Massage….
Welcome to the benefits of massage! Christmas can be a very busy, hectic time of year, finding ways to de-stress and relax are extremely important for your well-being. Massage has many benefits, so our blog this month will explain the different types of massage available here at Ashbourne and Hilton Physiotherapy Centres.
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Swedish Massage
- Swedish massage is a classic style of massage based on a system of techniques developed by Per Henrik Ling (1776 – 1839). It utilises relatively gentle techniques focused on the body’s superficial layers. It promotes general relaxation and well-being and is often used for stress relief or to promote circulation and improve tissue elasticity. It also has the potential to improve blood pressure.
- There are five basic strokes: effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, and vibration. Petrissage refers to kneading motions, effleurage to stroking – the massage technique one may associate most strongly with Swedish massage and with the accompanying relaxation.
- Swedish massage is generally practised with the client lying on a massage table with draping in place of outer clothing. Therapists use massage oils which may incorporate aromatic oils to enhance relaxation and wellness.
- Many massage modalities are based partly on Swedish massage techniques, so it provides a strong foundation for many massage courses. For example, from Swedish massage, one may progress to deeper remedial or sports massage focused on the soft tissues of different parts of the body. Chair massage can use Swedish massage technique, adapted for practicality. Prenatal massage is often based on Swedish massage but is designed to maximize symptom relief as well as ensure safety. Another example is hot stone massage where hot basalt stones are incorporated into the session.
- Reference: Massage Therapy Modalities: Swedish Massage [Online]. Available from: http://www.massagetherapylicense.org/articles/swedish-massage [Accessed 26 October 2021].
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Sports Massage
Many of Per Henrik Ling’s (1776 – 1839) ideas have formed the foundations of modern sports massage. Sports massage is a specialised form of massage involving the application of specific techniques to manipulate soft tissues with the aim of benefiting a client engaged in regular physical activity. Soft tissue includes skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia (a form of connective tissue that lines and sheaths the other soft tissues).
Sports massage is designed to assist in correcting problems and imbalances in soft tissue that are caused from repetitive and strenuous physical activity and trauma. The application of sports massage, prior to and after exercise, may enhance performance, aid recovery and prevent injury.
The general area a sports massage therapist will work in is to help individuals and teams progress from being able to perform normal daily physical functions to sporting and highly skilled activities.
Sports massage has been accepted in America, Canada and Australia for many years now, while in the UK, the practice only became known and more widely used in the 1990s.
Reference:
What is Sports Massage? [Online]. Available from: http://www.sportstherapyuk.com/about-sports-massage/what-is-sports-massage [Accessed 26 October 2021].
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Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is a system of massage techniques that is primarily used to treat musculoskeletal issues, such as chronic stiffness and pain and muscle and sports injuries. It helps to break up scar tissue that forms following an injury or strain and it reduces tension in muscle and other soft tissue. It may also promote faster healing by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.
It involves applying sustained pressure with fingers, thumbs, palms, knuckles, forearms and elbows using slow, deep strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle tissue and connective tissues. Techniques include deep kneading and stroking with varying amounts of intense pressure.
Reference:
What is Deep Tissue Massage? [Online]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/deep-tissue-massage#benefits. [Accessed 26 October 2021].
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a hands-on three-dimensional application of sustained pressure and movement into the fascial system. It aims to eliminate fascial restrictions and facilitate the emergence of thought patterns and programming that may no longer be relevant or which may impede the repair process. The goal of myofascial release is to elongate and soften connective tissue, creating three-dimensional length and width.
Myofascial release is a highly interactive stretching technique that requires feedback from the client’s body to determine direction, force and duration of the stretch.
Reference:
O’Brien, C. (2004), Myofascial Release Centre Student Notes – Myofascial Release Craniosacral One. ACTT February, pp. 8
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
This very gentle and effective technique ‘massages’ or stimulates the lymphatic system, or the body’s secondary circulatory system. Responsible for homeostatic fluid balance and strong immunity, the lymphatic system is prone to congestion and poor functioning, especially in those patients with a sedentary lifestyle, cancer, chronic disease, poor immunity, hereditary oedema (fluid retention) and post-surgically. It is recognised by the medical profession and physiotherapists as an effective and valid treatment. It may also be used as a beauty treatment to improve the appearance and quality of the skin. No oil is used, making this an ideal treatment for those who dislike oil on their skin.
Lainey Parry – Qualified Massage Therapist
If you are looking for an extra stocking filler, why not treat a loved one for a much needed treatment. We have vouchers available for loved ones and friends for both massage and physiotherapy.
Please call: Ashbourne: 01335 344952 or Hilton: 01283 777070
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