These are a very important and unique part of the treatments that I offer.  Even neck or shoulder problem will benefit from stretches involving the lower back/pelvis and hip area.

Our daily work/life can mean us carrying out repetitive moves. Sitting at a computer, driving or gardening are common examples to many and can lead to chronic problems if not looked after over time. The impact can be both physical and psychological.

The body is complex and muscles can compensate for each other. What this means is that one area tightens and the other stops working altogether. This then manifests itself as pain,tension and lack of movement. So, treating the area of pain is not necessarily the correct course of action.

Here are a series of assisted stretches that may be used at the end of sessions. Most of these stretches can be adapted for you to be able to do at home using a band. (Link fo Follow)

The Benefits of a Foam Roller

Every body’s Body needs one!

Our bodies are encased in  3D Myofascia which is far stronger than any muscle. The foam rollers main aim is to stretch the fascia slowly and under as little tension as possible.  You are able to control how much you roll so as not to cause too much discomfort so the fascia relases effectively.

It also will help you recover more quickly as the roller can be used every day in between treatments.  I can also tell whether you have been doing your rolling as the fascia will give much more the next time you have a treatment.

Typical areas of the body where the roller is most effective –

2kg Medicine Ball and small tennis/rubber ball – All of these help to release the tight muscles of the hips Gluteus maximus, medius and minor.  All can be done in between treatments.

Rehab – If necessary a few exercises will be given to try and start getting certain muscles to start working again but normally your first session would include massage and stretches and then follow up treatments would involve some rehabilitation exercises.

Is it right for you?

Rossiter Stretches aren’t appropriate for everyone.

You must be able to get up and down off the floor by yourself. Rossiter stretches are done either on a mat or a low platform and you stay fully clothed but wearing relaxed comfortable clothes is best.

If you are taking any painkillers – whether over the counter or prescription – you need to have them out of your system enough to judge the amount of weight and effort used for stretches accurately. If you have taken pain medications within 12-24 hours before a Rossiter session, you run the risk of over-working the area. Your body won’t tell you how it is really feeling when those meds are busy fooling your brain.

Are they Medically Right for You?

For the most part, common sense prevails. Here are some things to consider
As with massage, work should never be done on an area with visible varicous veins, open wounds, rashes, sores, contagious diseases or cancers.

Rossiter is not a good choice for you if you are taking – or have taken – Osteoporosis drugs, any broad spectrum antibiotics, or blood thinners including: Heparin, Aspirin, Warfrine is possibly contraindicated, as well.

If you have been diagnosed with severe osteoporosis, Rossiter is not for you.

Special precautions are taken if you have any type of hardware, implant or patch – including:

Have you had a cortisone injection in the area you want to focus a Rossiter Session on? If you need help with Low Back Pain and have had cortisone shots OR surgery on your low back, we need to approach your pain differently. Expect to work twice as hard for 1/2 to 3/4 the results that someone who hasn’t had shots or surgery would be able to achieve because your connective tissue system has been severely compromised.

You want to allow up to 6 months for scar tissue formation after surgery before trying Rossiter System® Workouts. Make sure your doctor has released you for all activity!

If you’ve ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome, you’ll need to check with your doctor before undergoing a Rossiter Workout.

If you have any doubts, please check with your doctor before trying a full workout. I’m happy to talk with you about any questions or concerns you may have at any time.

Testimonials

I have know Jane Rackham for quite a long time, and knew that she was an excellent Sports massage practioner. I met her a few weeks ago in the Bath Road, and she had heard about my trials & tribulations with my knee, and suggested trying the Rossiter effect. Having tried many things I thought I would see if Jane could help. I didn’t know what to expect, so when I found out what was involved I wasn’t sure how it would help.

How wrong was I!!

Appointment 1 was an experience, but everything that happened seemed to make a difference, suddenly what pain I was experiencing seemed to have disappeared. I went away feeling pleased, wasn’t sure how long it would last, but happy to go back for appointment 2. Knowing what to expect now, the treatment went well, and again great improvement, I still can’t believe it!!

I ran at Pittville Park this morning, only 10 x 150 metres, but that’s something I haven’t been able to do. No pain, no problems, and it felt normal, again something I haven’t experienced for a long time.

I walk every morning at 6:15 am, a mile and a half, my knee feels strong, and I can’t believe it. I thoroughly recommend the Rossiter Effect, Jane’s patience with a patient who has a little knowledge which is dangerous, so cant speak highly enough about the treatment.

Many people give advice, many people have favourites, but I’m a great believer in trying things out. I’m glad I have visited Jane Rackham and recommend her to all of you.

Mr G Fletcher

11 months ago I was getting increasing pain from a recurring back problem, tried every alternative from chiropractor to acupuncture & every thing in between.

