoming a runner. I’m learning loads of new things about myself all of the time (such as how running can affect or lift my mood, running and treating injuries), and what levels I push myself to. It’s also changed my body shape a bit, my legs feel stronger, and my tummy feels more trim, which is a welcome bonus!

I’ve always admired people that could run, and make it look enjoyable and easy – I’m not sure I’m one of those, but I’m proud to say that I’m a runner now! I’ve signed up for a few 10K events this year (including the Bristol 10K, which is where it all started for me), which I definitely wouldn’t have done last year!

Q: What is the best thing about TMR?

A: It’s impossible to say just one thing, but the people, the community and the support is AMAZING!

Q: Who or what are you’re inspirations?

A: My friends who I run with, and the amazing ladies of the TMR community inspire me every day – it’s so refreshing to see a positive and welcoming environment where achievements of every level are celebrated – whether it’s a half marathon, someone’s first run since having children, or something else entirely, it’s super inspirational.

Q: What are your running goals for 2019?

A: Well I’ve signed up for the Bristol 10K, as well as a few others, so I think I’ll be started a little collection of running numbers and medals hopefully! My aim for my first 10K is just to finish it, but I daresay that a few races in, I’ll probably be trying to beat my time. Running is addictive, in a really great way, and I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved in the last year. I’m looking forward to the next step of my running journey in 2019!

Jen and Polly after a misty morning run

Continuing our monthly interviews, this month we had the pleasure of talking to Marianne Carpenter of Bath Spa Osteopathy.

Marianne is an award-winning Osteopath and owner of Bath Spa Osteopathy, next to Green Park Station in Bath. She also lectures and teaches anatomy at Swansea Medical School.

Q: So what exactly is osteopathy?

A: When I tell people I’m an osteopath, most people will say something like “you fix people’s back pain, right?” Well, right and wrong – I do get great results for bad backs, but in an average day, I see patients with everything from digestive problems or persistent cramps to migraine headaches and fibromyalgia. Osteopathy was originally designed as a completely alternative healthcare approach to the body in health and disease. For example, osteopathic treatment was so effective during the deadly Spanish ‘Flu epidemic in the early 1900’s that osteopaths were eventually drawn into the mainstream healthcare system in the USA as equivalent medical doctors

Q: How does it work?

A: Osteopaths use their hands to find and treat areas of restricted movement in the body.  This might be in joints, muscles, connective tissue (tendons, ligaments, scars) or even the visceral organs. These restrictions can alter your posture and the way you move, but they can also pinch nerves or blood vessels. Osteopaths believe that the body has the capacity to self-heal, but it can only do that if conditions are right. This means getting the body back into balance and freeing up any restrictions, to improve not only general flexibility but also general health.

Q: What made you become an Osteopath?

A: I used to ride horses competitively, and one day I had a nasty riding accident, which left me in a lot of pain. A friend suggested I see an osteopath. I must admit, I had no idea what they did! I went along, and in a few sessions I was completely healed – and totally hooked on this amazing approach to fix the body naturally. The next year I gained a place to study at the European School of Osteopathy in Kent, which is arguably the leading osteopathic school in the world. I graduated with a first class masters degree and worked in several practices before setting up my own clinic –  Bath Spa Osteopathy.

Q: I enjoy a regular massage. When would I need to see an Osteopath?

A: Massage is an amazing way to loosen up tight muscles and relax the overall tone and tension in the body. I regularly recommend my patients go to the Bath Massage Company because I know from personal experience the quality of the massage is excellent. However, here are 5 common signs that you might need osteopathic help:

• If you find you’re tightening up again soon after your massage. This may indicate muscles are tight due to a nerve irritation
• You’ve lost flexibility in one direction (for example, you can turn your neck further round to the right compared to the left). This may indicate a locked spinal joint
• You are having regular headaches or migraines. This is often related to restricted joints in the upper neck
• You’ve noticed one shoulder is higher than the other. This may indicate a functional scoliosis (sideways curve) developing in the spine
• You’ve noticed tingling, pins and needles or cramps. This may indicate a restriction affecting nerve or blood flow to the area

Q: What do you do for fun when you’re not treating patients?

A: I joined the Bath Amphibians Triathlon club last year and I’m busy training for the upcoming spring races. I also teach anatomy at Swansea Medical School once a week – it’s fun and a good chance to get top tips from consultants in other disciplines.

