Massage – what is it?
Massage 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 Redfern Physio, our therapists provide a variety of massage techniques to cater to the specific needs of all; from the young to the elderly, the recreational to the elite athlete, the idle to the active, and for pregnancy and post pregnancy. Our therapists are equipped with the tools to consistently provide a high quality and professionally tailored massage therapy service.
What are the ‘real’ benefits?
It is a good idea to take regular massage as a preventative measure so that pain and 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 lifestyle goals.
Massage therapy is extremely beneficial to people leading busy lifestyles, or suffering from 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 – 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, or relaxing tight muscles.
Here is a brief summary of some commonly found massage therapies:
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, to release tension and spasm.
Pregnancy Massage – Therapists use a combination of Swedish and Remedial Massage techniques, to assist with the tension and pain 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 tight. It holistically treats the 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 techniques are also employed.
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 relax 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 Redfern Physio and how we can help you, please contact our friendly admin team and they can arrange for one of our massage therapists to answer all your questions.
