I am a seasoned client of several massage and physiotherapy places. I have had quite a range of…read moreOsteopaths and Massage Therapists. Every place has its own group of therapists, some specialise in one area of physical and personal well-being. Active Health has been on my radar for a long time now. I made the step today to pay them a visit. Mainly for one reason: Briana Eades. Back in 2010 she was one of the leading masseuses that was treating my Sciatica and lower back problems. Her approach was novel, personal and very effective. She introduced me to new ways of experiencing Massage Therapy. The Deep Tissue Massage sessions are done with clear expertise and skill. Clearly she does give it her all, but stays bright and joyful throughout! I suspect that Briana has possibly 'used' me to expand her knowledge during my treatment as on her suggestions I was introduced to the G5 Machine (deep tissue) and Manual Lymphatic Draining (a type of massage that helps the lymph nodes drain and is incredible relaxing!) and this only makes her a very versatile member of the Active Health Team. From their website: "Briana is qualified in a number of massage therapy techniques including Remedial, Sports, Deep Tissue, Swedish/Relaxation, Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Aromatherapy including Raindrop Technique." She takes detailed notes during the sessions and will adjust the therapy to suit the current need and wants of the client. On arrival I was asked to fill out the personal contact details and the physical issues you need assistance with. Some medical details and insurance details are also asked for. The massage room I had was of an adequate size, heated and no distractions. (well there is some classical music in the background). The table was comfortable and had an warming pad to avoid getting cold. Nice touch. After the initial consultation - as we shared a history it wasn't that long of a chat- we got straight into it. Working on some problem points on my legs and lower back, some tension release around the neck & shoulders and to finish with the Lymphatic Drainage. I felt reborn! I will definitely make another appointment, and as I understand they have evening times available too. This session was an hour and cost £42 - well worth every penny!

A fantastic clinic for your physio needs!…read more Space is based in Dalry and serves locals and sports people - many clinic professionals work with rugby, football and other professional athletes. After picking up some injuries due to running, I was referred for physio and I was recommended to come here. A couple of work colleagues were already clients so I thought that was a great endorsement. Even though I came armed with reports from a sports GP and a Podiatrist, I still got a full assessment so great attention to detail. It was also discovered that not only do I have feet issues, I also have issues with tight tendons so that was also being treated. I had dry needling done to release some of the tightness which was really good and given exercises to do at home. I will be having a few appointments but I loved how my physio listened to me in that I want to keep being active and discussed my current training plans and alternatives. I think there is a gym inside - I didn't need assessed here this time and I was seen in one of the treatment rooms but there are multiple spaces downstairs so don't be fooled by thinking it is small. Physio, massage and even surgical consultations are available. You will need an appointment as the clinic is very busy. I saw Jon who is fab. My appointment was £44 for 45 mins. Worth every penny :-)

Only came here to have my massage from Katie's Health & Beauty, but the premises look really nice…read more. there is a reception area with comfy seats.. then out the back there is a space for pilates mat classes as well as reformers. I'm quite tempted to go back and try out a 1-2-1 on a reformer.. I've heard great things about them and have been wanting to give it a go but didn't know where abouts in Edinburgh offered classes.. Now I know!

