Your website describes Kim Shamtally as the ‘inventor and mastermind’ behind Muscle Mechanics.
Tell us more about her background.
Kim Shamtally has been invested in the health and wellbeing of the self and others for over eighteen years. In that time, Kim had established a strong client base in complementary therapies and Aromatherapy. Graduating from Surrey University back in 2014 with the skills to build a network of clients that could benefit from natural realignment techniques that do not require medication, but more action led exercises. Previous to studying at Surrey University, Kim also studied, product design at Bournemouth University, learning how to bring ideas to life with the skills of design and prototype testing. From studying the complexities of the human body and how sensory issues can impair movement, it was the real-life experience of saving her son Jenson from a brain tumour in 2017 that saw how all these skills were called to action.
No one ever dreams of having a child with a serious illness. So, when patterns of behaviour started to happen with her son, it was the action against everyone else’s opinion that saved his life. Going into the local A&E department with evidence to warrant a full investigation, which then led to the brain tumour diagnosis. With all surgeries they carry substantial risk, the risks he faced was life or death.
Having survived the craniotomy to remove most of the tumour, other risks were made clear. He suffered a stroke down his left side of his body and required several surgeries afterwards to correct problems that occurred, he was left with a lifelong recovery of all his motor skills called Posterior Fossa Syndrome. When the impact of surgery finally emerged, this was a moment when impatience took a backseat. Recovery was going to take as long as it takes. Leading to further research into diet and genetics to establish the likelihood of a full recovery. Getting to know the cellular level of a tumour and how it can behave under certain levels of stress or environmental factors.
With this situation a vast amount of reading around neurology and neuro rehabilitation took place. In this time at hospital with the family to manage, this became a vision to see how her son could recover and as natural as possible. All the patterns of movement had to be planned within physiotherapy sessions and with sessions outside to keep the brain learning new memories. In this time her son used the remedies created to get through Covid, Chemotherapy and the agony of moving muscles in constant spasm.
What prompted Kim to set up Muscle Mechanics and how is it different from other companies in the field?
As previously mentioned, Muscle Mechanics was really an ideology Kim held for her children to remain fit and healthy at home but then extended into her client base when requests were made to try some of her remedies. Ensuring that her children were learning good techniques to keep their body working and to ease anxiety around societal trends to be or look a certain way. Kim has spent time educating them over food and how it has the power to heal the body. With a firm basis of learning how food is fuel as well as medicine to reduce pain and boost your immune system to deal with everyday coughs and colds.
The art of listening to what troubles the client and how best to assist movement came from this approach to help make people feel better. Learning from real life and applying strategies to rebuild resilience is a unique stance from other companies. Working alongside medical professionals has uncovered a greater need to collaborate for the best outcome for the client. Muscle Mechanics believes in an integrated approach taking into consideration the many factors that can place stress upon a person throughout their lives. Placing an emphasis on emotional and physical harmony when it comes down to mobility and the muscles that drive you throughout your day.
Building in a tool set of balms that can assist for certain challenges can enable anyone who is active to have a sense of comfort away from home and at the end of a long day. Acknowledging that we could all do with a little help is a step forward to acceptance. With acceptance therapists can improve their patients’ outcomes with regards to mobility and lifestyle. Which for all of us in this industry is our top priority.
Give us an insight into your products and the range of health issues they help with.
Delving into our range of balms: We create Recovery kits for people involved with sports and Packs for the grab and go active outdoor workers. Within the therapy realm, we saw a need to incorporate relaxing blends to assist with sleep and restful moments to restore the mind for the next day. Simply we have four main blends to target key systems that can affect the body at any time of the day.
Muscle Balm: Creates a warmth within the muscles to relieve cramp and spasms experienced in cooler conditions. Common issues that can benefit from this blend are: Frozen shoulder, hamstring tightness, I.T band issues and shin splints. We notice tight calves can be eased with the combination of Muscle Balm and a good foam roller!
