Many clients often seek guidance when it comes to choosing the perfect massage to suit their needs. Questions like, ‘Which massage is the best for me?’ ‘How frequently should I have a massage?’ and ‘Can you help ease my back aches and pains?’ are common.
If you live in the Sandwich, Deal, or surrounding areas, or if you are willing to travel for an exceptional massage experience, then I’m your woman! Please allow me to introduce you to the variety of massage modalities available at Lorraine’s Treatment Room.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Swedish massage is a popular and relaxing form of therapeutic massage.
Swedish massage involves long, flowing strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, and gentle stretching to promote relaxation and relieve muscle tension. Using oil to facilitate smooth movements it is known for its ability to reduce stress, improve circulation, increase flexibility and enhance your overall well-being.
Swedish massage takes place on the massage couch. Depending which area is being massaged you are either in minimal clothing or in your underwear; you will be draped at all times.
This massage is an excellent choice for those seeking a calming and rejuvenating experience that promotes both physical and mental relaxation.
Aromatherapy massage combines the soothing power of massage with the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. A truly holistic massage working on mind, body, and soul this massage is great for people who would like emotional balancing as part of their massage.
As a qualified aromatherapist I am able to blend oils specifically to your requirements on the day you are being treated. However you hope to feel when you step off the couch ~ uplifted, relaxed, less in pain, or refreshed, there is an oil for that!
This luxurious treatment incorporates gentle strokes and kneading techniques to relax your tense muscles and promote overall well-being.
Aromatherapy massage offers an holistic approach to relaxation and healing, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and balanced.
Elevating your massage experience, this treatment is far more than a ‘hot stone massage’!
Combining heated and cool stones to create a deeply rejuvenating and therapeutic massage experience, perfect for relaxation and addressing various muscular and circulatory issues. Warmed stones boost blood flow and induce relaxation, while the cooler stones aid the removal of metabolic waste, ease inflammation, reduce swelling and provide gentle relief from aches and pains. This approach offers effective results without the intensity of deep tissue massage.Stones are treated as an extension of my hands and may also be placed on energy points during the treatment.
This massage is sometimes said to have the ‘power of 10’. One stroke with the stone is said to be worth ten of the hands with the stones work ten times more effectively and the effects lasting ten times as long.
Enhance your overall sense of well-being with this massage.
Deep tissue massage is a therapeutic technique that involves applying firm pressure and slow strokes to target the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It aims to release tension, alleviate chronic pain, and improve mobility by breaking down adhesions and knots in the muscles.
Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals with muscle injuries, chronic pain conditions, or those seeking relief from muscular tension and stress.
This massage can be intense and may cause slight temporary discomfort. However, the benefits include improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and an overall sense of relaxation and well-being.
Discover the gentle and transformative benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Massage.
This specialised therapy focuses on stimulating your lymphatic system, aiding in the removal of metaboolic waste and reducing swelling and edema. Precise, rhythmic hand movements encourage the natural flow of lymphatic fluid, promoting detoxification and enhancing your immune system.
MLD is particularly effective for post-surgery recovery, lymphedema management, and overall wellness. It offers a soothing and non-invasive experience, leaving you feeling lighter, refreshed, and rejuvenated.
Experience the healing touch of MLD and embark on a journey to promote your body’s natural cleansing and rejuvenating processes.
The G5 massage therapy system is a powerful tool for deep tissue and therapeutic massages.
G5 provides percussive vibrations to target muscle tension , assist in the elimination of lactic acid and improve blood circulation.
With multiple attachment options and adjustable intesity settings, your G5 massage can be tailored to your body’s needs. Additionally, the G5’s rapid and powerful movements stimulate circulation, promoting lymphatic drainage and reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Whether you’re seeking relief from muscle pain , rehabilitation or simply want a soothing massage, the G5 is a versatile and effective choice for all your massage needs.
Bamboo massage is a unique and rejuvenating treatment that combines traditional massage techniques with the use of heated bamboo sticks.
Heated bamboo sticks of varying sizes are rolled and glided over your body to release tension and promote relaxation. The warmth of the bamboo helps to ease muscle stiffness, while the pressure applied can be customised to suit your preferences.
