OLEH MIROSHNYCHENKO

Does This Sound Familiar?

Common Issues I Help With

• A persistent ache in your back, neck, or shoulders that has become part of your daily life.• Stiffness that restricts movement, making it hard to check your blind spot while driving or move freely.• Numbness or discomfort travelling down a leg or arm (Sciatica symptoms) that is hard to pin down.• Frustration: You have tried standard massage, but the relief only lasts a few days.

Beyond the First Session

From Relief to Resilience

My aim is to resolve your issue quickly, not to keep you dependent. However, meaningful change requires a strategy. I see our work as a partnership: I remove the restriction, and we work together to keep it away.• A Clear Recovery Strategy: Based on your initial assessment, I will propose a realistic plan. For acute issues, I typically recommend my Intensive Protocol (1–3 consecutive daily sessions) to achieve rapid mobility restoration without dragging it out for months.• Personalised Guidance: I will teach you simple, effective exercises and provide practical advice on posture that fits your daily routine. No complicated homework — just tools that support the manual therapy.• Preventative Maintenance: My ultimate goal is your long-term resilience. Once the initial pain is resolved, many professionals choose to continue with weekly maintenance sessions. This proactive approach is the key to preventing future problems and keeping your body stress-free.

Trust & Results

Real Experiences | Real Results

My aim is not just "relaxation", but results. Here is what happens when we address the real source of pain using a clinical approach. Note how the Intensive Protocol (daily sessions) helped Chris resolve a severe issue.

Your Questions

Clear Answers Straight From Me

Q: Is your technique painful? I am nervous about deep work.A: My sessions are deep but 100% pain-free. Unlike the "no pain, no gain" approach, I use advanced soft tissue mobilisation to release deep tension without bruising or agony. You will feel relief, not discomfort.Q: What happens during the first session?A: We start with a brief assessment of your posture and movement to identify the source of restriction. Then we start the hands-on work immediately. You will leave with initial relief and a clear recovery plan.Q: How many sessions will I need?A: My goal is to fix the issue, not to keep you paying forever. For recent pain or stiffness, most clients feel a major shift in just 1–3 sessions. However, for complex history (chronic back pain held for years), a focused course of 5–7 sessions is often required to fully resolve the pattern. Think of it as an investment: It is more cost-effective to fix the problem in a few weeks than to pay for "cheap" temporary relief for years.

Ready for a Real Solution?

Start Your Recovery Today

If you are tired of living with persistent pain and ready for a methodical, expert approach, your journey to lasting relief starts here.The First Visit includes:• Expert Assessment: We identify the real source of restriction.• Immediate Treatment: Deep, pain-free manual work starts from minute one.• A Clear Plan: Whether you need a 1–3 day intensive or a longer course, you will leave knowing exactly how to get better.Stop guessing. Let’s fix this together.Initial Consultation & Treatment: 60 mins | £60

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Further Reading

From The Practice

• What is Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR)? An Intelligent, Science-Backed Technique for Lasting Pain Relief• Beyond Massage: The Holistic Clinical Approach• 5 Self-Relief Exercises for Neck & Shoulder Tension in Edinburgh• My Philosophy: "Minimum Effort, Maximum Effect"• From Relief to Resilience: A Proactive Approach to Preventing Pain• The Best Lunchtime Walks in Leith to Counteract a Morning of Sitting

A Foundation of Trust

Blending Practice with Science

The Technique

The Technique What is Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR)? An Intelligent, Science-Backed Technique for Lasting Pain Relief

