The individual is a whole organism: everything is connected and related. Therefore the part must be seen in context of the whole e.g. A client with a sprained ankle will favour the injured leg, causing muscles in the hip and lower back to tighten (shorten).The resulting imbalance in the back can affect the neck muscles, causing a headache. Treating the neck muscles alone will not solve the problem.

Shortened muscle tissue cannot work optimally.  All movements, even the most basic are so complex they require a perfect orchestration of groups of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and nerves. This orchestration is called a kinetic chain. Kinetic means movement. Every part of that kinetic chain has to work properly so you can coordinate the movement. To do this you must have the strength and accuracy to complete the movement.

If there is a weak link (a shortened muscle) somewhere on this chain, a trigger point will arise at that point on the kinetic chain. This weak link often inhibits the kinetic chain’s ability to work in the correct sequence which is why aches and pains, other than the injury, occur. By utilising trigger point therapy, cross fibre friction, tapotement and stretching, the muscle returns to its resting length and is then able to play its important role in the kinetic chain. This significantly reduces the risk of further injury to the whole length of the kinetic chain.

Soft Tissue responds to touch. The earliest known writings on massage date back to the Chinese, around 3000BC. History also shows the Ancient Romans and Greeks used massage, along with exercise to promote health, around 1000BC. It was very common for war heroes to be rubbed and anointed to allow them to rest, refresh and to aid in recovery.