Working on my legs & hips has certainly helped my back, more noticeably though it has made a huge difference to my walking & general movement.

Id recommended Rossiter to any one with muscular problems, No pain no gain.

A very different therapy but well worth trying.

Mike Leeds

Niggles and pains in the neck,shoulders,arms,elbows,wrist,fingers,then look no further than the Rossiter System of powerful stretching workouts.

As a Cellist and Pianist I had suffered niggling aches and pains. Regular treatment from Chiropractors and Thai Massage as well as an intense period of Acupuncture never seemed to completely sort it out. A series of Rossiter Workouts however has not only improved it immensely as well as sorting out problems I didn’t know I had, but also given me some self help techniques when intense practise sessions makes it flair up.

After the Initial couple of workouts I felt like I had new fingers!!

Give it a go. What have you got to loose other than a decline in playing ability.

Mrs J Adams

I’ve had very tight hamstrings since being very small and never managed to touch my toes. When I tried to touch my toes my fingertips would reach half way down my calfs. If I spent a long time stretching I could get within a few inches of my ankles but it would not last long.

After the 1st Rossiter Workout on legs I could touch my toes. After the 2nd session I could put my fingers under my toes. It is now a week since my second session and I can still put my fingers under my toes whilst stood up (with straight legs).

My new found flexibility is amazing and I’m boring friends and family with my new-found toe touching ability.

Mr K Whipday

Pregnancy can put a strain on the body with the constant change in posture as the baby starts to grow. Massage can help to relieve aches and pains and other common health problems experienced during pregnancy.

Massage provides a special time for the client to unwind and helps the women focus on their body and their baby. Massage is good for baby too. Research has shown that the unborn baby can be affected by the stress levels experienced by its mother. Towards the end of pregnancy many women find that there is plenty to do preparing for baby’s arrival but it is also an important time for mum to relax and enjoy the last weeks of carrying their baby.

Being a mother myself  I know how massage was of major benefit during my pregnancy. An onging back problem meant that I needed regular treatments, especially towards the end. A sense of deep relaxation and relief from aches and pains was the most extradinary thing I have experienced.

Physiological Changes

Women suffer from a number of problems during pregnancy. The most common are – Lower back pain, swelling of hands and feet, Headaches, Calf cramps, Insomnia/Fatigue, Sciatic Pain, Sinus congestion, Muscular stiffness and cramp, Mood swings.

Musculo-Skeletal System

Postural changes are unfortunately ineviatable during the amazing growing phase of the baby so areas of the body that are under the most strain are the hips/buttocks/thighs. the majority of the extra weight is distributed around the abdominal area which can cause the womens centre of gravity to shift forward(picture of posture) The body compensates for this extra weight by the natural curve of the spine becoming exaggerated, particularly in the lumbar region which causes the common problem of lower back pain. In addition the hips may expand laterally(across) to help stabilise the body, putting pressure on the sacroiliac joints. Due to these changes muscles will be stretched and may become sore and tense.

Consultation

No two pregnancy’s are the same so every individual client will need to have a 15 min consultation. This is compulsory as a thorough Health screen will need to be completed and with the consent of the client consult Doctor for clearance to proceed with massage.

There are certain Medical conditions that whilst pregnant and having Massage would be inappropriate. The Health Screen completed during consultation would identify this.

Pregnany is categorised into 3 trimesters and these are important in Massage terms.

1st Trimester 1-13 weeks –  As there is risk of miscarrage during this period I feel it is best to wait unless your doctor says otherwise.

2nd Trimester 14-26 weeks – It is still posible to massage in a supine and prone position but baby can expand more rapidly so certain cases if this happens then a side lying position is adopted earlier than necessary.

3rd trimester 26-40 weeks – side lying or seated massage only

How long is a treatment? For the 1st treatment allow 1hr 15mins. Follow up appointments can be between 1/2hr and 1hr depending on the individual.

What to wear? some thing you feel comfortable in. During the treatment I always use appropriate draping techniques.

How do i lie on the couch? After the 2nd Trimester a sidelying position is adopted. It allows you to lie for a longer period of time comfortable. the use of bolsters, cushions and towles are used to achieve this.(pic of side lying positions)

Unlike basic Swedish massage this is a unique treatment to reduce muscle tension, promote flexibility and help prevent injury.

The differenc is that it is a strong , dynamic and effective technique used to treat the deeper muscles, tendons and ligaments that cause problems.

This is quite exciting it’s my 1st website and it’s purpose will be to promote the many benefits of Sports Massage and the importance of correct Postural Alignment. If neither is assessed and given the appropriate treatment it can create imbalances that will manifest in muscular and skeletal problems that not only can affect any sporting or fitness ambitions that we may have but can also have significant impact on how we get through our daily lives.

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

Tim Notke