Q&A with Gretchen Gale – massage therapist

Which therapies are you trained in?

“I’m trained in sports massage, therapeutic massage and pregnancy massage.”

How long have you been a therapist for and where did you study?

“I’ve been a therapist for 8 years and I trained at the North London School of Massage and the London School of Massage.”

What is your favourite treatment to give and why?

“I really enjoy giving sports massages as well as helping my clients recover from injuries.

I’ve enjoyed working with people who have a particular goal and want to get their body into shape. Sports massage works with various techniques which can be used to tighten or shorter muscles making it very interesting and rewarding work for me as a therapist.”

What kind of people (and ailments) do you treat regularly?

“Mostly lower back ache, shoulder tension and neck pain.”

What made you decide to become a therapist?

“I have always enjoyed working with people and being an active person myself, I’ve experienced a lot of the injuries I’m treating. Sports massage is a great way to combine my love of working with people with my interest in the human body.”

How would you describe your own personal treatment style? What makes your massages special?

“Deep tissue massage with a therapeutic touch. I always like to give my clients a treatment which is just like one I would enjoy receiving. It’s important to be aware of everyone’s individual aches and pains, as well as listening to their concerns and making them feel as ease.”

What is your top tip for back care?

“Work on your core strength by doing a variety of exercises. Keep flexible and always be aware of your posture, especially when sitting at your desk at work.”

What is your top tip for general health care and wellbeing?

“Always try your best to eat healthy food – 5-6 small meals (200-300 calories each) a day. Exercise 3-4 times a week and enjoy life! Everything in moderation!”

Gretchen is available for treatments at Vitality Centre on Tuesdays and Thurdays. Call reception on 020 8871 4677 to book.

 Why not block book your massages with Gretchen? Buy 4 treatments and get for 5^th for free (only £36 per 1hr massage)!

The entire body benefits directly from massage including: the skin, muscles, circulatory system and lymphatic and nervous systems.

 Massage can help with the following complaints and conditions:

• Increases blood supply, oxygen intake and toxin release
• Muscle tone can be improved
• Can help to increase flexibility and mobility of muscles and joints
• Cramps and other muscular spasms can be alleviated
• Can be a form of exercise for those who are unable to participate in any physical activity
• Working muscle against the bone can help to clear toxic adhesions which may have built up and also will feed and nourish the bone itself and neighboring joints
• Will help to encourage growth and development of bones
• Can alleviate mild postural deformities
• Stimulates and improves circulatory system thereby boosting the immune system also stimulating lymphatic flow
• Can improve the condition of the lungs due to deeper breathing
• Skin conditions may improve due to increase blood flow and sebum production
• Digestion and elimination can be greatly improved
• Chronic neck, back and shoulder pain as well headaches can be relieved and treated
• Oedema or swelling can be significantly reduced
• Elevates stress and can be useful for combating depression, insomnia and lethargy

The qualified and experienced massage therapists at Vitality Centre are able to create unique massage treatments, suitable to your individual needs. There any many different types of massages you could choose from: deep tissue, stress reduction, remedial and more.

 It is so important to communicate with your therapist. Inform them of any injuries, trauma, chronic problems or pain, before you begin your massage. This will ensure you enjoy a relaxing, rejuvenating and healing massage. Your therapist is also able to offer you care advice and any necessary referals.

Massage is sutible for people of any age or condition. Pregnant women, Post-natal women, children, babies, the elderly…anyone and everyone!

Treatment Cost:
£45 – 60mins

If you have any questions or concerns, or book an appointment, please email or call Vitality Centre reception. We have massage avalible Mon-Sat

Please note we have gift vouchers (and gift advice) available to buy over the phone!

Ph: 020 8871 4677  Email: info@vitality-centre.co.uk

It’s so important to take some time out to pamper your self while you’re pregnant, and having a massage is a great way to indulge while still taking care of your mind and body. 

Pregnancy massage is a relaxing, safe and relieving way to relax and ease pain during pregnancy.
We recommend you wait until you are more than 12 weeks to enjoy a massage and if you’ve had any complications, it’s best to make sure you ask your doctor before you book your massage.

Having regular massages during pregnancy can help you to maintain good health, relieve you of stress and worry, and help ease you through your pregnancy.