This therapeutic massage not only offers deep tissue relief but also enhances blood circulation and reduces stress. Bamboo massage provides a soothing and holistic experience, leaving you feeling revitalised and balanced.
Prenatal massage is a specialised massage therapy designed to support you during the second and third trimesters of your pregnancy.
Using gentle techniques and customised positioning to accommodate your unique needs and any discomforts you may be experiencing during pregnancy.
This massage can help relieve common issues such as back pain, swelling, and muscle tension, promoting relaxation and overall well-being. Prenatal massage can also aid in reducing stress and improving sleep quality during your pregnancy.
Your safety and comfort are paramount, ensuring both you and baby benefit from this soothing and therapeutic experience, making it a valuable addition to your prenatal care.
Silicone cupping massage is a contemporary variation of traditional cupping therapy.
Soft, flexible silicone cups are used instead of the traditional glass or plastic cups. These cups create a vacuum when squeezed and applied to your skin, which helps improve blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate pain. Silicone cupping is also said to help promote relaxation and rejuvenation, making it a popular choice if you are looking for non-invasive and effective self-care techniques.
Silicone cupping is less intense than traditional methods, making it suitable if you are seeking a gentler approach to cupping therapy.
Indian head massage focuses on massaging your upper body, particularly your back, neck, head, and face.
This soothing massage involves various movements including kneading, tapping, and applying pressure. Together these techniques help to release muscle tension, improve circulation, ease headaches and alleviate stress.
Beyond physical benefits, Indian head massage is renowned for its relaxation benefits, promoting mental clarity, reducing anxiety and enhancing your overall well-being. It’s an holistic journey where your senses are awakened, and your energy is balanced.
This treatment is a convenient and accessible way to unwind and revitalise, especially if you have a busy lifestyle.
Foot reflexology is an holistic therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on your feet which correspond to different organs and systems in your body. Reflexology is based on the belief that these points, when stimulated, can promote relaxation, balance energy, and alleviate various health issues.
Foot reflexology is known for its stress-reduction benefits and its potential to improve overall well-being. It is often used as a complementary therapy to support relaxation and promote a sense of harmony and healing throughout the body.
According to Cancer Research UK & NHS one in two people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime.
Many people become concerned upon hearing the word ‘cancer’. A cancer diagnosis commonly causes panic and distress leaving the patient feeling bewildered, alone, powerless and frightened.
You might reflect on your life, you might consider your mortality; without doubt there will be both physical and mental challenges that will affect you and and also those closest to you.
During your treatment you are likely to spend considerable time in hospital and receive various drugs and chemicals; you might feel that you have no say in what is happening, that you are a patient and not an individual.
Our medical professionals do an amazing job facilitating your recovery however tests, treatment and surgery can be painful and distressing. Oncology massage therapy is a form of touch that causes no pain and can bring you much comfort.
How Massage can help with Cancer
Historically massage was contra-indicated for cancer patients as it was naively believed it could spread the disease. Fortunately, this myth is now busted!
Thanks to extensive research and studies by pioneers in the field of oncology massage, this belief is now known to be unfounded and massage therapists are welcomed and respected as an integral part of the oncology team.
What is Oncology Massage?
Oncology massage is a gentle, safe and mindful treatment for anyone who has been diagnosed with, or who has a history of cancer. Using specialised techniques, each massage session is customised and tailored to meet your unique needs and the effects your cancer and cancer treatments may have on your body.
Oncology massage allows you to actively participate in your healing journey. This unique and specialised massage therapy can have positive effects on your mind and body, providing you with comfort, relaxation, peace and serenity, allowing you to regain dignity and feel less like a patient and more like yourself.
Many cancer sufferers are not aware of how much they are holding in, how by ‘coping’ their emotions build up.
Feeling safe and nurtured during your oncology massage can allow for an emotional release; many clients find all their pent-up emotions are released as tears during their treatment; this is a perfectly normal and welcome reaction to your treatment.
What Happens at my Oncology Massage Session?
Your comfort is considered throughout your appointment and your treatment can be carried out fully clothed if this is your preference.
I use nourishing, organic oils and, as well as specialised massage techniques, your appointment might include some breathing work, some ball work and home care advice.
For those utilising the couch, I will ensure you are in the most comfortable position for you. Whether that is lying supine, face down or side-lying, I work to ensure the massage is as relaxing and beneficial as
possible for you. Treatments can also be carried out in a chair / wheelchair, your bed in hospital or at the hospice or in your home.
