The types of Massages I offer and have training in are:
Remedial Massage Therapy
Remedial massage is a holistic treatment for the whole of the body, as well as the area being treated, providing relief through the manual manipulation of soft tissue; skin, fascia, muscles, tendon and joint through various massage techniques as well as stretching.It can be gentle or strong, deep or shallow. Passive Stretching and Muscles Energy Techniques are also used.
Swedish Relaxation Massage
During Swedish massage, I use massage oils to facilitate smooth, gliding strokes over the entire body. Other classic Swedish massage moves include kneading, friction, stretching and (sometimes) tapping.
Swedish massage uses firm but gentle pressure to promote relaxation, ease muscle tension and create other health benefits listed at the bottom of the page.
Sports Massage
Sports Massage is a special form of massage and is typically used before, during, and after athletic events. The purpose of the massage is to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries.
The main purpose of sports massage therapy is to help alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the body’s soft tissues during physical activity. Where minor injuries and lesions occur, due to overexertion and/or overuse, massage can break them down quickly and effectively. The massage will help prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. Sports massage can help prevent those niggling injuries that so often get in the way of performance and achievement, whether a person is an athlete or a once a week jogger.
Myofascial Release Therapy
Fascia is easiest described with the metaphor of an orange. Imagine (but not for too long!) that the orange fruit slices are muscle, fascia would then be the white pith that seperates and compartmentalises the entire orange. Fascia acts the same within the body, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein as well as all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one structure that exists from head to foot without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia.
In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When we experience physical trauma, scarring, or inflammation, however, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted and a source of tension to the rest of the body. Trauma, such as a fall, whiplash, surgery or just habitual poor posture over time and repetitive stress injuries has a cumulative effects. The changes they cause in the fascial system influence comfort and the functioning of our body. The fascia can exert excessive pressure producing pain or restriction of motion. They affect our flexibility and stability, and are a determining factor in our ability to withstand stress and strain.
I use slow concentrated pressure to stretch and relax the fascia. If the fascia relaxes the amazing effect is that the muscles encapsulated within in the fascia relaxes along with it
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is like a quick release button for the muscles. It is a bodywork technique that involves the application of pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body.
Trigger point therapy was developed by Dr. Janet Travell in the United States in the 1940s; she is credited with having first used the phrase “trigger point” in print in 1942. Through her work and events in her personal life, Travell advanced the theory that pain experienced in one part of the body is actually caused by an injury or dysfunction in another part of the body. Ultimately, she mapped what she termed the body’s trigger points and the manner in which pain radiates to the rest of the body. Travell’s work came to national attention when she treated President John F. Kennedy for his back pain.
Seated Chair Massage
Chair massage is a short massage, anywhere from five to 30 minutes, done through the clothing. It typically focuses on key tension areas in the back, neck, shoulders and arms. Seated chair Massage is performed in a specially designed ergonomic massage chair made by Azima Massage Chairs.
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Massage has many important health benefits. In fact, massage can help you maintain physical, mental and emotional well being, especially when it is part of your regular wellness routine.
The Health Benefits of Massage
* Massage calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxation and well being.
* Massage reduces tension and anxiety.
* Massage improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells.
* Massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which carries away the body’s waste products.
* Massage prevents and relieve muscles cramps and spasms.
* Massage therapy can help with pain management in conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, muscle spasms.
Remind yourself of these health benefits if you start to feel guilty about getting a massage!
Massage is not a good idea if you have a fever, infections, inflammation, osteoporosis and other medical conditions. If you have any questions about whether a massage would be right for you, please don’t hesitate to ask me before you make your appointment.
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