Susan Martin Soft Tissue Therapy

Susan Martin Soft Tissue Therapy Sports, Remedial, Pregnancy and Scar massage for anyone who likes to lead an active, pain free life. Scars that may be sensitive, stuck down, lumpy or puckered.

After almost 30 years of office work for a large, multi-national company, I decided to take early retirement and change careers in 2016. I have been involved in Swimming and Triathlon for most of my adult life as a competitor and coach, so a new career related to sport seemed an obvious choice. Massage allows me to work with my clients and help them to heal themselves through my hands-on treatment

and their lifestyle changes. Since qualifying as a BTEC Level 5 Soft Tissue Therapist at the Oxford School of Sports Massage in July 2017, I now work from home in Lower Earley, Reading. Being a full member of The Institute of Sport and Remedial Massage (ISRM) and regularly updating myself with new skills and techniques, I can now treat anyone with aches and pains caused by their lifestyle, posture or sporting activities. This includes Pregnant ladies and those with a history of Cancer. In March 2019, I added Scarwork™ therapy (Scar Massage) to my toolbox. These slow, soft and gentle techniques can help with scars that are causing discomfort or restricting movement. This treatment can improve the functionality of the scar tissue and enable a wider range of movement without pain. Although each scar (and client) is different, I have experience in treating scarring from the following:

Mastectomy/Lumpectomy and Breast Reconstruction
C-Section
Hysterectomy
Gall Bladder Removal
Broken Ankle
Open Heart surgery
Road Traffic Accident
ACL reconstruction

During the first half of 2020, I completed a six - month course on how to adapt my massage techniques in order to help people who are either living with, having treatment for or who have recently finished treatment for Cancer. This is called Oncology Massage and the extra training helps me to understand the implications of the disease and treatment on my clients. This may be because of surgery, the side effects of the drug treatments, low immunity or skin problems from Radiotherapy. Numerous studies have shown that massage can help to reduce common symptoms such as stress, nausea, pain, fatigue and depression that can be caused by living with this disease and the medical treatments involved. If you would like to know more about any of these services, please get in touch.

Flip Flops may be your choice of footwear during hot, summer days but whilst they are great by the poolside, long term u...
08/06/2026

Flip Flops may be your choice of footwear during hot, summer days but whilst they are great by the poolside, long term use of these types of shoes can have a serious impact on your feet and leg health. Let me explain:

1. Flip flops have little or no support in the sole. This means you are practically walking barefoot and are liable to pick up cuts, grazes and other minor injuries.

2. Gripping with your feet to keep flip flops on causes a lot of tension and pressure through your toes, arches and lower legs. This can cause conditions such as plantar fasciitis, calf strain and shin splints. It will also affect your stride length and posture which could lead to other issues further up your legs and back.

3. The “floppy” nature of flip flops means that they are unstable, especially on uneven or soft ground and can be a serious trip hazard. Ankle sprains are common with this type of shoe.

4. As our feet sweat, the toe post and straps of these shoes will often rub and cause blisters.

Never run, jump or drive in Flip Flops. The lack of support and protection makes these activities particularly dangerous. If you want minimalist footwear on a hot day there are plenty of alternatives that provide a moulded, supportive sole and straps to keep the shoe attached to your feet.

Please keep Flip Flops for short walks to the poolside or beach.

Do you have the best Dad, Step - Dad or Grandad in the world? If so, why not treat them to a relaxing and beneficial mas...
06/06/2026

Do you have the best Dad, Step - Dad or Grandad in the world?

If so, why not treat them to a relaxing and beneficial massage for Fathers day on 21st June? I offer Gift Vouchers that cover all my treatments - Soft Tissue Therapy, Sports Massage and Scarwork™ from £35.

My vouchers have NO expiry date so can be redeemed whenever they need me.
Please get in touch for more information.

FAQ No 1 -What is Scarwork™ Therapy? Your scars can tell the story of your life but sometimes they are constant reminder...
03/06/2026

FAQ No 1 -

What is Scarwork™ Therapy?

