Therapeutic Techniques
Remedial Massage is massage that aims to restore normal soft tissue function, thereby assisting in the healing process & return to normal health following injury. This form of massage is also used to manage pain syndromes and diseases of the musculo-skeletal and fascial systems of the body, as well as to generally promote health and relaxation. Remedial Massage consists of a wide range of massage techniques to accomplish these outcomes.
I aim to provide you a well-rounded and holistic Remedial Massage treatment. During our first consult, we will discuss your current and past medical / injury histories, as well as discuss your current and long-term treatment goals. I will then develop a treatment plan that will incorporate appropriate types of the following therapeutic techniques, based on your needs & goals:
I aim to provide you a well-rounded and holistic Remedial Massage treatment. During our first consult, we will discuss your current and past medical / injury histories, as well as discuss your current and long-term treatment goals. I will then develop a treatment plan that will incorporate appropriate types of the following therapeutic techniques, based on your needs & goals:
:: Myofascial Release & Trigger Point Therapy
Myofascial Release (MFR) addresses dysfunction within the body’s fascia - the web-like system of connective tissue that integrates the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the body. Poor posture & biomechanics, physical injury and even emotional stress can cause this intricate fascial web to become constricted, giving rise to chronic postural imbalances, reduced joint mobility and muscle aches, pains & dysfunction. In turn, this may lead to a predisposed tendency toward strains, compensatory patterns and thus, the development of chronic and/or acute injuries. MFR utilises deep compression and stretching along the myofascial tracts, as well as gentle “unwinding” techniques, to release constriction along the myofascial tracts, thus relieving pressure on the associated muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, bones and joints. This aids in improving flexibility and mobility, as well as improving posture and biomechanics. Additionally, application of sustained, direct pressure to muscle trigger points (the "knots" within a muscle that may often refer pain) - may be used to deactivate these tender points. This technique is known as Trigger Point Therapy.
:: Deep Tissue Massage
Tight muscle tissue restricts the movement of the joints to which the muscle connects, which then has a knock-on effect of causing further muscle tension in the additional muscles that attach to the affected joint. Deep Tissue Massage works sequentially through these various layers of restricted muscles - from the superficial layers down to the deep layers - to loosen tight and contracted muscle tissue, thereby improving muscle flexibility and thus, joint mobility. Addtionally, it also acts to increase blood and oxygen circulation to tight, injured or impaired muscles and soft tissue, thereby aiding in injury recovery, and reducing the aches and pains associated with chronic tension. Frictions along or against the grain of the muscle fibres are employed during Deep Tissue Massage to create heat and to physically break down adhesions between the muscle fibres - a phenomenon called "cross-linking". This also acts to bring additional blood flow to the hyper-contracted area of muscle tissue.
:: Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage techniques promote health and well-being by improving blood and oxygen flow to muscles; releasing toxins from muscles; gently stretching and mobilising muscle tissue, ligaments and tendons; stimulating the lymphatic system; and soothing the nervous system. Relaxing and invigorating, this type of massage employs effleurage (gentle gliding strokes), petrissage (kneading), friction, vibration, percussion (brisk tapping or hacking) and active or passive body movements designed to gently stretch and mobilise tight muscle tissue. It may benefit those suffering from stress, anxiety, depression, stomach complaints and general muscular tension, and may be beneficial when incorporated into a regular stress management program.
:: Muscle Energy Technique
Muscle Energy Technique (MET) improves the range of motion of joints that have become restricted due to acute injury or chronic tension. Muscle Energy Technique is a specialised form of therapist-assisted stretching that involves contracting particular muscles, followed by relaxation of the muscles and gentle movement into a new range of motion. It is used as an adjunct therapy to Myofascial Release & Deep Tissue Massage.
:: Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialised form of massage that addresses the body’s lymphatic system - the network of vessels and glands that lays just underneath the skin, which forms the body’s front line defence against infection and is also integral to the transportation of metabolic wastes, toxins, excess water and bacteria out of the body. The lymphatic system can become overloaded or sluggish due to injury, infection, poor diet, inactivity or stress. MLD employs superficial gliding and “pumping” movements across the surface of the skin towards the heart, to assist in removal of excess lymphatic fluid, toxins and metabolic waste products, as well as stimulate the lymphatic system. This type of may be beneficial to those who suffer from peripheral swelling (such as swelling associated with sprains and strains), sinus problems, fatigue, fluid retention, low immunity or allergies.