Remedial Massage+ Sports Massage Therapist – Paula Espinoza Pena
Paula is a former pro tennis player and coach who played on the national circuit in Chile and on the WTA, ITF tours in South America. Both as a player and coach Paula understood the importance of keeping the body in tune which led Paula to undertake her training in Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and remedial massage in 2012.
Prior to moving to Australia, Paula ran her own clinic in Chile working with tennis players, various athletes, office workers and domestic carers. Paula is currently undertaking further studies in Acupuncture and TCM in Melbourne and joins us as a remedial massage and sports massage therapist. Paula has a strong interest in women’s health, musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries and rehabilitation and uses a range of techniques including acupressure, trigger point release, stretching and Tuina massage.
For those unfamiliar with Tuina (pronounced twee-nah), it originated in ancient China and is one of the four main pillars of TCM. It follows the same principles as acupuncture, that being to create harmony and balance within the body through the stimulation of qi flow but uses massage instead of acupuncture needles. Small scale studies have shown it is beneficial in treating neck and low back pain when combined with exercise therapy as well as blood circulation.
As a sports and remedial massage therapist Paula routinely sees patients with:
- Neck pain and tension
- Shoulder pain and tension
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Sports related injuries – calf, hamstring, quad, glute tightness, shoulder restrictions etc
- General muscle tension and tightness
- Leg flushes for runners, tennis players, footballers etc
Paula forms an important member of our patient centered approach at the Shannon Clinic – Melbourne Chiropractic and Sports Care and it is our biased opinion that she is one of the best remedial massage and sports massage therapists in Melbourne. You can find more information on what remedial massage is and how it may benefit you here.
Paula is available on Wednesday’s from 3pm to 6pm.
