Massage Therapy – what is it?
Massage therapy is defined as the systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for a curative effect. Soft tissues are made more pliable through massage to promote circulation and blood flow and bring about healing effects: physical and psychological changes for general wellbeing.
At Spinal and Sports Care, we provide all types of massage therapy. From the young to the elderly, the idle to the elite athlete, for pregnancy and post pregnancy, our therapists are equipped with the tools to consistently provide a high quality and professionally tailored massage therapy treatment.
What are the ‘real’ benefits?
It is a good idea to take regular massage as a preventative measure so that such injuries do not occur. Regular massage maintenance will increase your overall sense of wellbeing for optimum physical and mental health, helping you to achieve your goals.
The importance of taking regular massage has heightened in recent times as more people recognise how beneficial it is as a way to counteract the effects of sitting in front of a computer screen daily, or how to sooth those sore muscles after a gym or Pilates session.
Massage therapy is extremely beneficial to people leading busy lifestyles suffering from what is now commonly encountered work related stress. Massage will not only aid with mental relaxation but will work on physical symptoms of back and neck pain that comes from sitting for an extended period of time at a desk or from physical labour.
Massage therapy is for more than simple relaxation. Studies continue to prove the physical and emotional benefits of even a single massage therapy session. Massage contributes to stress relief and relaxation, improvements in posture and circulation and increases flexibility. It also improves rehabilitation following surgery or injury.
Types of Massage Therapy– what type of massage is best for me?
There are several forms of massage, and it can be confusing to know what will work best for a particular ailment or condition. Some massage concentrates more on relaxing the client whilst others will work more deeply at repairing damaged muscle tissue.
At Spinal and Sports Care, our Practitioners work closely with the massage therapy team, and will guide you towards the technique that will be most suitable for your condition.
Here is a brief summary of some commonly found massage therapies:
- Acupressure Massage – is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This massage therapy is closely related to Acupuncture and Myofascial Release treatment creates movement and is therefore seen as a treatment for pain relief.
- Connective Tissue Massage – this technique is connected to the Myofascial Release Technique, and does not involve the use of oil or lotion. It can relieve chronic tension, improve posture and relieve painful symptoms of chronic diseases such as Arthritis, Tendonitis, TMJ and Sciatica.
- Deep Tissue Massage – focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It is designed to reach the deep sections of thick muscles, specifically the individual muscle fibres.
- Pregnancy Massage – Therapists use a combination of Swedish and Remedial Massage techniques, to assist with the tensions and pains experienced during pregnancy. These are often caused by the extra weight and shift in the centre of gravity. Massage reduces peripheral swelling, soothes the nervous system, helps to prevent insomnia, muscle cramps and back pain. Regular massage throughout the pregnancy is also said to shorten labour time and the return to optimal fitness after birth.
- Remedial Massage – works to heat muscles and tendons that are damaged, impaired or knotted. It holistically treats the whole body and traces the discomfort back to the original cause. It uses specialised techniques to support and speed up the body’s own repair mechanisms. The massage is applied directly to the skin usually with an oil lubricant. Passive stretching moves are also employed.
- Shiatsu – is a traditional hands-on ‘healing therapy’ originating from the Japanese. It is quite an intense form of massage whereby the therapist uses thumbs, elbows, forearms, feet and knees to apply pressure on the body. This is combined with stretches, joint rotations and joint manipulation to give an all-over treatment.
- Sports Massage – SPORTS MASSAGE Uses General Massage and Remedial Massage techniques, but applies them to sports specific needs. Sports Massage Therapy helps aid recovery and relieves muscle spasm through deep tissue massage, stretches, and a variety of muscular releases.
- These can be short duration, high energy, medium pressure treatments to limber up, motivate and prepare a client immediately PRE-Event. They can be slow, relaxing, deep flushing massages POST-Event to assist the body’s Lymphatic system and help contracted muscles stretch back to pre exercise length. Or they can be specific treatments adapted to competition or training conditions, to alleviate cramps, stretch tight hamstrings etc.
- Swedish Massage – is a system of long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration and shaking motions that apply pressure between muscles and bones, rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. Swedish Massage feels good, is relaxing and invigorating.
To find out more about what we do at Spinal and Sports Care and how we can help you, please contact our office and one of our massage therapists will be happy to discuss your massage, and provide you with a high quality and professionally tailored massage therapy treatment.