At Personal Best Therapy our therapists are trained in a variety of treatment adjuncts. We can utilise these skills interchangeably, depending on what our clients want or need. Please note that not all therapists are trained in all techniques, so if you are looking for something specific please check before booking that your therapist can offer that service. We take pride in training our therapists to the highest standard, and they are required to undertake consistent professional education to ensure their skills are always fresh and up to date. The following list isn’t exhaustive, so please watch our blog and social media for updates on new skills added to the list.

Dry needling is a relatively modern treatment, which is growing in popularity. Similar to acupuncture, the process involves inserting very fine, stainless steel needles into the skin. The needles don’t contain any fluid, or involve injections, hence the term “dry”. The needles are placed in or around muscular trigger points. Here they act to stimulate the body’s nervous system, and diminish areas of muscle “knots”, pain or inflammation. The treatment is pain free, and can often be less uncomfortable than deep tissue massage treatment.

Dry cupping is a much older practice, dating back to ancient Chinese, Egyption and Middle Eastern cultures. The process involves placing a small round cup on the skin, and then using a vacuum to pump the air out. This lifts the surface of the skin and causes the blood vessels beneath to dilate. The theory is that cupping can draw toxins from the blood stream. This helps to reduce pain and inflammation caused by injury or more chronic conditions such as arthritis, spondylitis, and tendonopathy. Dry cupping can leave marks and bruises on the skin, but again is a relatively pain free treatment.

K-Taping is, again, a more modern practice, popular among athletes. Adhesive tape is placed on the skin, however, it’s not just any old tape. The tape is infused with wavy lines of adhesive and non-adhesive, which lift the surface of the skin in waves. This allows blood and lymph to channel more effectively beneath the skin. K-tape can reduce inflammation, stimulate the body’s nervous system to effect a healing response, and it can also hold joints in a more comfortable position to reduce pain.

Muscle Energy Technique is a popular part of our therapy repertoire. It involves a combination of muscle contraction and stretching to encourage a deeper stretch and larger range of joint motion, whilst at the same promoting comfort and relaxation. Our therapists often incorporate this technique alongside deep tissue massage to allow the muscles to settle into more comfortable positions.