The sessions with Fran were one of the most positive and nurturing aspects of my pregnancy.
Working full-time and looking after an older child, in addition to expending the physical and emotional energy required to grow a baby, meant that I was often stressed and worn out. Fran was like my personal outer placenta. After each session I felt relaxed, energised and cared for.
On a physical level, Fran was extremely competent. She was able to understand what my body needed where. She always checked in to see how the strokes felt and to ask whether any areas had been neglected. I always left feeling melty, and knowing I would sleep well that night.
Meeting with Fran also provided an opportunity to check in on an emotional level. I felt secure and safe. Being massaged provided a chance to stop for a few moments and be still within myself. I felt cocooned and looked after.
I would recommend Fran to any pregnant woman.
Grace Shamy, Doula & Birth Educator
I limped into achilles heel about 2 months ago, after a long standing achilles injury had got steadily worse, resulting in me not being able to even walk without limping. I run with a running club and had tried resting it intermittently to no avail and it was so painful that eventually I couldn’t run at all. From the outset, Iain really listened to my symptoms and exercise routine. He then offered sound advice about strengthening exercises, injury specific stretches and rehabilitation. This was over and above ultrasound treatment and sports massage. He has been reassuring and knowledgeable abput my injury – it helps that he is a runner himself and understands a runner’s mentality. I’m now back running and I know I could not have got to this stage without Iain’s treatment and support. Thanks Iain!
Jane
After a shoulder injury at a dance class years I ago I suffered pain, restricted movement and limited strength in my shoulder. Treatment elsewhere for the injury helped but never addressed the issue fully and as a dance teacher it was becoming more difficult to work. When the pain became consistent and spread I consulted with Emma at Achilles Heel.
My initial consultation was the most detailed assessment I've ever had at any treatment centre and the underlying problems were discovered in my spine, neck and pelvis. As a result of the treatment I received the pain substantially decreased and my movement range increased. As well as the treatment I received excellent advice on what to adjust in my day to day life to help the situation. Attending for physio at Achilles Heel was one of the best decisions I've ever made and the treatment is worth every penny I've paid (and more).
Linda McLean
I have paid regular visits to the Achilles Heel clinic over the last few years and can’t praise them highly enough! As a competitive middle/ long distance runner, Christine’s massages are key to my recovery to ensure that I can perform at my best. Without these my body was continually breaking down with niggling injuries due to the demands of training. Christine always listens and adapts the massage to my specific needs depending on recent training/ racing. I would recommend her to anyone looking to enhance their recovery and improve sports performance.
After a problematic knee injury I visited Andy, who worked thoroughly to not only treat, but also determine the cause of injury to prevent re-occurrence. This treatment was invaluable to my recovery and return to running! Finally recent Strength and Conditioning work with Stefan has been extremely beneficial to my training schedule as he closely observes and corrects technique along with developing a program highly specific to my running goals!
I find all the staff so friendly and knowledgeable and always leave the clinic feeling good thanks to the expertise and commitment of the team!
Cara Sloss, Kilbarchan AAC
Achilles Heel saved my (running) life! A bold statement but, never underestimate the power of massage!
It was Xmas 2007 when out of the blue I fell on a X/C training run. The pain was excruciating so a visit to A&E was the only option. After x-rays I was informed that I had partially ruptured my quad tendon and removed a piece of bone from my kneecap. Nothing could be done surgically as I was too old at 57! I left the hospital with a leg brace from hip to ankle with the words ‘you will be able to walk with a stick’ still ringing in my ears.
To a runner of 25 years this was not an option I was prepared to accept. After 6 months working with a hospital physio I donned the running shoes again and ventured down to the local track so see if I could manage a short jog without the leg giving way. 10 x 30 meter jogs later with my quad becoming very stiff and sore I realised if I was to get back to anything like my former running I would need help. Enter Achilles Heel, I have attended for a professional massage every month since and am now back to running 20+ miles a week and building. I have completed a 5K race that I never thought I would ever be able to do again. I shall continue to get treatment once month and I know I will go from strength to strength.
So if you have had a serious injury don’t give up, contact Achilles Heel for professional help, it will be the best call you ever make.
Alan Stewart, Giffnock North AAC, Road & X/C Captain.
I found that my weekly massage with Stuart was a key element of my marathon prep. Putting myself in his expert hands was what I looked forward to after a hard speed session and I think he really helped me stay loose and flexible on all my long runs.
Stuart has a great manner, makes you feel relaxed and no matter how stiff your legs are he always knows how to hit the spot.
