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massage

what is massage therapy?

Massage involves the application of pressure and the use a of movement to our soft connective tissue structures the body. Techniques vary but all physically stretch muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia, relieving muscle soreness, pain, increasing circulation, flexibility and mobility.

We have all instinctively rubbed or held pressure to an area we have hurt or caused trauma to, it is just something we do, so saying that; we could also say it is one of the oldest forms of natural aids to self healing and has been used in ancient cultures all over the world as a form of traditional medicine.

Therapeutic massage improves the functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems. An increase in productivity to these body systems results in an accelerated rate to which the body recovers from injury and illness.

Massage therapists use tools such as hands, thumbs, fingers, knuckles, elbows, and sometimes even feet to apply pressure to muscles in just the right places. Therapists also move the limbs of clients to facilitate joint movement and muscle stretching.

how does massage therapy affect the body?

The Chemical and Psychological Effect of Massage

In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. These changes help to reduce both pain and stress in your body. Research shows that with massage:

  • Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
  • Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
  • Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
  • High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
  • Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
  • Preterm infants have improved weight gain.

The benefit of touch - ranging from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, is being embrace by the medical community as an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units.

Massage increases circulation

An increase in blood circulation results in and increase in oxygen supply to muscle tissue. A damaged or injured muscle will benefit from this surplus of oxygen by speeding the rate at which waste is carried out from the muscle. With the increase in blood supply and oxygen to a muscle, also comes a reduction in recovery time for the body to heal. Combined with conventional medicine, massage treatment will keep mobility in the body and reduce the likelihood that our muscular system will incorrectly compensate movements and cause long term movement patterns.

Massage Boosts the Immune System

Massage stimulates the immune system by increasing blood flow and lymph drainage. It improves circulation and relieves congestion in the tissues. It stimulates the production of blood cells and promotes lymph flow which hastens the elimination of cellular wastes. It helps clear muscles of lactic and uric acid that build up during exercise and relaxes muscle hyper tonicity as well as relieves muscle tension.

Massage can aid in decreasing anxiety and depression levels

Massage, like exercise, releases endorphins and serotonin within the body which are amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller, and helping to increase our body's de-stressors. By decreasing the levels of cortisol in your body, which is a large trigger of stress, anxiety levels can be controlled and depression can be aided with regular treatments. Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. There is nothing that will age us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in our fast-paced lives may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:

  • Decreased anxiety.
  • Enhanced sleep quality.
  • Greater energy.
  • Improved concentration.
  • Increased circulation.
  • Reduced fatigue.
  • Greater clarity and focus (emotionally and mentally)

Massage can prevent improves scar tissue

Scar tissue can be found on any tissue on the body including skin and internal organs. An injury, cut, surgery or disease can create a scar and once healed is thicker and denser than its' surrounding tissue. For this reason scar tissue has limited blood supply and is paler in colour, and although it takes the place of damaged or destroyed tissue, it can limit your function, movement, circulation, and nerve sensation. So, to improve this tissue we need to increase the blood circulation to the area and maintain or increase mobility. Massage stimulates blood flow and therefore blood supply, while remedial techniques allow movement and stretching of the muscles, and therefore maintaining or increasing mobility in joints.

Massage can influence your posture

Our daily lives are centred on us doing activities that are not always functionally correct for our bodies. The way we walk, sit, carry, hold, turn even breathe can be compromised if our body movements and muscles are not functioning how they should be. Our body remembers how to do things by repetition, if we are continually repetiting incorrect movements the body remembers this in an automatic fashion can cause an imbalance in our posture.

Massage improves muscle tone

By improved muscle tone, there is a delay in muscle atrophy which is a result of inactivity. Deep massage can separate fascia fibres, and prevent the formation of adhesions and helps reduction of inflammation and swelling in joints and soft tissue. Manual movement of the body maintains or increases mobility of joints and therefore encourages even function of muscle fibres. By stretching these fibres flexibility also becomes a benefit and kinesthetic awareness of the body

Finally, Massage is relaxing

It can make you feel GREAT, no more to say!!!

what is a massage technique?

A Massage technique has the same intention or goal, but is presented by the therapist in a differing style. Movement of soft tissue can be physical, functional, or psychological. Massage techniques inspire the body using pressure (structured, unstructured, stationary, and/or moving), tension, motion, or vibration acquired manually or with aids. Massage aids vary from hands, stones, aromas or temperatures, to name only a few.

REMEDIAL/DEEP TISSUE - focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body, through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, by either following or crossing over the muscle fibres, fascia and tendons. This therapy usually addressese specific problem associated with chronic muscular pain, injury rehabilitations, sporting and occupational injuries, RSI, and physical and mental fatigue. It's important to drink plenty of water after a deep-tissue session to help eliminate toxins from the body.

SPORTS - A form of bodywork that incorporates specific sports massage techniques for the active individual. Deep in pressure, it is ideal to help your body prepare for sporting events, enhances recovery or for rehabilitation of an injury. Perfect for optimizing your physical performance.

