If you're an accountant in the public sector (like what I am), then April is by far the most stressful month of the year. Long hours hunched over the computer, fighting with spreadsheets, budgets and recalcitrant auditors combined with a stressy lifestyle in general all combine to exacerbate life's little strains, and leads to a lot of aches and pains.
I've been suffering, on and off, from shoulder pain for a while now, part of it is down to my generally terrible posture, but occasionally my right shoulder in particular has been "freezing", which is intensely uncomfortable, and has lead to more than a couple of sleepless nights over the last few months.
I figured it was time to do something about it, so I popped along to see Jarod Chapman at his "Gym Down Under" in Earl's Court recently, and undergo some therapeutic massage to get it sorted. Well, if it's good enough for Tina Turner (one of his recent clients - Jarod spent time as her "Wellness Coach" on her latest world tour), then it's good enough for Get Lippie ...
Pleasantly surprised at the bijou surroundings of the tiny gym, which is actually a private studio, which specialises in one to one sessions - there are no massive groups of ultra-fit people for you to be intimidated by here - I underwent my consultation with the softly-spoken Jarod, who listened to my concerns, and wasn't backward in coming forward with some solutions. Jarod trained at the Sydney Nature College, and as well as specialising in massage therapy, is a qualified personal trainer, and can also advise you on nutrition. He uses Neal's Yard products exclusively in his massage sessions, which is certainly something that I can appreciate.
It was decided that I required a sports rather than a theraputic massage, owing to the depth of my shoulder and back problems, and, with that in mind, Jarod got to work. I won't go into the details, but the difference between a theraputic massage and a sports massage is that theraputic is largely lighter, with smoother strokes - more akin to something you'd experience at a spa - and sports massage is designed to actually work your muscles, loosening tight ones, and mobilising your joints. Whilst it's not entirely relaxing, you definitely can feel the benefits afterwards. My back and shoulders definitely feel looser, and I'm very grateful to Jarod for showing me some simple stretching exercises to help stop some of my muscular problems getting worse. That said, he recommended, and I agree, that I probably need some remedial therapy on my right shoulder ... It's all glamour being a beauty blogger, eh?
I can't recommend Jarod's services enough, he's a good listener, and is wonderfully non-judgemental. Not at all your "typical" personal trainer-type, and for that, let us all be thankful.
You can find out more here: Jarod Chapman's website.
The Fine Print: I was introduced to Jarod by a mutual friend. Thanks, Fiona!
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