Fit Fab

Initial Consultation- To ensure you get the best care possible whilst at FitFab Therapy it necessary for you to attend an initial consultation first. This will involve the therapist listening to your concerns, taking a thorough history of your injury, followed by a physical examination. This enables the therapist to determine an accurate working diagnosis which helps establish the best treatment plan for you going forwards. You will receive some treatment in this appointment.

Tissue techniques

There are many forms of massage to help treat soft tissue problems. Swedish massage is a more gentle approach whereas sports massage is much deeper for those who like a firmer pressure. Trigger point release and active release techniques (ART) can be used to help relieve tight spots and knots. Assisted stretching techniques such as PNF can be incorporated to help flexibility within various muscle groups. Whether your legs are tight from sport or your shoulders are tight from sitting at a desk, massage should be considered as part of your troutine as it:

Helps remove toxins that build up in the muscles during exercise
It breaks down scar tissue
it can improve performance
It can help prevent injury
Reduce pain and stiffness
Relive stress, tension, anxiety and fatigue
Reduce the effects of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
Reduce recovery time.
Improve flexibility
Improve circulation and lymphatic drainage

Electrotherapy- such as the use of Ultrasound is designed to increase circulation and cell activity which accelerates the healing process. The treatment is performed by moving the Ultrasound treatment head around the injured site and allowing the sound waves created to interact with the bodies’ tissues. Ultrasound gel is applied to aid the conduction of these sound waves into the tissue and speed up the healing process via an inflammatory response. Electrotherapy is a painless and non-invasive treatment modality designed to quickly reduce the pain around your injury.

Kinesio taping/sports/postural taping- Kinesio taping is a method of treatment founded in Japan over 25 years ago by Dr. Kenzo Kase. It involves the use of tape with elasticity to support the desired area. Unlike more rigid sports tapes, the elastic properties of the tape allows the body to still move. It can also be used to help reduce swelling and bruising with a method that enhances lymphatic drainage. This tape has been seen more prominently on the sporting circuit since its increased use in the London 2012 Olympics. It comes in a wide array of colours but this is purely aesthetic, although it does have a striking appearance. The tape is waterproof so can be worn when bathing/showering or swimming. Kinesio taping can last up to 7 days after application.

Medical Acupuncture- Traditional acupuncture dates back hundreds of years, originating from China and has since been adapted in the Western world to form what is now known as medical acupuncture or dry needling. The main difference is that the more traditional approach focuses on energy pathways and energy flow (“qi”) whereas the modernised approach centres on the targeted release of muscles and pain reduction. You may therefore find in its traditional form the needles are more widespread over your body whereas medical acupuncture is more specific to the target area causing a problem. The technique involves the insertion of sterile, thin needles into the skin. The acupuncture needles increase blood flow to the area, promoting healing and improving recovery. Medical acupuncture may be used on its own or in conjunction with other techniques.

Joint Mobilisations- These techniques are widely use by therapists to help improve range of motion, joint stiffness and decrease pain. The therapist will work alongside the patient by moving the joint through a passive range of motion. The stretching of surrounding structures around the joint helps restore mobility.

Exercise prescription- Between sessions with your therapist, you may be asked to complete specific exercises to aid your recovery. This may include stretches to help maintain a new range of motion achieved in a session and strengthening exercises to improve muscle function. At FitFab therapy all therapists have wide knowledge of exercises most appropriate to you and will provide a personalised exercise plan which can be completed at home and progressed accordingly based on your outcome goal. We also provide specific rehabilitation tools such as theraband and foam rollers to help you improve your recovery.

Sports/deep tissue massage- Sports Massage is a manual therapy technique that involves firmer pressure than other alternative massage techniques. It is used to help prevent injury, aid recovery and enhance performance. You do not need to be active to benefit from deep tissue massage; it is also fantastic for helping relieve daily stress as well as postural tension.

Sports Rehabilitation- All our therapists have an in depth knowledge of late stage sports specific rehabilitation exercises and strength and conditioning to ensure that the more active individuals can get back to playing or competing in their desired sport in the same way they did before their injury. Here at FitFab Therapy we can provide individual exercise programmes which your therapist can guide you through and monitor your progress, adapting accordingly to suit your needs. FitFab Therapy has a UKSCA accredited Strength and Conditioning coach, who has both competed and coached with international professional athletes in a variety of sports from Golf, Squash, Tennis, Rugby and American football. If reaching peak performance is part of your rehabilitation, FitFab Therapy has you covered from start to finish.

Pregnancy Massage/ Relaxation massage- It is not uncommon in pregnancy to experience back pain. To ease the symptoms pregnancy massage is a great method to help. The technique is kept light which helps relax the muscles and is performed in a side lying position. The therapist will work with the patient to ensure they are comfortable for the duration of this treatment. This treatment is appropriate to women in the 2^nd and 3^rd trimester of their pregnancy.

Nutritional Advice- Correct nutrition is vital to both health and sporting performance and can have a significant impact on recovery from injury and healing rates. FitFab Therapy has a Masters qualified Sports Scientist who would be able to guide you through a nutritional program to meet your individual needs.

Rehabilitation Pilates- The Pilates Method was created by Joseph Pilates in the 1900’s. It is a method of focusing on mind-body centring and engagement of the deep core stabilising muscles in which all movement is generated from. By strengthening these muscles and concentrating on precision and flow of movement, individuals will be able to alter dysfunctional movement patterns which can be transferred into daily function. Exercises include a variety of strength, mobility and stretching exercises on an exercise mat. All classes are kept small (no more than 6) per class to enable the instructor to closely monitor technique and adapt exercises to make sure each individual gets the most out if the class. Pilates is a widely supported technique for the prevention of back pain.

Pitch Side First Aid- FitFab Therapy are proud to be able to offer services to sports teams in the surrounding areas. Specialising in all sports, especially contact sports such as rugby and American football; our team of therapists can help provide pitch side first aid and offer pre-game taping and massage as well as injury advice.