Pain Relief: Is an excellent all-rounder to deal with restrictions within the tendons and joints. Soothing callouses on the hands and feet; it can be used on blisters and sore areas of the skin that have been the result of friction with fabrics such as shorts and running vests. Pain Relief can ease knee pain to enable movement, and this is also evident in the wrist and finger joints that can become stiff through the beginnings of arthritis or repetitive overuse. Used as part of an aftercare programme it can assist with clients that are under physio care to complete the exercises set, increasing the success of the rehabilitation. Ankles, hips, and necks that experience regional pain can also feel the benefit of using this blend.
Calm Me: For mental exhaustion and increased levels of anxiety. Calm Me is a favourite for busy lifestyles and the constant juggling of family, work, and friendships. Where the demands placed upon the person increases and overwhelm can be experienced this balm can be a real asset. That old saying “Sleep on it, you’ll feel better in the morning.” This is what we can miss. Sleep and relaxation are key to healing the body, so for all the workaholics out there, this can balm or inhaler version can give you the space and time you need to make decisions with a clear head. For neurodiverse individuals that struggle with focus and concentration, Calm Me can assist with feeling burnout from the day. Creating that natural relaxing rhythm to rest and recover.
Respiration: Covering the cold and flu season and those moments when the sinuses are congested. Respiration Balm clears the mucus to encourage the immune system to get rid of the virus invading the airways. When dealing with outdoor environments during the summer, this balm can ease the symptoms of Hay Fever and Pollen sensitivity. Use it on your chest and back even the soles of the feet. When the chest feels tight due to cold and flu this Balm can ease the area to relieve the heaviness experienced.
Presumably, you are not suggesting Muscle Mechanics products offer an alternative to seeing a clinician?
No, we believe in collaborating with clinicians to achieve the best outcome for the patient. Where we can provide comfort and ability during the process this only serves as a benefit to reach the desired goal.
Can physiotherapy clinics obtain samples and supplies – or are your products only available online?
Yes, Physiotherapy clinics can enquire about samples and supply. We have a multichannel approach whereby we can be online and in person at tradeshows or through the traditional route of ordering over email and phone. We have enjoyed sending samples out as it is an effective way to understand how this product can work before committing to a larger purchase. We recently exhibited at Therapy Expo in November 2024 and spoke with a range of therapists offering a trade discount which is still available now on request of a clinic wishing to purchase for their clients.
Could you give a couple of examples of feedback you have received from patients/clinicians (such as physios)?
“I have been using your products for over a year now religiously! I am competing at British and European championships and would like to have you as a sponsor as I want to have something I believe in and use regularly within the obstacle sport racing community.” B. Rushforth Feb 2025
“Four of us from Bracknell Town Walking Football Club met you yesterday and bought some products. I used mine today from my knee down to my ankle, as the whole area had been aching bad. I was not sure if I would be able to play. I managed 1.5 hrs, and it feels really good. I also handed out the Pain Relief Balm to one of the guys that pulled his groin.” Bracknell Town Walking Football Club Dec 2024
“I got this little sample pot somewhere and credit where credit is due. I am obsessed with this stuff! I have been using it on and off the last few weeks and it is wonderful and seems to really help when I am achy!”
Heels Down and Kick on National Equine Show March 2024
“I would like to say a big thank you to Muscle Mechanics and their balms. I have been using them plenty lately with all the training in prep for fights and they help. The Pain Relief applied after a bath to help with the recovery routine and to get rid of those niggles. They are all made with natural ingredients and as a kickboxer it is great to be proud of the companies you work with and #TeamJenson he has inspired me.” L. Fox Feb 2025
Where can we find more information about Muscle Mechanics?
Muscle Mechanics can be found online at Muscle-Mechanics.com or through our social media channels:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musclemechanicsbalms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musclemechanicsbalms
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-shamtally
We are currently attending The National Cycling Show March 21-22nd
at the NEC Birmingham and The London Marathon Running Show April 23rd -26th at the Excel.