Your scars can tell the story of your life but sometimes they are constant reminders -especially if they are tight or uncomfortable and affect how your body moves.

ScarWork™ is a gentle, non invasive therapy working to release the tension in the scar and surrounding tissue. Scar tissue can become softer and more pliable allowing the body to function in a more natural way. Results are usually permanent and a few short sessions can make all the difference.

Please get in contact if you want to discuss how I can help.

It's National Volunteer Week this week, so here is a little bit about the charity that I support:I started volunteering ...
01/06/2026

It's National Volunteer Week this week, so here is a little bit about the charity that I support:

I started volunteering for My Cancer My Choices in January 2022. This charity has a number of treatment points in Berkshire and I work out of our main hub in Charvil.
For over ten years this charity has been offering complimentary therapies to anyone going through their cancer treatment in this area. Therapies include Oncology massage, Scar massage, Reflexology and Acupuncture. All provided for free in an comfortable and supportive environment.

If you are looking for a charity to support in any fundraising event, this is a good one.
If you are a therapist who could volunteer some time to help us, please get in touch.

You will all have heard by now that sitting for long periods of time is bad for your health and if you have an office jo...
30/05/2026

You will all have heard by now that sitting for long periods of time is bad for your health and if you have an office job you may already feel the effects of not moving enough.
Why does sitting hurt our backs, though, and what can we do about it?
Our bodies are designed to move. Muscles, connective tissues, bones and spinal discs all need regular deliveries of blood, oxygen and nutrients. These deliveries can only be made if blood and fluids are being pumped around the body. Movement makes the body pump.
If we sit for long periods of time, our back, hip and leg muscles do not need to work. They become lazy and weak leading to abnormal tilts in the pelvis. All these factors can lead to poor posture and increased stresses in your lower back.
How can we help to fix this? The main way is to move more -
1. Take regular micro breaks every half hour or so and a larger active break at lunch time,
2. Stretch and hydrate during these breaks,
3. Stay active outside of work hours to strengthen your muscles,
4. Watch your posture, both seated and standing,
5. Make sure your office desk and chair are set up to suit you,
6. Regularly de-stress through socializing, massage, meditation, journaling etc.
If you need any help or advice about getting more movement into your life or want to find out how massage might help you to relax, please get in touch.

Deep or wide cuts from accidents and all surgical incisions will usually require “Stitches” in order to close the wound ...
27/05/2026

Deep or wide cuts from accidents and all surgical incisions will usually require “Stitches” in order to close the wound and help with the healing process.
Sutures are the name given to the threads used to stitch together these wounds and surgical incisions. Evidence shows that the ancient Egyptians and Syrians used this method of closure as early as 2,000BC and we still do it in much the same way now.
Several types of suture are used for closing wounds or tying blood vessels and the material is chosen based on the location and nature of the wound.
Sutures deep within the wound allow it to heal faster preventing a wide scar in the tissues whilst sutures in the skin can help to provide a neater cosmetic appearance.
Often absorbable or dissolving sutures are used internally. The time taken for such sutures to get absorbed will depend on the type of material, size of the suture, condition and the location of the injured tissue, and the overall health of the patient.
Most skin stitches are non-absorbable and need removing after the wound has healed.
If you need any help or advice about your scarring after surgery or an accident, please get in touch.

How can having regular Soft Tissue Therapy improve your sporting performance? Here are a few thoughts. If you have any q...
25/05/2026

How can having regular Soft Tissue Therapy improve your sporting performance?

Here are a few thoughts. If you have any questions, please check out my website or contact me.

