Sports enthusiasts from Orkney are getting fitter by thinking smarter thanks to a local sports therapy expert.

Julie Lawrence from Finstown has recently completed a remedial and sports massage course in Glasgow, which helps sports people focus as much on what they do when they are not training, as what they do when they are.

Julie said: "Many sports people, regardless of level, assume that the way to becoming stronger or more competitive is by physically increasing the amount they train. This is of course important but relaxation, rest and the effective prevention and treatment of injuries can be just as beneficial.

"The course has given me a greater knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the body and in-depth detail of muscles. This is important in the treatment of injuries as working in the direction of muscle fibres can help release muscle tension and aid recovery.

Orkney Enterprise provided a skills development grant to help with the cost of the Glasgow course.

Head of skills development at Orkney Enterprise Ruth Kirkpatrick said: "Julie now provides a service which was previously unavailable in Orkney. It has helped improve her own skill base at the same time as increasing the range of services she can now offer."

Julie is self employed and works mainly from the Pickaquoy Sports Centre. She qualified in anatomy, physiology and holistic massage five years ago but it is the skills she learned on the sports massage course that have enabled her to offer a more comprehensive range of services to help make her business more viable.

Although Julie mainly works with sports people who themselves are often referred by chiropractors and fitness instructors, she also works with members of the public who are sometimes referred by local doctors. She also travels to the Orkney islands of Stronsay and Westray on a monthly basis and holds clinics at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow each month.

She said: "It's very important to stress that massage therapy provides relaxation and de-stressing benefits whether you are suffering from an injury or not. Some of my clients use massage as part of an effective training regime or simply feel the benefits from a health perspective."

To find out further details, contact Julie Lawrence on 01856 761668.