Swedish Massage
The most common type of massage is Swedish massage therapy. It involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing. And it may even help after an injury.
The four common strokes of Swedish massage are:
Effleurage – a smooth, gliding stroke used to relax soft tissue
Petrissage – the squeezing, rolling, or kneading that follows effleurage
Friction – deep, circular movements that cause layers of tissue to rub against each other, helping to increase blood flow and break down scar tissue
Tapotement – a short, alternating tap done with cupped hands, fingers, or the edge of the hand
Neuromuscular Therapy Massage
Neuromuscular therapy is a form of soft tissue manipulation that aims to treat underlying causes of chronic pain involving the muscular and nervous systems. This medically-oriented form of massage addresses trigger points (tender muscles points), circulation, nerve compression, postural issues, and biomechanical problems that can be caused by repetitive movement injuries.
Sports Massage
Developed to help with muscle systems used for a particular sport, sports massage uses a variety of approaches to help athletes in training – before, during, or after sports events. You might use it to promote flexibility and help prevent injuries. Or, it may help muscle strains, aiding healing after a sports injury.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is best for giving attention to certain painful, stiff “trouble spots” in your body. The massage therapist uses slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on layers of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deep under your skin. Though less rhythmic than other types of massage, deep tissue massage can be quite therapeutic – relieving chronic patterns of tension and helping with muscle injuries, such as back sprain.
Thai Massage
During a Thai massage, the therapist uses his or her body to move the client into a variety of positions. This type of massage includes compression of muscles, mobilisation of joints, and acupressure. Thai massage therapy is mat based and the client remains fully clothed throughout.
What Are the Health Benefits of Massage?
Many types of massage offer benefits beyond simple relaxation. Here are just a few of the health problems that may benefit from massage. The treating physiotherapist will advise you before using massage therapies.
Back pain – Studies have shown the effectiveness of massage therapy for back and multiple joint pain.
Osteoarthritis – In the first clinical trial looking at the effectiveness of Swedish massage for knee osteoarthritis, participants who received a one-hour massage either one or two times a week had improvements in pain, stiffness, and function. The control group had no such change.
Headache – Headache also responds to massage therapy. Massage therapy can be useful in the treatment of migraines a person has and also to improve sleep.
Anxiety – Massage therapy has been known to alleviate anxiety by increasing the release of ‘happy hormones’, and can also help to reduce depression.
Cancer – Used as a complement to traditional, Western medicine, massage can promote relaxation and reduce cancer symptoms or side effects of treatment. It may help reduce pain, swelling, fatigue, nausea, or depression, for example, or improve the function of your immune system.
To book an appointment, or for more information on massage treatments, please call us on 07739 423163.