Frequently Asked Questions
Massage is the systematic and manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia) for therapeutic purposes. It has been used for centuries to relieve muscle pain and to aid relaxation. However, it wasn’t until a Swedish
physiologist named Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839) created Swedish Massage that a
scientific system of massage movements and techniques was established. Swedish Massage forms the basis of all forms
of Western massage today.
What's the difference between the different types of massage?
What
distinguishes one type of massage therapy from another is how the strokes are applied:
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage comprises a system of 5 basic massage strokes:
- effleurage (stroking)
- petrissage (kneading)
- friction (deep tissue manipulation)
- tapotement (percussion)
- vibrations (trembling/shaking)
There can be several different types of stroke within each category, for example Tapotment includes hacking, cupping, slapping, tapping and beating and are the strokes usually associated with Swedish Massage. However, slower strokes like effleurage and petrissage can also be used to make the treatment more relaxing.
Therapeutic/Remedial Massage
Therapeutic Massage and Remedial Massage are different names for the same thing. A therapeutic/remedial massage uses the strokes of Swedish Massage to treat specific areas of pain, whereas, Swedish Massage tends to be more generalised. The strokes are usually applied in a much slower manner to allow both the therapist and the client to tune into areas of tension and release these.
Holistic Medical Massage/Sports Massage
Holistic Medical Massage and Sports Massage build on the principles of Swedish and Therapeutic massage by including advanced techniques such as:
- Deep tissue massage through forearm, knuckle and elbow strokes
- Trigger point therapy
- Soft tissue release
- Myofascial release techniques
- Stretching
Whereas Holistic Medical Massage can be used anytime, Sports Massage is usually used before and after a sporting event. A pre-event massage is used to prepare the muscles for action, whilst a post-event massage is used to return them to their normal length afterwards.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue
Massage is not a treatment in its own right, it refers to the amount of
pressure required to access the deep layers of tissue in the body. All
of the above forms of massage can be used to treat the deep tissues if
sufficient pressure is used.
What are the benefits of massage?
The benefits of massage are numerous and can be divided into 2 main categories:
- Physiological effects
- Emotional effects
Physiological Effects
Massage can affect all of the major systems of the body. For example:
Skeletal System
- Increases joint mobility by reducing any thickening of the connective tissue and helping to release restrictions in the facia.
- Frees adhesions, breaks down scar tissue and decreases inflammation - as a result it can help to restore range of motion to stiff joints.
- Improves muscle tone and balance, reducing the physical stress placed on bones and joints.
Muscular System
- Relieves muscular tightness, stiffness, spasms and restrictions in the muscle tissue.
- Increases flexibility in the muscles due to muscular relaxation.
- Increases blood circulation bringing more oxygen and nutrients into the muscle - this reduces muscle fatigue and soreness.
- Promotes rapid removal of toxins and waste products from the muscle.
Cardiovacular System
- Improves circulation by mechanically assisting the venous flow of blood back to the heart.
- Dilates blood vessels helping them to work more efficiently.
- Produces an enhanced blood flow, therefore, delivery of fresh oxygen and nutrients to the tissues is improved and the removal of waste products, toxins and carbon dioxide is hastened via the venous system.
- Helps temporarily to decrease blood pressure, due to dilation of capillaries.
- Decreases the heart rate due to relaxation.
- Reduces ischaemia (ischaemia is a reduction in the flow of blood to body parts, often marked by pain and tissue dysfunction).
Lymphatic System
- Reduces oedema (excess fluid in the tissue) by increasing lymphatic drainage and the removal of waste from the system.
- Regular massage may help to strengthen the immune system, due to an increase in white blood cells.
Nervous System
- Massage stimulates sensory receptors: this can either stimulate or soothe nerves depending on the techniques used.
- It also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping promote relaxation and the reduction of stress.
- Massage helps to reduce pain by the release of endorphins (endorphins are also known to elevate the mood).
The Skin
- Massage can bring about improved circulation to the skin, increased nutrition to the cells and encourage cell regeneration.
- Increases production of sweat from the sweat glands, helping to excrete urea and waste products through the skin.
- Vaso-dilation of the surface capillaries helping to improve the skin’s colour.
- Improves elasticity of the skin.
- Increases sebum production, helping to improve the skin’s suppleness and resistance to infection.
Respiratory System
- Massage deepens respiration and improves lung capacity by relaxing any tightness in the respiratory muscles.
- It also slows down the rate of respiration due to the reduced stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.
Digestive System
- Increase peristalsis in the large intestine, helping to relieve constipation, colic and gas.
- Promotes the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which stimulates digestion.
Urinary System
- Massage increases urinary output due to the increased circulation and lymph drainage from the tissues.
Emotional Effects
Massage can help to:
- Reduce stress and anxiety by relaxing both mind and body.
- Create a feeling of well-being and enhanced self-esteem.
- Promote positive body awareness and an improved body image through relaxation.
- Ease emotional trauma through relaxation.
What happens during the appointment?
All treatments start with a consultation. For pain relief treatments, an extra 15 minutes is added to your first appointment to allow a case history to be taken. The aim of this is to identify any
problems or areas of pain you may have, any past injuries or conditions that may be
contributing to this, and whether you have any health conditions that
would prevent or limit the treatment that can be given. This
information helps me to tailor the session to meet your specific needs. If it is a well-being treatment, a shorter, less in-depth consultation will be included in the time given for the appointment.
Following the consultation I will leave the room to let you undress. The treatment will then begin. You will be covered in towels throughout the treatment with only the area being worked on being revealed.
After the treatment, I will again leave the room to let you get dressed. I will then check how you feel and make any recommendations that may be appropriate for further treatment or ongoing care.
Do I have to take all my clothes off?
No. Massage therapies require hand to skin contact so some degree of undress will be necessary but I will only ask you to remove clothing from the areas to be treated or that will contribute to your comfort on the table. I use towels to keep you warm and concealed throughout your treatment.
What type of oils are used?
I am not an aromatherapist, therefore, I do not use essential oils. I use grapeseed oil for all massage treatments as this does not have the same allergic properties some nut-based oils do. I also use bees wax or special body, face or foot lotions if the treatment dictates.
Will I get oil in my hair?
If your treatment involves neck, shoulder or face work there is a possibility some oil will be transferred to your hair but I try to avoid this as much as possible. If you would prefer, I can wrap your hair in a towel to reduce the risk of accidental contact.
During an Indian Head Massage I do not specifically apply oil to your head/hair, but again, there is a small chance of some being transferred accidentally whilst working on other areas.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends entirely on what brings you for the treatment in the first place. For most pain conditions, a series of 2-4 treatments, usually a week apart, will start to break down the pattern of tension and ease the pain. Thereafter, treatments may be required less frequently, say forthnightly or monthly, to prevent tension from building up again. At the end of your appointment I will suggest what I think would be a
suitable treatment plan for you, but the choice always remains with you
and I will not suggest any treatments that you do not need. Some pain conditions can be quite long-standing and will take time to
heal, that's why I recommend having 2-4 treatments in the first
instance. However, if you feel the massage you are receiving is not
helping, I shall be happy to recommend an alternative form of
therapy.
If the treatment is more for well-being, some clients like to come monthly, others, as and when they feel like it.
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