Bryan Burnett, Broadcaster/runner
I attended the Achilles Heel Clinic for pain in my lower back, hips and legs and was lucky enough to choose Emma Steenson for some physiotherapy. Over the next few months Emma listened and asked many questions on every aspect of my life to identify possible issues which were contributing to or causing my problems. At each appointment she administered hands-on treatment, massaging and manipulating my back and legs. I was also given a few exercises to do in between visits. I honestly didn’t believe that things would improve as I had been in pain for so long and had had physiotherapy previously, however within a month the constant daily pain had almost gone. Over the subsequent months we continued with treatment to the point where I have been able to resume exercising and now armed with advice from Emma on posture, exercises, a workplace assessment etc I feel positive once more.
Emma is a fantastic practitioner, knowledgeable, interested and motivated and was a joy to work with. The Clinic itself is an excellent example of best practice, from the welcoming and efficient reception staff, everyone I came into contact with had a positive “can do” and professional attitude. They also offer one to one pilates sessions to complement/build on the physiotherapy work – an excellent idea.
Lorna Greening
My triathlon training is very intensive. My body goes through a lot twice a day, 6 days a week. Before I started going to Graeme for massage I was constantly suffering from niggling injuries and I was taking ages to recover after hard sessions. I have been going to Graeme now for two years and the results have been amazing. I suffer a lot less form injury and he frequently puts me back together again after a tough training session so that I can train just as hard the next day. I never race without getting a pre-race massage as I know this helps me perform at my best.
Graeme is extremely professional and his extensive expertise means that he adapts easily to whatever my needs are on the day. My body surprises me in terms of the weird effects training has on it at times, but Graeme has never failed to get me back in working order. I would recommend him to anybody who participates in sport at any level, but particularly to those who train hard and what to keep getting results.
Kirsty Anderson
I can only thank you for all your kindness, tenderness and help with regards to my massage experiences!
The whole experience was totally refreshing and restorative. Fran was able to tap into my needs in terms of aches and pains - this was particularly rewarding towards the end of my pregnancy when I was exhausted and came away from the massage invigorated and uplifted. Instinctively I know that the last massage before giving birth helped my body prepare for what was ahead, and mentally I felt prepared - as opposed to apprehensive and pensive.
I am convinced that the incorporation of Shiatsu also made labour far easier than it would have been. Fran has been the only massage therapist that has applied appropriate pressure and been able to destress my tight shoulders, and I can only thank her! I can only say good things - no complaints at all - I can only recommend the luxuriously wonderful massages that, I am sure, helped to bring O. into the world so easily.
Sam Eccles, Consultant
After years of constantly battling with my weight I went to see Nathalie. Despite eating healthy foods and largely at the right time, I struggled to keep my weight in check. In fact whilst training for the Edinburgh Marathon I put on 14lb!. Nathalie helped be become more aware of my portion sizes and also the right mix of foods to eat for my training. This has resulted in losing 24lb in 12 weeks, with weight still continuing to fall off. (My wife has also lost 10lb in this time!) I have more energy and have successfully trained for and completed the New York Marathon in this time.
The biggest compliment I could make Nathalie is that she is always on hand to offer advice/support. On a number of occasions since my consultation I have emailed her with some quick questions/queries, which she responded to both quickly but also in detail-this has been invaluable and is the thing that has really said to me that she cares about her clients. I even had a text from her asking how I got on in New York.
I would recommend Nathalie's service to anyone. Hopefully I will never need to see her again!
Sean Casey
With my long list of niggling injuries, Caroline gets me through with her sports massages, which allows me to continue running and training for various running, cycling and swimming events. Great service and would fully recommend her treatments.
Alan Kennedy
Graeme has regularly treated me since I moved to Glasgow in 2008. He is one of the most talented sports masseurs I have encountered and I consider the massage a very important part of my race prep & recovery as well as keeping me injury free. Graeme has the ability to transform my frequently battered legs into operational limbs.
He treats all sports people, from professional footballers to fun runners, with the same dedication, professionalism and attention to detail. It is well worth the investment - you are guaranteed a first class sports massage. Graeme comes extremely highly recommended by myself and he is well known in the Glasgow running community for his skills.
Tom Owens, Salomon International Running Team
Gordon's highly skilled and professional approach means that his sports massages have become an essential part of my training; helping to prevent and speed up my recovery from any injuries that I pick up along the way.
Deirdre O'Reilly
I'm training for my first marathon in 10 years. Gary at Achilles Heel has been really helpful - his massage has been great in helping my legs recover during training and he's offered lots of useful advice on stretching. It's also been inspiring to hear about his experience as an athlete and he's a nice guy too.