I spent five minutes tonight on a skype call with my mother, turning my head to the left and…read moreexclaiming, "Look! Look!" like I was running a half marathon. Sure, it might not be the biggest accomplishment in human history, but if it weren't for Balanced Physiotherapy, it's one that I wouldn't be able to claim this evening. On Tuesday, I was hosting my biggest event of the year and true to chaotic form, proceeded to cause myself serious bodily harm 24 hours prior. I threw my neck/shoulder out. I wish I could say it was doing something heroic, or at least suitably slapstick, but no... I threw my back out by turning left aggressively when the cat tipped something off the counter. (I'm so cool.) There was a little twinge, then screaming pain and enter the next twelve miserable hours where I sleepily dragged myself around the house trying ice packs, hot showers, hot water bottles, stretches and everything in between. It was so bad, I couldn't sleep for more than ten minutes before I would shift and wake myself up from the pain. Awesome. So on Tuesday morning, at 9am, with no sleep had and an event looming that coincidentally involved hauling 12+ large boxes up and down stairs during set up... I started the panic calls to different RMTs. After seven unsuccessful calls, I was near tears when I phoned Balanced. It was the last place in the area and I didn't have enough time to boot it further into town, so when they said they were booked, I nearly lost it. Then there was a tiny pause and the gal at the other end of the line chirped: "Our masseuse says she can fit you in." *FANFARE* Within two hours I was in chatting with Alex (I hope that was her name, sorry if it wasn't - i'm awful at names!). I booked a quick 30 minute session. The space isn't fancy, it's not a serene spa wonderland with cucumber water and soothing music. In fact, it's pretty bare bones... but who gives a crap, I can move my neck and that's all that matters. Over the 30 minutes, we chatted as she poked and prodded at shoulder. The atmosphere was really casual, and I got to ask a lot of silly questions about RMT without being made to feel like an idiot. She pinpointed the problem immediately, worked on it for the quick session and at the end, taped me up to allow blood flow, led me through some stretches and sent me on my way. It wasn't a miracle. I didn't leave and was magically transformed. My shoulder still hurt like hell but I had gained enough mobility that a couple extra strength ibuprofen and a good grimmace would get me through the night. Even when the pills wore off mid event and my shoulder returned to pain town, it wasn't nearly as bad as that morning. I got home, popped a heat pack on, did my stretches and today: I can turn my head left! I've got a few more until it's officially back in working order but on short notice, for £28, Balanced Physiotherapy kept me upright and solved my problem within 48 hours. Damn straight that's 5 star worthy.

After over-training and getting runner's knee, my GP suggested physiotherapy so I called the NHS to…read morebe screened. They also deemed I needed physiotherapy so I went into the queue, being told the waiting time was 7-11 weeks. This was understandably ridiculous and quite frustrating (hence losing a star) so I had an appointment at a private physio's in the meantime. After five weeks, I received a letter inviting me to book an appointment. When I went, I was happy with the modern facilities and thorough physio apt. Gavin checked out my knees and was excellent at informing me about what was wrong (and giving me take-home reading on the subject). The exercises he recommend were really helpful (and do-able, too). I have gone back for two follow-up appointments thus far and he has been genuine and kind, really seeming to remember me and being pleased about my progress. I thought he was much better than the private physio I saw and of course I liked that it was on the NHS so it was free!

This place is quietly hidden off Henderson row in Stockbridge. I booked a same day massage…read moreappointment due to some horrible issues with a tight hip I was desperate to fix. Upon taking my call, the receptionist was really friendly and helpful booking an appointment. I also learned they have a Glasgow office too (for my Glaswegian friends). So to the massage. I was warned this would be deep tissue and pretty full on so I thought I was mentally prepared. Boy, was I wrong. This was probably one of the most painful deep tissue massages I've ever had- but in saying that, my therapist knew exactly what areas to target and paid specific focus to this. So this went on for an hour, me trying not to swear, lash out, or cry. If you're looking for ambiance and relaxation this place isn't it. They're out to fix the body and do a damn good job of it, even though you might hate them at the time of the massage. The massage room itself was clinical, minimal, and I was treated to Polish music for the duration of my massage. At the completion of the massage I was warned of bruising. Still, this did not prepare me. Never in my life have I had such severe bruising from massage. I actually panicked as the bruising set in within a few hours where my hip/ lower back area just turned a hideous reddish purple that covers my entire lower back and hip. Mind you, I instantly felt relief in my hip joint, though I think it'll need a few more sessions to really sort it out. This place is full on. My massage therapists ability to know where to focus and make some headway with my complaints was impressive. Customer service at reception was also very lovely and I'd highly reccomend this place for deep tissue.

