The following therapies are offered by Jacqui Lee at Optima Health in Cobham on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoon/evenings

Sports Massage
Sports Massage is a form of bodywork geared toward participants in athletics. It is used to help prevent injuries, prepare the body for athletic activity, obtain optimal condition and help athletes recover from workouts and activities.

Sports Massage can be carried out pre-event, post event and ongoing maintanance.

Pre-event Sports Massage:

Warm up muscles
Increase stretch and flexibiliy
Stimulate flow of blood and nutrients
Post event Sports Massage:

Reduce swelling
Relieve stiff muscles
Remove lactic acid and reduce cramping
Maintenance Sports Massage:

Increase blood flow and nutrients
Keeps tissues loose
Reduce development of scar tissue
Increase flexibilty and range of movement
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is a style of massage therapy that focuses on realigning the deeper layers of the muscle and connective tissue.

It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, lower back tightness and sore shoulders.

Some of the massage strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.

Where there is chronic muscle tension or injury there are usually adhesions (bands of painful rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Deep tissue works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore the normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscle.

Jacqui also carries out the following therapies:

Holistic Massage
The term holistic is derived from the Greek word meaning ‘whole’. Holistic massage treats the whole person – your body, mind and soul.

This technique is an ancient method of healing that clears the lymphatic drainage system and releases toxins from the body, as well as relieving mental and emotional stresses and tensions. Holistic massage encourages the natural healing ability to come forth and balance the entire body.

For therapy purposes, holistic massage can be seen as means of inducing relaxation and healing whilst invigorating the body systems to heal and improve their functioning.

The techniques and pressures are adapted to the individual needs, depending on your personal choice.

Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is a technique that uses heated stones to relax and massage sore muscles. This treatment is also a popular choice, purely for the deep relaxation achieved!

Basalt rocks are used because of their heat retention properties. The smooth stones are then introduced to the body in a sequence throughout the treatment, along with manual massage techniques.

One of the greatest testaments to the effectiveness of hot stone massage is the fact that technique arose among different cultures that had little or no contact with one another. Ancient healers in India reportedly discovered the benefits over 5000 years ago - this concept was also used by Asian cultures, Hawaiian islanders and North Americans.

Hot stones relax the muscles allowing access to deeper muscle groups. In addition, the heat causes blood vessels to expand, increasing circulation and releasing toxins that have been trapped in the body.

Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is beneficial throughout the entire nine months of the pregnancy; however, if you are having a high risk pregnancy it is best to seek advice from your GP.

You will be supported with pillows as you lie on your side. Throughout the treatment you will be covered with a sheet and only the body part that is being worked on will be exposed.

The benefits of pregnancy massage are:

Reduces swelling of hands, feet and ankles
Eases muscular discomforts in areas like the lower back, neck and calf area
Aids relaxation and can promote sleep
Increases blood and lymph flow
Strengthens the immune system
Helps promote blood circulation, which in turn delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the mother and baby

Indian Head Massage
A treatment based on old Ayurvedic techniques involving work on the upper back, shoulders, neck, head and face. It helps to reduce stress, fatigue and eyestrain - increasing mental clarity leaving you feeling relaxed yet also rejuvenated.