The event is next Sunday in Berlin and if I make my goal it will be in part thanks to Gary at AH.
David
I have been going to Emma for physio for over three years. My first visit was just before my first triathlon. I had been suffering with what was thought to be chronic sciatica and had been hit by another bout just before the race. When I went to Emma I could barely walk. After an assessment she established that I did not in fact have sciatica and was instead suffering from an alignment problem. After an adjustment I could walk again, and the next day I was back to running. I knew then that this was a physio I could trust.
Since then I have visited Emma every time I have a niggle or injury. Triathlon is a tough sport and your body goes through a lot. As any athlete will know, when you are training and racing you are driven to push your body to breaking point. Emma has excellent expert knowledge and uses up to date and innovate techniques. She has developed a strength programme for me that really works and helps to reduce the amount of injuries I experience. However, when my body does give way, I know I can trust Emma to get me back to full fitness again. She has never failed to get me back into racing form and get me on the start line. Indeed, when I was told 7 weeks ago that I would miss most of the season due to a nasty bike crash I knew that Emma would help me get back into action quicker. I was back to fitness after 4 sessions and managed to race the British sprint distance championships and even won my age group to become the 25-29 year old British champion. I couldn't have done it without Emma's treatment, support and advice and would therefore strongly recommend her to anyone.
Kirsty Anderson
I’m a veteran and a keen club runner. Since I’ve been getting regular leg massage from Gordon I’m experiencing much quicker muscle recovery, less painful legs, and as a result a whole list of PBs from 5ks to marathons.
Gordon’s approach to massage is very focused; he’ll hone straight in on the problems and as a result my legs have become much stronger and more supple, and I’m running faster. I used to be a ‘massage sceptic’ I’m now totally converted
Hamish Barbour
I have had two appointments with Scott, the Podiatrist at Achilles Heel and have been very impressed. I feel compelled to write to you and share my recent experiences at Achilles Heel.
On my initial clinic contact, my enquiry was dealt with by the reception staff in a warm, friendly but professional manner. At my first appointment with Scott he had an excellent professional manner and very knowledgeable about his subject. He made feel at ease straight away, with his warm, friendly manner. I spoke of the problems I had been having with my feet and he showed a genuine interest in my case. Scott knowledge about my condition was excellent. He discussed in great detail and lay terms, what my treatment would entail and how I could manage each stage of the treatment.
I felt reassured.
Scott gave me Acupuncture treatment to ease the pain in the joint of big toe. He talked me through each stage of this treatment and how I should feel and discussed some the previous work and the successful outcomes of this treatment. This gave me great re-assurance in him. The result has been amazing so far – pain free for the moment, which feels great.
It is a team effort at the clinic and all members of the team work well together to promote the positive ethos of the clinic. Looking forward to my next appointment with Scott and the next Acupuncture treatment.
Ollie Scott
I just wanted to say a big thank you for all your help in the lead up to the Paris Half Marathon. Not only did I run it with no pain during and no pain after, but you restored my confidence prior to the race.
The race was amazing; beautiful day for it, freezing cold but glorious sunshine. As I said, my ankle is good as new now; the problems I was anticipating afterwards are non existent! I got round the course in 2:04:09, which I am really happy with. Took the start very cautiously as I was expecting trouble but it never materialised.
I took last week off to rest and then yesterday I signed up for the EMF Edinburgh Half on May 22nd! Hopefully I will get through this training with no ankle sprains but if I do, you'll be the first person I call!
Melissa Weldon
I would like to express my sincere, heartfelt thanks to Nathalie for a very insightful session. The courtesy, care and support shown by Nathalie is just tremendous.
Throughout the session, Nathalie works with total dedication to achieve the greatest result possible for her client. She is a perfectionist who is nothing short of a credit to her profession. First of all, I outlined to Nathalie why I wanted dietary advice. At this stage, I am wanting to increase my overall fitness, loose weight and build and develop lean muscle. My sporting objectives are complete a number of 5k, 10k races and triathlons’s. I gained an invaluable insight into the importance of nutrients and eating a balanced a diet at the right time. Nathalie talked me the through the what type of foods I should be eating and in what portions. An output of the session was a structured eating plan for me to follow that fits into my daily work schedule and exercise programme. Nathalie is always just an email/text/phone call away and this level of support and commitment is just amazing. Looking forward very much to my follow up appointment with Nathalie in a couple of months time.
received on diet on losing weight and sports nutrition for increasing my fitness levels and building muscle
Ollie Scott