I have had lower back problems for a number of years now. However I always put it off, telling…read moremyself it would go away, until one day it go so bad, and I was so sick of it, I decided to do something about it. After being turned away by several doctors, telling me it was just postural and there wasn't much I could do, I eventually decided to seek help elsewhere. I'm glad I did. I have been going to the Edinburgh Physiotherapy Centre since. I have since leaned a a lot about my problem and my treatment there has done wonders. Having had both their sports massage and physiotherapy services I have had some experience of this excellent medical centre that offers a range of services aimed at sorting out your physical shape. The centre has physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors made up from a very professional team. They are particularly good at not only poking and prodding out but also telling you what is going on and what they think is wrong with you, making extra recommendations and giving advice whenever possible. The centre can also give alternative treatment such as acupuncture, again carried out with utmost profession (I can speak from experience). In an ideal world, prices would be a touch a cheaper, but compared to other physio in Edinburgh it remains competitive. The receptionist staff are always really friendly and we have a good chat. If you are having back, or any other chronic pain, I highly recommend getting it sorted before it drags on. The Edinburgh Physiotherapy Centre is a good start.

My new gym and I love it!…read more First time I've had a 'posh' gym membership. Normally I end up working out in the 'muscle' type gym's but for convenience, opening hours and facilities, I signed up to the Nuffield. It is not cheap but worth the money if you go regularly. Clean, plentiful equipment in working order. Large range of classes at times to suit any needs and the pool is fantastic. I do love the steam room as well with its dark ceiling, fairy lights and menthol steam. To start, I had a health MOT - working out at 6am meant I could get this the morning after registering so all the height, weight and cardio measurements taken. Then the next day I was set my customised programme, based on what I wanted to achieve and what I liked doing. This part I like as if I don't like something, I'll not do it so my instructor listening to me was great :-) Check up will follow two months after the first assessment and then my programme will be modified so I don't get bored. I am a gym, equipment and pool kinda gal so I can't comment on the classes. The facilities are lovely and clean anytime I've been in and the babyliss hairdryers are really powerful so this is a bonus. All in all, really love it here. Happy working out 5-6 days per week and more than getting my £43 worth a month.

Decent enough gym at a fair price for a private gym. Gym equipment is good and there are lots of…read moreclasses and generally it's fine to just turn up without booking in advance if you're looking to go to the evening classes - I'm yet to find anyone who can confidently predict if they'll be able to attend a gym session a week in advance, but from going on a weekday when I had a day off work it seems daytime classes are completely packed when compared to evenings. The AC in the classes has been a bit iffy of late and if I compare it to local authority gyms outside of Edinburgh the overall standard isn't brilliant but then that's not really am entirely fair comparison. All in all if you're a regular gym goer it's good value for money - especially if you get some sort of discounted membership.

Lippstreu is physiotherapy centre in the heart of Edinburgh. It offers therapy for common…read morecomplaints relating to posture problems, pregnancy, spinal strains, as well as sports injuries, repetitive strain injuries, arthritis etc. Like an increasing number of physios, Lippstreu offers "alternative" therapies like acupuncture. I have only been for one massage here but it was fine. I would have gone back if I hadn't happened to have found one that suited me needs a lot more (see my FASIC review). It was a fairly standard affair. All I can say is that it was relaxing and acted as pain relief, although I didn't feel it was as satisfying long term form my problem as other physios I've had in Edinburgh. An 45 minute physio appointment costs £40 (slightly above average), an hour massage costs around £40 (unfortunately that's about average). I get he impression that Lippstreu is quiet a new centre, and is possibly still establishing itself. We will need to wait and see if it becomes successful. So far, no complaints, but it doesn't stand out as the best.

As you can see by the five stars, I'm very happy with the service…read more A recent knee injury that stopped me cycling was the reason for a visit to Lippstreu. I'm an avid cyclist and the prospect of an extended period off the bike was daunting. I chose it purely on the basis that it was close to my place of work but would now recommend it on the basis of service received. The problem with my knee was diagnosed quickly and without fuss and then a very effective treatment was proposed and carried out. After two visits my knee has seen a fantastic recovery. I don't normally write reviews, in fact this is my first, but I'm so pleased I felt compelled.