Many people in Edinburgh seeking relief from chronic pain have explored various avenues, from standard massage to other therapies. While these can be beneficial, my Advanced Clinical Approach is built on a different philosophy: we don't just manipulate the body, we communicate with it. One of the most powerful "languages" I use for this is Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR).The Body's Natural Reset Button. Have you ever noticed that instinct to stretch deeply when you wake up? That is your body's innate intelligence at work, resetting your muscular and nervous systems. PIR is a refined, clinical application of this very instinct.Imagine a muscle that has been tight for so long, it has "forgotten" its natural, relaxed state. Many manual therapies try to force this muscle into submission. In my experience, based on 35+ years of clinical practice and a Master’s Degree in Human Health, forcing the muscle is ineffective and can cause defensive tension.PIR is, in my view, the safest and most intelligent alternative. It doesn't fight the muscle; it reminds it how to let go.A Partnership with Your Nervous System. A precise technique like PIR is only possible after thorough preparatory work. Every session begins with deep tissue mobilisation to prepare the area and identify the source of tension. Only then can we apply PIR effectively:1. Position & Stretch: I bring a specific muscle to the edge of its comfortable range of motion. There is no aggressive stretching.2. Gentle Contraction: I ask you to perform a very light, specific contraction against my resistance for a few seconds. You are an active partner in your own release.3. The "Reset": As you relax, your nervous system triggers a profound reflex that instantly "resets" the muscle's tension level. In this moment, I can gently guide the muscle into a new, greater range of motion—completely without pain.This process instantly recalibrates the connection between your brain and your muscles, addressing the source of the tension, not just the symptom.Why PIR is Key to My Clinical Practice. After exploring many different disciplines, I have concluded that PIR is one of the safest techniques for achieving lasting results without pain. It is the perfect embodiment of my "Minimum Effort, Maximum Effect" philosophy.The Intensive Advantage: Because PIR works with muscle memory, it is most effective when repeated over a short period. This is why I often recommend my Intensive Protocol (1–3 consecutive daily sessions) — to "lock in" this new, relaxed state permanently.If you are looking for an approach that respects your body's intelligence, I invite you to ask about PIR during your Initial Consultation.

The Philosophy

Beyond Massage: The Holistic Clinical Approach

When people in Edinburgh search for a solution to pain, they often look for familiar terms like 'full-body massage'. While these services can provide welcome relaxation, they rarely address the deep, underlying source of chronic discomfort.My Advanced Clinical Approach is founded on a different principle: true recovery comes not from treating a symptom, but from understanding the body as a whole, integrated system.A Synthesis of Global Knowledge. My approach is not based on a single discipline, but on 35+ years of dedicated clinical practice. Every year, I undertake new professional courses, constantly integrating modern scientific knowledge with timeless wisdom. My work is a synthesis of many fields:• The structural precision of Western biomechanics and Anatomy Trains.• The mindful movement and energy flow of Yoga and Tai Chi.• The holistic perspectives of Eastern manual therapies.• The practical application of various isometric and post-isometric techniques.• The calming power of specialised breathing practices.This continuous study has taught me one crucial lesson: the site of your pain is rarely the source of your problem. A recurring headache might stem from tension in the jaw; a lower back issue could be linked to your breathing.My first step is always a meticulous, deep tissue palpation, not just to relax you, but as a functional assessment to read your body's unique story.A Partnership in Your Wellbeing. Many therapies end when you leave the room. A session with me ends with you empowered. I believe in educating my clients, explaining the 'why' behind their discomfort and providing a clear, personalised plan.This is my "Minimum Effort, Maximum Effect" principle in action: giving you simple, effective exercises and techniques that fit into your life to support the manual therapy. The goal is to create profound, lasting results without pain.The Goal: True Resilience. Ultimately, the aim of my practice is to help you build resilience—a state where your body and mind are balanced, strong, and capable of preventing future problems.It is a methodical journey from temporary relief to lasting wellbeing, built on a global understanding of human health.