You can find out more about Marianne through her website and socila media page:

www.AWosteo.co.uk

Facebook.com/Bathosteopathy

1. Tell us about yourself Ruby, what brought you to the world of massage and well-being?

I’d have to say my mum brought me into the world of massage, she is a trained aromatherapist and so growing up I was lucky to receive regular messages from her and also give them in return. This meant that by the time I was an adult I had grown up with an intrinsic understanding of how wonderful it was to receive a massage. At university, it’s something I practised casually with friends. Eventually, I realised it was the thing I loved doing most in the world and decided to formalise it to be officially training to be a massage therapist!
My own journey has also led me to experience many different types of holistic therapies which inspire me to expand my own practice to offer treatments that draw on all kinds of different healing modalities. To me, the journey of well-being that each of us has is the most gratifying experience and I’m so pleased to be able to be on that journey myself and now be a part of others’ journeys too.

2. Are there any particular areas of well-being you really love and are interested in?

Most definitely! I am partially passionate about massage for mental health and wellbeing. I think massage is a wonderful tool for mental wellness and it’s a big part of my professional practice and how I want to develop as a practitioner. I wrote my final project when studying massage on working in sync with women’s cycles and adapting my massage practice accordingly. In my personal well-being journey, I love to experience different somatic (body-based practices) as a way of exploring emotions and really enjoy treatments from Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners. 

3. Do you have any exciting plans for the summer now we can go out and about again! (was thinking about your massage at festivals here?)

Yes, I am hopefully going to be massaging at some festivals this summer so keep an eye out for me! Having a massage at a festival is the best thing after camping and long nights dancing so I’m excited to be practising in that arena, also I’ll be growing and developing myself at the Bath Massage Company which I am very excited about. Oh and hopefully a holiday in there somewhere too!

4. How do you relax and rejuvenate when you are not working?

I practice yoga twice a week with my favourite teachers in Bristol where I live. I also am massively into ritual skincare and baths, and tailor both of those to my daily needs as well as being a big proponent of naps and making the most delicious nourishing food, if you follow my business’s Instagram you’ll be able to see all the yummy food I post!

5. Where is your favourite place in Bath?

Rooted Cafe is the best vegetarian/ vegan cafe in the southwest, in my opinion, their full Indian breakfast and poutine are must haves, and their staff is so friendly it’s always a wonderful experience!

Ruby works Saturday – to book an appointment with her please click here

Q1. You’ve recently joined the Bath Massage company, what brought you to join the team?

I wanted to experience working with a new team of people and I know how passionate everybody at BMC is about massage.  It’s a really friendly and supportive team to work with and the standard of massage is really high.  I also like working in Bath for the shopping opportunities!

Q2. What did you do before you joined the company?

I continue to work at Babington House, near Frome on a part-time basis and I’ve been there for 14 years. I love the buzz of the place as well as the beauty of the environment. I also work at an Osteopathic Clinic in Corsham and have been working with them for 10 years.

Q3. What treatments and therapies do you specialise in?

I like massages to be really relaxing as well as being therapeutic which is something that has stemmed from working in a Spa environment for such a long time.  I think massage should be as much about soothing the nervous system as it is about soothing muscles.  My massage is very much influenced by my studies of Myofascial Release. I also practice Reflexology and often incorporate it into my massages.  The feet can tell us so much about the body and Reflexology is incredibly relaxing. 

Q4. Tell us more about Myofascial release

I discovered Myofascial release a few years ago and studied at the School of Bodywork in Exeter.  Fascia is amazing stuff.  It’s a continuous 3D matrix of connective tissue in the body that is the body’s shock absorber and has approximately 6 times more sensory nerves than muscles and they relay information back to the central nervous system and help the body hold its shape and balance.  Fascia is found everywhere; in tendons, muscle, bone, ligaments and all the organs of the body.  Fascia can become stuck and bound down causing pain and restriction in movement and Myofascial release is about tuning into the fascial system and releasing those restrictions so that healthy function and a flow of nutrients ‘in’ and waste products ‘out’ can be restored.      

Q5. How do you relax and rejuvenate when you are not working?

I love walking (and occasionally even running) in the countryside and I also like swimming and yoga.  I’ve recently got into Yin Yoga which is very focused on the fascial system as the poses are held for a few minutes which is really relaxing for mind and body.  I also love having massages (of course) and do regular swaps with colleagues.  Apart from that, I love listening to all sorts of podcasts, and have a passion for music, comedy, animals and nature. 

Q7. What do you love most about your work as a therapist?

No two days are the same and every massage is different.  It’s a real privilege to work with people’s bodies and be able to help people feel better for a living.  It’s endlessly satisfying and interesting work, even though it can be physically tiring.

Helen works every Wednesday – to book an appointment with her please click here