MASSAGE
Bad posture, a sedentary lifestyle, emotional imbalance, tension and stress are all aspects of our lives that are ‘remembered’ in our bodies and likely to affect us physically.
You are a physical manifestation of the whole of you, of what you do, what you think and what you feel. In other words, your health is tied to more than just your physical structures.
To help you heal and find harmony, we believe it is useful for you to become more aware of your body and how you use it. So, part of what we do when we discuss your symptoms and massage treatment is to hold up a metaphorical mirror, so you can see yourself more clearly, to help you improve your self awareness. The more you know your body, and how you feel, usually the better you respond to treatment.
How do you manage stress in your life? What’s your diet like? Are you suffering from any emotional stressors? How well do you sleep? Understanding these factors will help find the best way to support your body in its quest for optimal health.
It’s this exploration and consideration of the whole body that’s so important, and the way to give your body the best chance of healing. While avoiding the need for invasive surgery and medication, which are often not the best solution.
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
Therapeutic Massage incorporates all the techniques based on Swedish massage: gliding strokes, kneading movements, circular pressure of the hand and fingers, vibratory movements, brisk tapping and bending and stretching. Therapeutic Massage adds intensive techniques specifically designed to support the healing process and treat injuries from overuse, accidents and some congenital conditions like scoliosis. Advanced manual therapeutic techniques used may include muscle energy technique, neuromuscular technique, element of trigger point therapy, connective tissue (fascial) massage, soft tissue release, deep cross and multi directional friction and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation.
HOW DOES IT WORK ?
Therapeutic Massage aims to improve the suppleness and flexibility of muscles and joints, improve blood circulation, speed up the healing of damaged or stressed muscles, tissues and joints, and prevent future muscle and tendon injuries.
A Therapeutic Massage can be carried out prior to a sports event to prevent injury, when it will stimulate circulation, calm nervous tension and prepare the individual for optimal performance whilst at the same time
WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR ?
Therapeutic Massage is good for releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to the musculoskeletal system. It reduces strain and discomfort caused by injury, overuse, training or participating in sport, and it encourages the body to heal and repair any injuries sustained.
WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE ?
The client is usually asked to dress down to their underwear so that the practitioner can work directly on the skin. The massage is carried out usually whilst the client is lying on a massage couch or table but may also involve some interactive techniques with the client performing specific movements under instruction from the therapist while the therapist applies the technique.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS ?
The main benefit of Therapeutic Massage is that it improves muscle flexibility, blood circulation and reduces swelling, aids the prevention of injuries and assists the body with recovery and repair after injuries have been sustained.
Other types of massages
TRIGGER POINT MASSAGE
Is a type of massage therapy which examines and treats muscles and muscle attachments in layers. It addresses surface muscles and connective tissues and deeper ligaments and connective tissues. It is closely aligned with the eastern technique of acupressure massage.
Trigger points usually occur up and down your body along the length off the muscle, and can present themselves as referred patterns of sensation such as sharp pain, dull ache, tingling, pins and needles, hot or cold, as well as can create symptoms such as nausea, ear ache, equilibrium disturbance, or blurred vision. These small, hyperirritable sites in the muscle tissue sometimes refer pain to other locations as in headaches or sciatica.
It can help with:
- headaches
- neck stiffness
- carpal tunnel like symptoms
- tennis elbow
- bursitis
- frozen shoulder
- back pain
- low back stiffness
- sciatica
- shin splints
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Myofascial release is a massage technique and therapeutic treatment applying a gentle form of prolonged stretching or a form of skin rolling that targets the fascial connective tissue.
Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel, and organ of the body, down to the cellular level. Prolonged stretching, for up to 2 minutes, produces a healing effect upon the body tissues, eliminating pain and restoring full range of motion.
Malfunction of the fascial system due to trauma, posture, or inflammation can create a binding down of the fascia, resulting in abnormal pressure on nerves, muscles, bones, or organs. Myofascial release frees up fascia that may be pressing on blood vessels or nerves.
People who suffer from backache, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, headaches and many other complaints benefit from this technique.