Practical Advice

5 Self-Relief Exercises for Neck & Shoulder Tension in Edinburgh

Whether you are a professional working at a desk in Leith, a tradesperson, or simply navigating the stresses of city life in Edinburgh, you are likely familiar with tension in the neck and shoulders. It is one of the most common issues I see in my practice.While a dedicated session of Advanced Clinical Massage is the most effective way to address the source of tension, I believe in empowering my clients with tools for self-care. These are not just stretches; they are simplified applications of the clinical principles I use, designed to communicate with your body, not force it.The Core Principle: The 10-Second Reset. This technique is based on Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) and your body's natural instinct to release tension after a gentle contraction.For each exercise below, follow this simple, powerful rhythm:1. Take a small, calm inhale and hold your breath.2. Gently move into the stretch or apply light resistance, holding for 10 seconds.3. Exhale slowly, release all effort, and relax completely for 10 seconds.4. Repeat each exercise 3 to 5 times. Never push into pain.The Routine: Apply the Rhythm. Now, apply the rhythm above to these 5 specific movements:1. The Gentle Nod (for the back of the neck)• Sit tall. Inhale and hold.• Slowly tuck your chin towards your chest, creating a gentle stretch. Hold for 10 seconds.• Exhale and slowly return to the start. Relax for 10 seconds.• Repeat 3-5 times.2. The Ear-to-Shoulder Tilt (for the side of the neck)• Sit tall. Inhale and hold.• Slowly tilt your right ear towards your right shoulder. You can use your right hand to add gentle pressure. Hold for 10 seconds.• Exhale and slowly return to the start. Relax for 10 seconds.• Repeat 3-5 times on each side.3. The Corner Look (for the back corner of the neck)• Turn your head 45 degrees to the right. Inhale and hold.• From here, gently bring your chin down towards your right collarbone. Hold for 10 seconds.• Exhale and slowly return to the start. Relax for 10 seconds.• Repeat 3-5 times on each side.4. The Chin Retraction (to correct forward-head posture)• Sit straight. Inhale and hold.• Gently pull your head straight back, creating a "double chin". This is a gentle contraction, not a stretch. Hold for 10 seconds.• Exhale and release. Relax for 10 seconds.• Repeat 5-7 times.5. The Shoulder Blade Squeeze (to reset posture)• Sit with a straight back. Inhale and hold.• Gently squeeze your shoulder blades together, as if holding something between them. Hold for 10 seconds.• Exhale and release the squeeze. Relax for 10 seconds.• Repeat 5-7 times.General Guidance, Not a Cure. These simple movements can make a significant difference to your daily comfort. However, they are a general guide.In my 35 years of practice, I have found that severe or chronic pain often requires a "hard reset" before exercises can be effective.When to book a session: If you try these exercises and the pain persists, you likely need my Intensive Protocol (1–3 consecutive daily sessions) to release the deep restriction first. Once the movement is restored, these exercises become the perfect maintenance tool to prevent the issue from returning.My goal is your autonomy: I personally teach you how to perform each movement correctly during our sessions, ensuring you have the tools to look after your own wellbeing.

The Principle

My Philosophy: Why "Minimum Effort, Maximum Effect" is Key to Lasting Wellbeing

In our busy modern lives, the idea of adding complex, time-consuming exercise routines can feel overwhelming. This is why a core principle of my Advanced Clinical Approach is "Minimum Effort, Maximum Effect."This is not a promise of a "quick fix," but a commitment to an intelligent, highly efficient approach to your health. It is about working smarter, not harder.The Problem with a "More is More" Approach Many traditional approaches to pain and fitness are built on the idea that more effort equals more results—more repetitions, more stretching, more intensity. While well-intentioned, this can often be counterproductive. It can lead to exhaustion, new injuries, and a feeling of failure if you can't keep up.The body doesn't respond to brute force; it responds to clear, precise signals. My 35+ years of clinical practice have taught me that small, intelligent movements, performed correctly, can create more profound and lasting change than an hour of strenuous, unfocused exercise.How "Minimum Effort" Works in Practice. The "Minimum Effort, Maximum Effect" principle is woven into every aspect of my work:• During the Session: Techniques like Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) don't rely on aggressive stretching. Instead, they use your own body's nervous system and very light contractions (minimum effort) to create a profound release of tension (maximum effect).• Your Self-Care Plan: When I design a home care plan, my goal is not to give you a long list of difficult exercises. Instead, I will identify just 2-3 highly specific movements tailored to your unique body mechanics. These are the "golden" exercises that will deliver 80% of the results with 20% of the effort.• The Focus on "How," Not "How Much": The secret is not what you do, but how you do it. I teach you the precise sensation to look for—the feeling of a specific muscle activating or releasing. This mindful approach turns a simple movement into a powerful therapeutic tool.Empowerment, Not Dependency. Ultimately, this principle is about respecting your time. My aim is not to make you dependent on endless sessions.This is why I advocate for my Intensive Protocol (1–3 consecutive daily sessions). We put in the focused effort upfront to resolve the issue quickly, so you don't have to manage it for months.By focusing on the smallest actions that create the biggest change, we build a sustainable path to true resilience and long-term wellbeing.

