BENEFITS AND WHAT TO EXPECT
BENEFITS AND WHAT TO EXPECT
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A MASSAGE?
Soft tissue massage therapists will use a variety of techniques to achieve the desired goal. After an assessment of the client’s posture and movement capability, the therapist will start by using general massage techniques to stimulate circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids warming up the tissues and relaxing the muscles. Deeper techniques will then be applied to break down adhesions (knots) in the muscles and stretching techniques used to increase range of motion and improve mobility. This will be specific to the client and no 2 treatments are the same.
After the treatment you may experience some discomfort where the tissues have been manipulated and stretched – this passes within a day or so and is very common. Drink plenty of water and allow the muscles time to adjust and restore.
MASSAGE TECHNIQUES
General massage
General massage increases circulation of blood, removes waste materials from the tissues and improves the flexibility and condition of the tissues. All massages start with a gentle general massage to warm the tissues up and relax the client. This is also when the therapist will be physically assessing the tissues for signs of tension, dysfunction or trigger points.
Fascial Release Technique
Fascial Release Technique (FRT) is a slow and effective technique that focuses on the fascia (connective tissue) that is wrapped around all muscle tissue in the body and helps increase myofascial mobility and reduce pain.
Muscle Energy Technique
Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a form of manual therapy which uses the gentle muscle contractions of the client to relax and lengthen the muscles and normalise joint motion.
Remedial exercises
Remedial exercises and stretches will be individually created to fit your exact requirements and will be sent to you via email as part of your massage therapy plan.
Soft Tissue Release
Soft Tissue Release (STR) is an advanced massage technique widely used in assessing and stretching soft tissues; muscles, fascia, tendons and ligaments. STR involves the therapist using manual pressure on a muscle to create a temporary false attachment point and then taking the muscle into a pain-free stretch to untangle the muscle fibres. STR is used to increase range of movement, relieve pain, prevent, repair and manage injuries.
Neuro-Muscular Technique
Neuro-Muscular Technique (NMT) – focuses on the ‘trigger points’ in the body which areas of soft tissue that are extremely tight and sore due to overuse, micro trauma from injury or stress. These can feel like knots and NMT works on the neuromuscular system to release the trigger point and the muscle by a careful application of pressure.
Pre and post competition massage
Pre and post competition massage differs in the speed and application of the massage. Pre comp is fast, light and designed to increase circulation in order to enable the muscles to react quickly to a sudden change in physical exertion. Post comp massage is slow, deeper with gentle stretching applied and aims to relax the tissues, prevent any areas of damage becoming an injury risk and encourage any waste materials to be moved into the lymphatic system rather than getting caught in the muscles. Having a massage post comp will help reduce DOMS and speed up the recovery / healing time.
Kinesiology Taping
Kinesiology Taping – thin stretchy tape that sticks to the skin that is used for a wide variety of soft tissue issues. The tape (ROCK TAPE® is used here) can be left on the skin for several days and significantly accelerates the healing process from trauma, injuries and inflammatory conditions. As the tape decompresses the tissues affected, it allows your lymphatic and venous drainage system to drain quickly and swollen/bruised tissues heal more rapidly. Due to this affect it is also is believed to reduce DOMS after training. The tape can also be used to support and strengthen muscles and joint that are working sub optimally.