Pregnancy massage has many benefits, some of which include:

*Helps to ease backache, headaches, muscle aches and pains
*Decreases pain in the pelvic/hip area
*Increases circulation and improves skin elasticity which reduces stretch marks
*Reduces stress and anxiety, which will help to stabilize hormone levels
*Reduces fatigue and assists with digestion
*Helps to reduce swelling in places such as ankles, legs and hands

Vitality Centre have a special adjustable pregnancy massage couch with a supported hole for the stomach to fit, allowing you to lie on your front in comfort and support whilst you enjoy your special massage.

We have many massage therapists that have pregnancy qualifications and experience. They will always make you feel at ease and comfortable during your lovely treatment. Make sure you inform your therapist of any aches and pains, and they will do their best to adapt the treatment to suit your individual needs, as everyone’s body is different.

At Vitality Centre we have therapists available for pregnancy massage Monday to Saturday – please mention when booking that you are having a special pregnancy massage!

And why not ask about pregnancy reflexology? Many of our pregnancy massage trained therapists are also reflexology trained!

Gift vouchers are also available – pregnancy massage is a great present for expecting Mums!

Treatment Cost: 60mins – £45

If you have any questions regarding this treatment or anything else, please email us: info@vitality-centre.co.uk or give us a call on 020 8871 4677

Stress reduction massage is a treatment combining deep tissue massage and acupressure point work concentrating on the back, neck, shoulders and scalp. Leaves you feeling totally revitalised and rejuvenated.

A stress reduction massage – as the name suggests – aims to relieve your stress and ease your worldly worries via relaxing and soothing massage.

The massage can be soft or deeper tissue, depending on the individual needs. Speak to your therapist and let them know what you’d prefer and they can tailor your massage to suit you.

This massage also makes a wonderful pampering present – why not buy your loved one a gift voucher?

Treatment Cost: 60mins – £45

Deep Tissue is a deeper style of massage aimed at releasing tension, aligning muscle fibers, as well as lengthening and releasing tight muscles.
Deep tissue is an invigorating massage technique that works all areas of the body where there is tension.

Will it hurt?

Your therapist will work within your pain threshold to ensure you are not tense throughout the treatment. If you have any concerns, just let your therapist know.

All of our massage therapists are able to tailor your massage to suit your own individual needs, as well as giving you the relevant advice.

How long will it be until I feel the results of a DT Massage? 

It’s important to be realistic about what a deep tissue massage can achieve for you. It can take time to release tension from muscles, especially if the problem is chronic or long term. This is best achieved with an integrated program of massage or osteopathy coupled with appropriate exercise and or stretching techniques.

ABOUT MASSAGE ~~~~~

Massage is an ancient practice that has been around for thousands of years all around the world. It reduces stress, improves circulation, helps digestion and can relax an invigorate muscles to prevent stiffness and increases suppleness.

The body systems to benefit directly from massage include: the skin, muscles, circulatory system and lymphatic and nervous systems.

 Massage can help with the following complaints and conditions:

• Increased blood supply, therefore increased oxygen intake and toxin release
• Muscle tone can be improved
• Can help to increase flexibility and mobility of muscles and joints
• Cramps and other muscular spasms can be alleviated
• Can be a form of exercise for those who are unable to participate in any physical activity
• Working muscle against the bone can help to clear toxic adhesions which may have built up and also will feed and nourish the bone itself and neighboring joints
• Will help to encourage growth and development of bones
• Can alleviate mild postural deformities
• Stimulates and improves circulatory system thereby boosting the immune system also stimulating lymphatic flow
• Can improve the condition of the lungs due to deeper breathing
• Skin condition may improve due to increase blood flow and sebum production
• Digestion and elimination can be greatly improved
• Chronic neck, back and shoulder pain as well headaches can be relieved and treated
• Oedema or swelling can be significantly reduced
• Elevates stress and can be useful combating depression, insomnia and lethargy

Sports massage is a specialised form of massage therapy; it uses assessment, manipulation, deep tissue massage and stretching techniques for the prevention of most musculoskeletal / soft tissue injuries such as strains and sprains, over-use syndrome, RSI, as well as help restore injured tissue.

Vitality Centre’s Sport Massage therapists are Gretchen Galean and Jackie Potts.

Treatment Cost: £45-60mins