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

Susan Martin Soft Tissue Therapy

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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.

24/06/2026

Scarwork™ therapy - FAQ 4:

How long should I wait after surgery?

Usually between 6 and 14 weeks depending on how deep and complicated your surgery was. Infections will delay healing and some people heal more slowly than others. You will need to have been signed off by your surgeon.

If you are considering Scarwork™ treatment then it is a good idea to discuss with your surgeon or consultant at your last consultation to make sure there is no reason why they would advise against it.

If you are seeking treatment for a scar resulting from cancer surgery, it is often useful to have some treatment between surgery and Radiotherapy, if time allows. This is because the radiotherapy can have an impact on scar healing and tissue health.

If you have any questions, please get in touch.

22/06/2026

A Stress Fracture is a series of microscopic fissures or severe bruising within the bone. It causes localised pain at the fracture site which may increase during exercise and subside during rest periods. Other symptoms may include swelling, tenderness to touch and visible bruising.

In healthy adults, stress fractures usually result from repeated strenuous activity such as running, jumping and ballet. The most common bones to be affected by stress fractures are the weight bearing lower leg and foot bones e.g. Tibia, Fibula, Calcaneus, Metatarsals, Navicular.

Stress fractures are more likely if there is a recent increase in training levels or the start of a new activity as the body cannot adapt to the increased stress levels. A change in workout surface can also have an effect.

Stress fractures can also occur in people who have osteoporosis due to their weakened bone structure. They are more common in female athletes.

Stress fractures often do not show up under x-rays and an MRI or bone scan is needed to diagnose them. Treatment requires avoidance of the activity involved and the fracture usually heals within six to eight weeks of resting. Ice can keep the swelling down as can compression and elevation. A support boot may be necessary to reduce stress on the foot or leg as you go about your normal life.

Return to sport after healing should be gradual to enable the repaired bone to adapt to the increasing load. Prevention of future stress fractures will involve building bone strength with a healthy diet along with muscle strengthening and gradual load bearing so that the body can adapt and be able to absorb the stresses placed upon it.

If you need any help or advice after a minor injury or accident, please get in touch.

20/06/2026

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is the term used for three, related, conditions in which pressure on blood vessels or nerves in the area between the neck and shoulder cause pain in this area. This pressure can also cause tingling, numbness and weakness down the arms and into the fingers.

This compression may be caused by:
• A small additional rib near the collar bone,
• An abnormal size or shape on the first rib,
• Differences in the position of the scalene muscles of the neck,
• A previous Clavicle (collar bone) fracture that may not have healed correctly.

Common causes of these differences include trauma such as a road traffic accident and personal anatomy. Repetitive strain on the muscles from work or sport can also cause pressure from the muscles in this area.

There are three types of TOS:

• Neurogenic - In this type, a group of nerves called the brachial plexus is compressed. The nerves of the brachial plexus come from the spinal cord and control muscle movements and feeling in the shoulder, arm and hand.

• Venous - This type occurs when one or more of the veins under the collarbone are compressed and damaged. This can result in blood clots.

• Arterial -This is the least common type of TOS. It occurs when one of the arteries under the collarbone is compressed. The compression may cause injury to the artery resulting in a bulge, known as an aneurysm, or blood clot formation.

Symptoms and Signs of TOS:

Thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms can vary depending on the type.
When nerves are compressed, as in Neurogenic TOS, symptoms include:
• Numbness or tingling in the arm or fingers.
• Aches and pains in the neck, shoulder, arm or hand.
• Arm fatigue with activity.
• A weakening grip.

Symptoms of Venous TOS can include:
• A change in the colour of the hand or one or more fingers.
• Hand or arm pain and swelling.

Symptoms of Arterial TOS can include:
• A pulsating lump near the collarbone.
• Cold fingers, hands or arms.
• Hand and arm pain.
• A change in colour in one or more of the fingers or the entire hand.
• Weak or no pulse in the affected arm.

Diagnosis from your G.P. will lead to treatment that usually involves Physiotherapy and pain relief. Massage of the arms and hands can reduce pain, relax muscles and improve range of motion to help with the rehabilitation exercises. Most people improve with these treatments but, for some, surgery may be recommended to release the pressure.

17/06/2026

Scarwork FAQs Number 3 -

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments will depend on the individual and the complications involved. The age and size of the scar is a factor as is the outcome required and your budget.
Usually 4-8 sessions are recommended, 2-4 weeks apart. At your first appointment all these things will be assessed and discussed. Each treatment should bring incremental improvements so it is often easy to see and feel when treatment is no longer needed.
If this is of interest to you and you would like to find out more, please check out my website or give me a call.

15/06/2026

Today is the start of the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) Drowning Prevention Week.

https://www.rlss.org.uk/

This annual information campaign aims to provide everyone with the skills and knowledge to make the right decisions about water safety.

As a keen swimmer and qualified swim teacher I am fully aware of the joy and benefits provided by "messing about" in or on the water. Unfortunately, too many people in the U.K. lose their lives each year because of their lack of knowledge, confidence and competence in this area.

This summer, please make sure that you address this lack of knowledge and make a real effort to educate the whole family about how to stay safe. The RLSS website has a mass of information and this graphic gives some simple water safety tips.

13/06/2026

The Men's Football World Cup has started this week after most of the players have finished their domestic seasons. In organised, elite sports, such as these, the teams will all have access to Soft Tissue Therapy as part of their medical/Physio support.
This hands-on therapy can help to prevent injury and speed up recovery. Why shouldn't you use the same strategy?

If you have just finished your season and struggled to stay match fit, please consider using regular massage as part of your training plan for next year. I offer a generous discount to my regular clients, so please get in touch if you want to chat about how I can help.

10/06/2026

FAQs Number 2 -

Who can Scarwork™ help?

Anyone who has a scar from an accident or surgery could benefit from this therapy.
Our bodies have an amazing ability to heal but sometimes the process does not go smoothly and the end result is not an ideal repair. As the wound heals, different layers of tissue can get stuck together in the process and form a scar that’s causing you discomfort or restricting your movement. It could be sensitive, stuck down or lumpy. Even with a scar that looks neat and tidy on the surface, there could be problems underneath.

Your body will adapt to these restrictions over time so treatment for the scar is usually incorporated with other Soft Tissue Therapy to benefit the whole person.
Please get in touch if you want to discuss how treatment may help you.

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.

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.

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

http://www.sportsmassageearley.co.uk/

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