Occasionally a shorter session may be suggested depending upon your energy / fatigue levels and your immune system.
I have always worked with my hands and my heart and am now able to combine my passion with expert techniques, working therapeutically to give you a renewed sense of relaxation and well-being.
As previously mentioned, some clients find being in a safe, tranquil, nurturing space means they are truly able to let go and have an emotional-release; this is a perfectly normal reaction and invariably leaves the client feeling as if a weight has been lifted off their shoulders.
Benefits of Oncology Massage
Oncology massage therapists work with the cancer-sufferer’s mind, body, and spirit; providing treatments tailored to your personal needs and energy levels at every stage of your oncology treatment. This non-invasive and compassionate therapy is suitable for patients undergoing treatment, to those in recovery to those survivors who have complete remission. Oncology massage can be beneficial at all stages of your cancer experience, during diagnosis and prognosis, pre or post operation, during chemotherapy or radiation, during recovery, remission, cure or at the end stages of life.
Oncology massage can be carried out anywhere; the hospital, hospice, at your home, or at the therapist’s treatment room / clinic. It can be carried out on everyone, whether you are bed bound, in a wheelchair or fully mobile.
The benefits of oncology massage are manyfold and research has shown that symptoms such as nausea, depression, fatigue and insomnia are greatly reduced for those who include massages as part of their cancer treatment.
Stress, anxiety, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other changes that are taking place in your body will all have an effect on you, putting your body’s central nervous system on high alert.
How Massages can Alleviate Stress
Stress increases the amounts of cortisol and adrenaline in your body; this can cause your muscles to tense. Massage works on the soft tissues, inducing relaxation and assisting with dispersal of your tension.
Massage relaxes your central nervous system giving your body space and time and this relaxation of the CNS is believed to enhance your ability to heal and fight cancer.
Massage also stimulates your vagus nerve which is the main component of your parasympathetic nervous system. This can help with your immune system, enhancing your mood and helping you destress.
How Massages can Help with Insomnia
Sleep deprivation, whether due to anxiety or as a side-effect of treatment, can compromise your immune system. Massage has been shown to boost serotonin levels which can help promote good sleep and positive feelings.
How Effective is Oncology Massage for Pain Management and Symptoms of Cancer?
For those cancer patients experiencing pain, studies have shown that Oncology massage is more effective at reducing pain than other types of massage.
In fact, a study conducted in 2004 (Cassileth and Vickers), studied the outcome of massage therapy on 1290 patients over a three year period and found the following positive results on participants wellbeing:
Pain improved by 47%
Fatigue improved by 42%
Anxiety improved by 59%
Depression improved by 48%
Nausea improved by 51%
Other symptoms (such as shortness of breath, memory problems, dry mouth, disturbed sleep) improved by 48%
My Oncology Massage Qualifications
Lorraine Smith Certified Oncology Massage Therapist
I was fortunate to be trained by renowned oncology massage specialist and tutor, Susan Findlay. Her approach and training is believed to be the best in the country and I am proud to say that I am a Certified Oncology Massage Therapist.
The training gave great insight and education into the specific needs of oncology massage.
The oncology massage treatment focuses on providing care, comfort, and compassionate touch to the client. Each treatment is tailored to meet your unique and changing needs and takes into account the complexities of your condition and your symptoms.
Oncology massage does not treat the disease but aims to help you cope better with the physical and psychological side effects of cancer treatment, providing some well deserved me-time and a sense of normality. A space where you can be you.
Oncology massage is not aggressive and I will work with you, your unique symptoms and your body to ensure you get the most from the treatment.
What to look out for when Booking an Oncology Massage
If you decide to incorporate massage therapy as part of your cancer treatment, always ensure that you are seen by someone who is trained in oncology massage and who has the awareness and expertise to identify any contra-indications and who can adapt treatment to take into account your medical history, tumour sites and who understands the need to work around ports and medical devices.
You should talk to your oncologist or doctor before undergoing oncology massage to ensure it is right for you.
How to book an Oncology Massage with Lorraine
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like more information about oncology massage. It is also possible to check availability for Lorraine’s Treatment Room by clicking here.