The Long-Term View

From Relief to Resilience: A Proactive Approach to Preventing Pain

For many people, the journey with bodywork begins and ends with pain. The back aches, you book a session, you feel relief, and life goes on—until the pain inevitably returns. This is the reactive cycle of managing symptoms.The philosophy of my Advanced Clinical Approach is to break this cycle and guide you towards a more empowered, proactive state: resilience.What is Resilience? Resilience, in the context of your body, is not simply the absence of pain. It is the ability to withstand daily stresses—be it hours at a desk, a demanding physical job, or the mental pressures of life in Edinburgh—without that stress manifesting as chronic tension and pain.It is a state of quiet strength and balance. Lasting relief is the first step, but true resilience is the ultimate goal.The Shift from Reactive to Proactive Care. The journey starts with my Intensive Protocol (1–3 consecutive daily sessions). This phase is designed to get you out of immediate trouble. We identify the source of the problem, release the primary restrictions, and reset the system. This is the reactive part.The proactive part begins once we have achieved this stability. This is where my recommendation for regular, preventative sessions comes in. These weekly or fortnightly sessions are fundamentally different from the intensive phase.Their purpose is not to "fix" a crisis, but to:• Fine-tune your system: We address minor tensions before they become major problems.• Consolidate progress: We reinforce the new, healthier patterns in your muscles and nervous system.• Adapt to new challenges: Life changes. A new project at work or a new fitness goal brings new stresses to your body. Proactive sessions help your body adapt gracefully.An Investment in Your Future Wellbeing. Viewing these sessions as "maintenance" is like viewing healthy eating as "maintenance"—it is the foundation of a better quality of life. It is the most effective way to protect your investment in your initial recovery.My goal as a practitioner is not to keep you dependent, but to empower you with the resilience to live more freely. The proactive approach is the key to transforming your relationship with your body from one of constant repair to one of sustained, confident wellbeing.

Local Knowledge

The Best Lunchtime Walks in Leith to Counteract a Morning of Sitting

Working in Leith offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern energy. However, for many professionals (especially those of us in Bonnington Bond and The Shore), it also means long hours spent at a desk.A simple lunchtime walk is a vital tool to reset your posture. You can transform this break into a powerful reset for your body, mind, and nervous system with one simple technique.The Clinical Walking Technique: The 10-Minute Reset. This is not just about breathing; it's about creating a rhythm that calms your mind and rebalances your body. This technique is especially effective when walking in the cold Edinburgh air, as it helps to regulate your internal temperature.The Rhythm: Synchronise your breath with your steps.1. Start: Begin walking at a steady, medium pace.2. Inhale: Breathe in through your nose for a count of four steps.3. Exhale: Without pausing, breathe out for a count of four steps. If you feel tense, exhale through a slightly open mouth to release jaw tension.4. Progression: Once the 4-in/4-out rhythm feels easy, advance to a 6-step or even 8-step rhythm for profound calming.This switches your nervous system from "stress" to "rest," clearing mental fog.1. The Water of Leith Walkway: For a Natural Reset. Just moments from many offices, this path is a true urban oasis.• The Route: Start near the Shore bridge and walk upstream for 10-15 minutes, then turn back.• Why it Works: The natural, uneven surface engages your stabiliser muscles, while the sound of water enhances the meditative breathing.2. The Shore & Commercial Quay Loop: For Sea Air. The classic Leith walk, perfect for clearing your head.• The Route: Do a simple loop starting from The Shore, crossing the bridge to Commercial Quay and back.• Why it Works: The wide, open space encourages a steady pace, making it easy to maintain your 4/4 breathing rhythm. The fresh sea air is invigorating.3. Leith Links: For Posture Correction. The open expanse of Leith Links is the perfect antidote to being hunched over a keyboard.• The Route: Head to the Links and do one long lap of the perimeter.• Why it Works: The wide vista naturally encourages you to lift your chest and look up, opening your diaphragm for deeper breathing.A Warning Sign: Does Walking Hurt? Integrating this technique is a perfect example of my "Minimum Effort, Maximum Effect" philosophy.However, walking should be pain-free. If you feel sciatica pain, numbness, or back stiffness after just 10 minutes of walking, this is a red flag. It means your body is compensating. In this case, walking won't fix it. You likely need my Intensive Protocol (1–3 sessions) to release the restriction first. Once resolved, you can enjoy your walks again.