SWEDISH - Is quite fair in pressure, it involves the use of kneading, stroking, friction, tapping, and vibration and may provide relief from stiffness, numbness and pain. The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Other possible benefits include stimulation of circulation, an increase in muscle tone, and a balance of the musculo-skeletal systems. Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing blood pressure by rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.

MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE - Increases the ease and efficiency of muscle movement, as well as reducing muscle spasm and tension. It offers gentle manual movement techniques that invite resistance to a muscle to allow it a release and realignment of 'stuck' joints.

TRIGGER POINT - Identifies specific points in the body that are attributed to referred pain within certain patterns. Trigger point involves direct pressure on these points to encourage tension release and is usually incorporated within a remedial or deep tissue massage.

ORTHO-BIONOMY - Is the use of resistance to exaggerate a movement that may be causing imbalance. In holding the position of resistance you initiate a reflex within the body that causes a release. It originates as a blend of principles from Osetopathy and Judo, and together with massage strokes and exercise can bring the body back into functional balance

HOT STONES - Incorporates heated volcanic basalt stones to penetrate deep into muscles for deep tissue work and relaxation. Heat therapy stimulates the blood flow to increase the elimination of waste and pain relief. The stones are used in both rhythmic strokes and placed specifically stationary on the body.

ACUPRESSURE - The principles of Chinese acupuncture is followed but instead of needles, pressure is applied specifically with a finger, thumb or blunt aid. This pressure is applied in either a circular motion or directly onto one spot. The amount of pressure is variable and depends greatly on the client, but has no bearing on the treatments effectiveness. This technique is commonly combined with regular deep tissue or remedial massage to expel the toxins released from the muscles.

PREGNANCY - Massage during pregnancy not only aids in minimalising stress and the preparation of childbirth, it also helps alleviate common pregnancy complaints. Conditions that are commonly addressed are muscle cramping, swelling of hands and feet, sciatic pain, headaches, shoulder and lower back pain. Differing weight bearing means posture can compromised, massage allows muscles to stay pliable and movement easier.

BABY/INFANT MASSAGE - Gentle touch is very important part of a baby's growth allowing them to feel secure and loved. Massaging a baby improves their immune system, promotes better and deeper sleep, teaches them to consciously relax muscles, and can help alleviate pain from colic, gas congestion. Parents form a closer relationship with their baby, identifying and encouraging communication skills and creating a bond. Regular infant massage allows baby to develop self confidence, body awareness and incorporate a self care regime into a healthy lifestyle.

CUPPING - Is the use of glass cups that are applied to the skin on acupuncture points or areas of pain. The pressure in the cup is reduced (either by heat or suction) in order to draw and hold skin and superficial muscles inside the cup. The intention of this technique is to pull the stagnant blood out of the painful area to allow it to be disposed and flushed out by new oxygenated blood.

the benefits of massage

The benefits of massage are endless, and regardless of our adjectives to having a massage whether that is an indulgence, rejuvenation or for therapy, massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen. A summary of benefits, but definitely not all are below:

  • Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
  • Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
  • Ease medication dependence.
  • Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow - the body's natural defense system.
  • Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
  • Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
  • Improve the condition of the body's largest organ - the skin.
  • Increase joint flexibility.
  • Lessen depression and anxiety.
  • Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
  • Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
  • Reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling.
  • Reduce spasms and cramping.
  • Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
  • Release endorphins - our amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
  • Relieves migraine pain

Increase your benefits with frequent visits

Having a massage can do you a world of good, but having a massage frequently can do even more. Taking part in a form of regularly scheduled self-care, particularly massage can play a huge part in maintaining your health and regulate how youthful you can feel with each passing year. Budgeting time for bodywork at regular intervals is an investment in your health. Try and remember that just because massage feels like a pampering treat does not mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage as an important part of your health and wellbeing plan, talk with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.

Common Conditions that are addressed with massage:

  • Muscle and joint stiffness or tightness
  • Joint pain - e.g. knee or elbow
  • Stress
  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Lower back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Shoulder and arm pain
  • Headaches
  • Neck pain
  • Sprains and strains and tears
  • Swelling and oedema
  • Sinus issues

what to expect during a massage treatment

Initially, your therapist will consult with you on your physical health and history, making assessments based on your verbal information or physical assessment tools or exercises. An appropriate technique choice is going to benefit you and chosen uniquely for you based on the information you give, so be honest, and give as much detail as you can.

Then, depending on the technique, your therapist will explain the process of the treatment so you know what to expect and how you may need to prepare yourself. Your therapist will more than likely leave the room to give you privacy and time to dress or undress, and then return to commence the treatment. A massage treatment in majority of cases involves the application of oil on the skin, this is to avoid friction and allow massage tools to glide over easily.

Your treatment room will be comfortably warm and have appropriate lighting, there may be music playing to promote relaxation. You are not expected to talk through the treatment, but if you have questions or do wish to chat then it is encouraged - if this will help you in your recovery.

what to do following a massage treatment

Drink lots of WATER, hydrated muscles are relaxed muscles. Water eliminates waste from our bodies, keeps the matrix of our fibres structurally sound and allows the muscle fibres to contract to their full potential. Water forms 55-80% of our bodies! How can it not be important?

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