You're in good hands

Massage Therapies

Available treatments are tailored to the individual and include assessment, treatments and maintenance advice

Massage techniques include:

  • Deep Tissue Massage (Sports Massage)
  • Remedial Massage (also known as Swedish Massage)
  • Trigger Point Therapy
  • Myofascial Release
  • Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
  • PNF Stretching
  • Mobility Programmes
  • Self Massage Techniques
  • Pre/Post Natal Massage
  • Sports Massage
  • Soft Tissue Release
  • Cryotherapy

Benefits of Massage Therapies:

  • Pain Relief
  • Increase Range of Motion
  • Improve Performance
  • Injury Prevention
  • Can Help Treat Certain Disease and Illness
  • Post Surgery Pain Relief and
    Improved Recovery
Massage Services
Mobility Services

Kinesio Taping

Kinesio-taping is a very effective technique using a highly elastic and unique adhesive tape to support muscles and joints without adversely affecting circulation or range or movement. Kinesio-tape is applied on the skin over muscles to, enhance performance, relieve pain and inflammation, relax overused muscles, stimulate weak muscles, and support muscles in movement on a 24 hours/day basis.

This means Kenesio-Tape can be used to treat lots of conditions in both athletes and non athletes without affecting every day movement. At movement matters we will assess every client on an individual basis and if K-Tape application is indicated then it may be applied to help support treatments such as massage, Dry Needling, Stretching/mobility and can also be applied in isolation (for ongoing issues or sporting events for example).

Kinesio Taping is also safe and very effective when used in pregnancy where some other therapies are not advised, application can help with back and pelvic pain for example.

Dry Needling

Dry Needling is similar to acupuncture but is used to treat specifically muscle pain. Myofascial trigger points are the 'knots' you can feel in muscle that hurt when you press on them. Inserting a very fine 'acupuncture' needle into this area helps to release the tight band of muscle and releases the body's own pain-mediating hormones to resolve the symptoms. By releasing these ‘knots’ the muscle can function more efficiently therefore aiding recovery and reducing pain.

Dry Needling can be used to help recovery after injury, increase range of motion, reduce pain in chronic and acute injury as well as assist in recovery for tired and sore muscles.

Some issues which are commonly treated with Dry Needling include:

  • Back and neck pain
  • Tendonitis
  • Generally tight/sore muscles
  • Tennis elbow
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Tension headaches
Massage Services
Mobility Services

Mobility & Stretching

Mobility is a term used to encompass several aspects of functional movement including flexibility, posture and joint stability, through stretching techniques and soft tissue work (massage therapies as highlighted above) the function of movement can be improved.

We all need to move freely and in order to do that we need to ensure our bodies are in the best working condition they can be.

Various techniques can be used to help you move efficiently, whether you want to complete a marathon or just walk to the shops without pain, you still need to work on your mobility!

Don't wait until you have an injury, be proactive and make your body work for you.

Mobility techniques include:

  • Assisted stretching
  • MET (Muscle Energy Technique)
  • PNF (Proprioceptive Muscle Inhibition)
  • Distraction stretching
  • Compression therapy

Training

My background allows me to understand how the body works, this means I can help you to make the most of your training and get the outcomes you desire.

People work with Trainers for different reasons, whatever the goal, I can help you achieve it through a combination of nutrition advice, effective exercise programmes, coaching for technical improvement, with my expertise in mobility and body function I can do this AND help you stay injury free!

Training
Specialist Services

Specialist Training

Post and during pregnancy

It is perfectly safe to exercise during pregnancy, you just have to tailor your training to your own individual needs.

I was able to train right up to 39 weeks, I just listened to my body and used my expertise to ensure my training was safe yet still effective. It has been shown that mothers who exercise recover more quickly after birth and have generally better pregnancy experiences, not to mention the health benefits for baby!

Returning to training after birth also needs to be done with due consideration, but again, there is no need to shy away from exercise after having a baby, Depending on your specific circumstances it is possible to safely train even when breast feeding.

I have the professional knowledge and personal experience to help you improve overall health and fitness working towards your own specific goals whilst taking in to account the demands of pregnancy on the body, not to mention the time demands of a new baby!

Injury rehabilitation

Training through injury is possible, with the correct trainer who can adapt exercises to suit your injury and optimise fitness through special consideration to the injury and the affect on the whole body.

I am happy to collaborate with your Doctors or physiotherapists in order to optimise your recovery, rehabilitation can be a long process at times and can use several different clinicians to make the most of your rehab. Through efficient assessment of the injury I am able to help you to train effectively without causing further injury and help recovery through the various therapies listed above.

If you are unsure if Personal training is for you I am happy to work with small groups, surrounding yourself with likeminded positive people can go a long way to ensuring you stick to your target and have some great fun getting there.

I provide specialist classes for mobility and exercise such as mother and baby sessions, pre and post natal exercise, training for obese clients, injury recovery and lots more.

I offer some classes outdoors (weather permitting) and I am happy to train you in your own home.

