Unlocking Aches and Pains in Lockdown

It was no coincidence that, as the end of March heralded the first major lockdown, the nation’s shoulders seized up.  This is especially true for office workers whose daily routine was turned upside down. People took to their laptops and PCs at home, the walk to the office became a distant memory, gyms closed, and exercise classes went online. For office workers and everyone else alike, the sudden change in environment plus the associated stresses, took its toll on the body and new aches and pains were the result.

When Springhead Sports Massage reopened in July, I saw so many people suffering with musculoskeletal issues associated with working from home and laptop use, that the terms “lockdown neck” and “lockdown back” have entered the common vernacular, (alongside “lockdown pants” – my comfy, lived-in tracksuit bottoms!).

Not all aches and pains have purely physical origins. In “Anatomy of Touch” on Radio 4 recently, Claudia Hammond (broadcaster and psychology lecturer) explored how touch has the power to soothe stress as well as reduce pain. The irony of the situation during the Pandemic is not lost; at a time when positive touch is most needed, such contact is not always possible.

So how does massage therapy help?  A pair of well-trained hands (in a Covid-19 secure environment) will help unlock shoulders, stretch out compressed spines and relax tense necks. I am a keen practitioner of Myofascial Release, which works holistically to unlock congested connective tissue (fascia) for greater ease and comfort throughout the body. Moreover, massage therapy improves the function of the immune system, reduces stress hormones and  and promotes wellbeing and restful sleep.

This is what a client, Oli Howard had to say after a couple of treatments recently:

I found Nicola after finding that my long-standing back, shoulder, and neck issues worsened when working at home over lockdown. She carried out a very thorough initial consultation, helping to identify the problem areas. After a couple of sessions, I have already found her treatments to be very effective. She has communicated very clearly throughout and given me some new stretches to try as well. More than happy to recommend Nicola to any other creaking home-workers!

Click here to read my other Google reviews!

So if “creaking home-worker” resonates with you, get in touch to enquire about making an appointment and experience the benefits of treatment for yourself!