We’ve got your back
Paisley massage therapists join Scotland’s karate coaching team
Scotland’s karate stars are in with a fighting chance of striking gold at next week’s World Championships — thanks to a Paisley massage therapist.
Armstrong Massage Therapy (AMT), based in Arkleston Road, have announced their partnership with the Scottish Karate Team and the Scottish Karate Governing Board (SKGB).
The sports massage therapists have been selected to be part of the national coaching team.
They will be travelling with the martial artists when they compete at the World Championships in Tenerife.
A number of hotshots from Renfrew’s Shitokai Scotland Karate Club will be travelling to the Canary Island for the competition.
The club, which runs out of Renfrew Leisure Centre, will make up almost half of the team that is set to head to Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Amiee Pollard, Alex Marshall, Matthew Chalk, Emma Ruthven, Niamh Junner, Jonathan Gilmour, Chris Scott, Dylan Rush and Heather McIlraith are all set to be in action across a range of categories and age groups.
Gerry Fleming, SKGB national coach, said: “This is a first for the SKGB and gives us an additional advantage when going for gold.
“We have never had a sports massage therapist travel with the team before and having them on hand will not only boost our chances, but will also boost the team’s morale.
“AMT have been working with the team for a few months now and have already made a huge difference to the squad.
“I know we are far better equipped going into the World Championships with all their experience on board and having them as part of our squad.”
The massage therapists aim to alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the body’s soft tissues during physical activity and assists in reducing the risk of injury.
Annette Armstrong, owner and lead therapist of AMT, added: “We are delighted and very proud to be working so closely with the team.
“We have been treating a few of the squad already and now to be working with the whole team so closely is a fantastic opportunity, as they will have hands-on treatments on training days and at camps, as well as events and competitions.
“We are particularly excited to be travelling with them to the World Championships in Tenerife and, after that, we have our sights on Russia.”