Injury Rehab
Cryotherapy Services

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a clinically proven technique used by people world wide to reduce pain, and promote recovery. The treatment involves being submerged in cold water for a short period of time, the cold water has several benefits.

Have a look at the cryospa facebook page for more information

About Gail

I have been a competitive athlete for several years including Rugby (International Honours) and CrossFit (National Competitor), so I am well aware of the demands training puts on the body.

This combination of experience places me in an excellent position to assist a wide range of people in achieving their goals. I have first hand experience of training through pregnancy and the challenges faced after child birth.

Qualifications

  • RGN, Registered General Nurse
  • ENP, Emergency Nurse Practitioner
  • DipPT, Advanced Diploma in personal Training and Massage therapies (Level 3)
  • CF-L1 trainer, Crossfit Level 1 trainer
  • CF-Mobility, Crossfit Mobility Trainer
  • Associations:
  • Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
  • Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS)
Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS
Gail McComiskey

Frequently asked questions

What happens during a treatment?

I will discuss with you what the issues are that you are experiencing, then depending on the type of treatment we will either continue on to massage or we will go through a range of motion assessment in order to pin point the cause of your issue, this will allow me to focus the treatment on the correct areas and to use the correct techniques.

What happens after a treatment?

You should always drink plenty of water after a treatment, you may feel some tenderness especially in muscles that have not been functioning well. I will also provide you with some advice on how to continue to improve and maintain the benefits you will see post treatment.

Will I need to shower after treatment?

I may use some oil on the skin but this is not excessive so usually showering is not required, however there are shower facilities if you would prefer to shower.

Can I train before or after a treatment?

It is not usually advisable to train straight after treatments but training before is fine, I would advise you take 24 hours after treatment any heavy or vigorous exercise.This can be discussed in more detail at your appointment.

Does Deep tissue massage hurt?

Deep tissue massage or any massage should not cause pain, there may be times when you feel discomfort when the massage is working on deeper tissue, some techniques are deeper than others. I will always fully explain my treatments and ensure that you are able to tell me when you feel discomfort, everyone is different and what you feel will be different to someone else, I encourage clients to tell me how the massage feels to ensure safe and effective treatments.

I am pregnant can I have treatment?

It is not advisable for treatment in the first trimester of pregnancy (up to 12 weeks) but after that I can tailor treatments around the stage of pregnancy, massage can be very effective in reducing aches and pains during pregnancy and has many other benefits.



How often should I have Massage?

This is a personal preference and really depends on the reason you are having massage, for general body maintenance I would advise a monthly massage. If you are a competitive athlete without any injuries I would advise weekly massage. If you have specific injuries or issues then I can advise at your appointment how often you should attend for treatment.

Do I have to undress?

Depending on the treatment you may need to undress to expose the skin, for massage especially, for stretching and some other therapies it is not required. It is best to consider what part of the body will be receiving treatment and dress accordingly, for example, if you know you are going to have work on your legs then wear or bring shorts to change into (there are changing facilities available).

Testimonials

"It's not often you find a therapist & trainer that can back up extensive academic knowledge with huge practical experience, Gail has both in abundance! What's most impressive for me is Gail knows how to treat and train a broad range of clients, from elite level athletes to first time mums, using her knowledge and experience of both, backed up with professional clinical experience in some of the best facilities in the country. A first class service!"

Neil Laverty, Competitive CrossFit Athlete, Owner/Head Coach, Momentum Athletics & CrossFit 8020

"Having played competitive sport for many years, I have always suffered with the usual niggles, aches and pains. Starting Crossfit has taken this to a whole new level as I have learnt how far I can push my body and what it can do. Gail has helped every step of the way with advice and guidance on stretching, recovery and mobilising. I'm delighted she has taken on this venture; you could not be in more capable hands!"

Victoria Elliott, crossfit athlete

"Not being from a sporting background, I took up Crossfit about 18 months ago, and in that have discovered a sport and way of training which I cannot get enough of. I am lifting weights and performing movements I would never have believed possible for me, and have also found that the treatments Gail offers really compliment and help my training.

I have seen Gail on several occasions for deep tissue massage and also for treatment related to specific complaints I have had, such as a painful hamstring and glute, and a shoulder injury. I had never really thought about the type of treatments Gail offers as complimenting training but I can honestly say that my performance and mobility improves with each session I have with her. I would definitely recommend Gail whether it be for a specific condition, or for a general good old rub down."

Lyn Lawrence, Local business owner

Pricing

Training Prices:

  • 1 on 1 personal training session £25 (one hour session)
  • 2 on 1 training session £20 (one hour sessions)
  • 2+ people training session £15/head (one hour session, max 6 people)
  • Home training available on request
  • Classes run at various times (contact for details and pricing)
  • Mother and baby exercise class
  • Mobility/flexibility classes
  • Gift vouchers available

Massage and therapy Prices from £20:

  • Corporate and team discounts available
  • Block booking packages available
  • Massage and cryospa combination packages available

Contact me for more information on pricing or training and treatment packages available

07545 591354 gail@movementmattersni.co.uk