SOFT TISSUE MASSAGE / MOBILISATIONMassage
Chartered Physiotherapists are highly trained and skilled in soft tissue massage. What is massage?
Massage is a "hands-on" treatment in which a therapist mobilises and manipulates soft tissues of the body, ie muscle, fascia etc to improve health and well-being.
There are many different types of massage
RELAXING MASSAGE
Usually carried out by masseurs and beauticians, frequently in spas, and as the name suggests it is a relaxing technique designed to de-stress and relax the body and mind.
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
Chartered Physiotherapists will use various massage techniques for therapeutic reasons. Massage has been practiced as a healing therapy for centuries in nearly every culture around the world.
Effects:
There are a huge number of benefits to therapeutic massage:
- Relieve muscle tension, and relax tight or knotted muscles
- Reduce stress in muscles and hence body
- Improve circulation and increase flow of oxygen and nutrients to cells
- Remove unwanted waste products or toxins from muscles and cells
- Reduce swelling
- Promote healing
- Break down adhesions and scars
- Release Myofascial Trigger Points
- Stimulate healing of injured tissues
- Increase range of joint motion and flexibility
- Improve skin condition and muscle tone
- Strengthen immune system by stimulating lymph flow in body
- Improved energy levels by improving oxygenation of muscles, decreasing pain etc.
- Reduce chronic pain
- Enhance immunity through lymph flow stimulation
Although massage affects the body as a whole, it particularly influences the activity of the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems.
Conditions:
Many conditions may benefit from therapeutic massage
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic or long term aches and pains
- Sports injuries, hamstring, groin, calf etc
- Neck & Back Pain
- Headaches
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
- Whiplash and accidents
- Arthritis (Rheumatoid and osteo)
- TMJ or jaw complaints
- Foot Pain
- Frozen shoulder and other joint pains
Types of Soft Tissue Massage and Mobilisation- Deep Transverse Frictions
- Myofascial Trigger Point Release
- Fascial Release
- Effleurage