Soft tissue therapy and massage has been used for centuries to heal, invigorate and relax the mind and body. In order for our bodies to work efficiently, many complex systems have to work together in a co-ordinated way. Soft tissue therapy can help each of these systems to work optimally, boosting general health and well being.
Soft tissue therapy is primarily concerned with muscular and skeletal alignment, how exercise affects the body’s systems and how massage can promote or reduce these effects for the benefit of the exerciser.
During and after exercise, the body’s systems adapt to cope with the increased stresses placed upon them. In the right amount and frequency, regular exercise (or training) enables the body to deal with higher levels of work and exercise at greater intensities for longer. The application of soft tissue therapy or sports massage during this training phase gives the athlete a number of benefits including the release of muscle tension, improved drainage of waste products and improved posture and flexibility. The therapist can also spot any potential problems caused by the stresses of training and work with the athlete and coach to remedy muscular imbalances, poor training technique or minor injuries. These benefits will enable the athlete to train more frequently and achieve a higher level of fitness and ability before participating in any competitions.
In the run up to an event, massage can be used to help reduce stress. High levels of stress can have a negative effect on sporting performance by increasing muscle tone (tightness) and producing hormone imbalances. Massage can relax the muscles and calm the nervous system in the days before an event. Soft Tissue Therapy can help the athlete with their final preparations by increasing flexibility and range of motion around joints, improving circulation and ironing out any last minute niggles. It can also help with improved sleep and a general feeling of well being. Very important before a big event.

The Piriformis muscle is located in the buttocks, beneath the Gluteus Maximus . It runs diagonally from the Sacrum (base...
23/05/2026

The Piriformis muscle is located in the buttocks, beneath the Gluteus Maximus . It runs diagonally from the Sacrum (base of spine) to the top of the Femur (thigh bone) and rotates the hip outwards. It is used to stabilise the hip during walking, running, cycling and climbing so is a very important muscle to look after. Unfortunately it is located next to the Sciatic nerve which controls the legs and feet.
Piriformis Syndrome is the name given when tightness of the Piriformis muscle irritates the Sciatic nerve and causes pain or tingling in the buttocks, lower back and legs. This is usually an overuse injury and symptoms can feel worse after sitting for long periods as the muscle seizes up.
Piriformis tightness and the associated pain can be managed with some simple techniques. If these DO NOT improve the situation, then medical advice should be sought.
1. Ice packs will reduce any inflammation in the area. Be careful to cover the pack before placing on the skin. Useful if injury is suspected as part of the P.R.I.C.E. protocol of acute injury management.
2. Heat packs will help to relax the muscle if no injury is suspected. Again, make sure the pack does not directly touch the skin.
3. Gentle stretching of the Piriformis should be undertaken several times a day. Stretching regime should also include the Hamstrings and lower back to relax the whole area.
4. Foam Rolling or targeting release with a firm ball can help to loosen the tight muscle.
5. Soft Tissue Therapy or Sports massage will be able to relax the whole area and target the muscles that are causing the problem. Treatment from a trained therapist should also include assisted stretching and “homework” advice.

Whatever our age, we all want to have the healthiest skin we can achieve.Following these general tips should help you en...
20/05/2026

Whatever our age, we all want to have the healthiest skin we can achieve.
Following these general tips should help you enjoy a smoother skin and may help to make your scars less noticeable:

• Stay hydrated. Drinking water improves your skin’s elasticity while reducing the signs of dryness and roughness.
• Eat foods high in antioxidants. Foods like leafy greens, oily fish and yellow/orange fruits or vegetables have a protective effect on your skin.
• Exercise. Regular aerobic exercise improves the composition of the skin, making the outer layers thinner and the inner layers thicker. This results in smoother, younger-looking skin.
• Get enough sleep. The more sleep you get, the more chance your body has to repair itself. It does this by increasing blood flow and collagen production, repairing UV damage, and reducing wrinkles and sun spots.
• Protect yourself from the sun. UV rays are very damaging to your skin’s DNA, resulting in dryness, premature aging, and a high risk of skin cancer.
• Don’t smoke. Exposure to to***co smoke leads to wrinkles and premature skin aging, along with a higher risk of skin disorders including psoriasis and acne.
• Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption has been connected to skin photodamage, which is damage brought on by sunlight.

Address

Reading
RG6

Opening Hours

Monday 1pm - 5pm
7pm - 9pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 1pm - 5pm
7pm - 9pm
Friday 1pm - 5pm
7pm - 9pm

Telephone

+447425605039

Website

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