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Karen McLeod Massage therapy

 
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Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments) to enhance health, and well being.




CONTACT INFORMATION  
   
Contact NameKaren McLeod
AddressWest Melton
South Island 7618
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Websitehttp://www.kmmt.co.nz


About Massage Therapy

Massage is purposeful soft tissue (ligaments, tendons, muscles) manipulation for the intent of therapeutic change. Massage improves the flow of blood and lymph (fluid in the lymph gland), reduces muscular tension, reduces stress and enhances tissue healing, resulting in improved health and well being.


Treatments

Deep Tissue

Slow and firm pressure is applied to the layers of the soft tissues by using fingers, fists, forearms or elbows to help realign muscle fibres. Adhesions (knots) and scar tissue which may cause pain, inflammation and limit motion of muscles and joints are broken down. Heat, ice and specific stretching techniques may also be applied.

Deep tissue can help if you have chronic muscular pain or postural dysfunction.


Sports Massage

A combination of techniques is used to help athletes (and weekend warriors) prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recovery after an event, or function well during training. It emphasizes prevention and healing of injuries to the muscles and tendons.

BUT you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from sports massage. It is also used for people with injuries, chronic pain or restricted range of motion.


Neuromuscular Treatment (NMT)

NMT uses specific science-based protocols which can be effective for clients who present with chronic pain and is often successful in reducing or even eliminating long standing painful conditions. The therapist is educated in the physiology of the nervous system and its effect on the muscular and skeletal systems.

Muscular spasms, trigger points, compression on nerves, postural imbalances, nutritional requirements and emotional wellbeing are important factors to be addressed.


Foot Joint Mobilization

If the foot is not functioning normally the nerves are stimulated in a confused manner and do not send correct information. When this happens the body works against itself causing achy joints, muscular fatigue and strain.

Foot joint mobilization uses 17 specific moves to realign the bones of the feet which should improve posture, stability and balance, resulting in more effective movement patterns.


Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy is a bodywork technique that involves the applying of pressure to hypersensitive spots in the muscle or fascia ( a knot) in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body. The referral pattern may include pain, an ache, tingling, numbness, itching or other sensations. Conditions that will benefit from trigger point therapy include: chronic headaches neck, jaw and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back pain, sporting injuries, occupational injuries, reduced range of motion and/or weakness.


Swedish/ Relaxation Massage

Swedish or relaxation massage uses moderate strokes such as long gliding effleurage, friction and vibration which are designed to reduce muscle tension and calm the nervous system. It is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, improving circulation and flexibility.

You’ll leave feeling relaxed and refreshed!


Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage may help with the associated physiological, psychological and emotional changes experienced by the mother-to-be The client is massaged in the side lying position. Usually a light to moderate massage that targets areas of discomfort caused by the expanding body, eg lower back, hips neck and shoulders, calves and feet.


Myofascial Release

Fascia is the white connective tissue beneath the skin that attaches, stabilizes, encloses and separates muscles and other internal organs. However, inflammation, fibrosis and thickening of the fascia can limit our range of motion and cause pain.

Myofascial release is a slow stretching technique that helps to “unstick” the fascia enabling the muscles to glide over each other and over the bones, relieving chronic pain, improving flexibility, posture and the immune system.


Active Isolated Stretching

A quick, safe, specific method of stretching that emphasises full range of motion movements to contract and strengthen targeted muscles while at the same time stretches the opposing muscles. Designed for athletes but is beneficial for anyone who wants to increase elasticity of muscles, joints and fascia.

About Me


Karen McLeod Massage Therapy provides a range of services to males and females of all ages, to help relieve aches and pains caused but sports events, overuse, wear and tear, physical injuries, pregnancy or postural imbalances.

One of the most significant uses of massage is to relieve stress whether from corporate overload or from everyday physical and emotional stress.

Profile

Karen is an experienced fully qualified Massage Therapist who has continued to upskill by attending post graduate courses, gaining qualifications and attending Conferences. Karen based her practice for eleven years at Sports Med, a leading Sports Medicine Clinic. She furthered her knowledge by working alongside professional Physicians, Chiropractors, Physiotherapists and Podiatrists.

Karen is a New Zealand High Performance provider who has worked with elite athletes from a variety of sports.

Karen now works from her home based clinic in West Melton Christchurch.

Qualifications

  • 2008 Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) American Version
  • 2006-2009 Remedial Massage Therapist with Massage New Zealand
  • 2003-2009 Academy of Sport Provider
  • 2003 Advanced Certificate in Sports Massage
  • Diploma in Massage Therapy (CCNMNZ)
  • 2002 Certificate in Fitness Management (Otago)
  • 1999 Higher Diploma of Teaching
  • 1991 Diploma for Recreation and Sport

Athletes/Teams

  • All Blacks
  • Crusaders/ Canterbury NPC team
  • Visiting Super 14 rugby teams
  • British Rugby team
  • British Rugby League
  • Commonwealth Games Women’s Hockey
  • Commonwealth Games cyclists
  • British, Australian and New Zealand Women’s Cricket teams
  • Olympic triathlete
  • Canterbury Tactix
  • Silver Fern players
  • New Zealand Cricket players
  • Ironman athletes
  • New Zealand women’s rugby players

Availability

Home Clinic

Monday to Thursday 11am -5pm

Other times may be available on request Gift Vouchers are available

29 Shepherd Ave West Melton Christchurch

Client Testimonials


"I have been a client of Karen’s over the last 2-3 years. As a professional rugby player, both the Canterbury Air New Zealand Cup and Crusader teams promote massage therapy as an effective form of recovery. Recovery is crucial in ensuring that I feel fresh and ready to take on the upcoming match. As far as professionalism and quality of massage, Karen provides a range of techniques to suit the client’s needs. Whether it be for rehabilitation, mobility, or general muscle soreness, I would highly recommend Karen as a massage therapist."

Colin Slade, Crusader


"I have been a client of Karen's for the past 3 years. Karen is an integral part of the wider support team that enables me to perform at my best out on the netball court. As an elite athlete recovery is very important and massage is a huge part of this. Karen is very professional and listens to the needs of her clients. I have found her extremely easy going and friendly to work with throughout this time. Karen also introduced me to Assisted Isolated stretching, which I have found as another valuable tool to aid with the recovery process. I highly recommend the service's that Karen provides."

Maree Bowden, Tactics Netball and Silver Fern


"I first went to Karen for massage after a friend from the running community suggested her. Since my first appointment Karen has facilitated my recovery from training sessions in preparation for the weekends race. I enjoy the professional rapport Karen and I have built over time. Karen is able to adapt to your needs, whether it be a flush-out massage to aid recovery or deeper tissue work to prevent injury. Karen comes highly recommended! "

Aine Hoban


"Amazing knowledge, Karen has amazing knowledge of the human body and gives and incredible massage. I've seen hundreds of people from all around the world and Karen is one the greats who is right here in our own backyard. "

Hayden Roulston





Service Categories
Corporate Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release Therapy, Pregnancy Massage, Remedial Massage, Sports Injury Therapy, Sports Massage, Swedish Relaxation Massage, Trigger Point Therapy

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