Massage and Manual Therapy
1. Who can benefit from ‘Massage and Manual Therapy’ ?
Regular clients include amongst others …
- OFFICE WORKERS
- FARMERS
- HAIRDRESSERS
- DRIVERS
- BUILDERS / MANUAL LABOURERS
- MASSAGE & BEAUTY THERAPISTS
- ARTHRITIS SUFFERS
- ATHLETES
- SOLDIERS
2. How does this type of bodywork differ from other forms of massage?
This is much more than a relaxation / spa style massage. An orthopaedic style assessment process is used to rule out anything which may require medical attention or need a different type of therapy such as Physiotherapy, Chiropractic etc. This information is used to create a specific treatment plan which is reviewed according to your needs as the treatments progress over time.
This is a brief overview of each type of therapy I combine into a treatment …
- ADVANCED REMEDIAL MASSAGE … focused, deep, soft tissue massage and joint mobilisation techniques to help ‘remedy’ a musculoskeletal problem. Sports Massage is a type of remedial massage.
- HENDRICKSON METHOD… Massage and Manual Therapy for Orthopaedic conditions…a unique and highly effective system that combines joint mobilisation, muscle energy techniques and soft tissue massage into one.
- TUI-NA / Chinese Medical Massage … an ancient system of massage & manual therapy; includes kneading acupuncture points & manipulations.
- DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE .. and fascial release … a very slow deep massage, typically uses a massage wax for greater grip and slower glide.
- SOMATIC MOVEMENT ...gentle and very safe home exercise movements for quickly and easily releasing muscle tension.
- REMEDIAL EXERCISE … simple home stretching and strengthening exercises, sometimes using resistance bands.
3. Massage and Manual Therapy benefits
- Improved range of motion of joints and limbs
- Acceleration of soft tissue healing
- Reduction of pain and inflammation
- Reduction of muscle spasm which can interfere with normal movement
- Increase in well-being and enjoyment of life
4. What happens during an appointment ?
At the first appointment a consultation is undertaken to screen out anything which may require medical intervention or a different type of therapy such as physiotherapy, acupuncture, chiropractic etc. This is followed by an assessment of the areas of discomfort and a general postural assessment. The information is recorded and used to formulate a treatment plan; this usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. That is followed by hands on treatment using one or a combination of the above mentioned massage / manual therapy techniques.
5. How many appointments will I need and how long are they ?
Injuries usually require a course of treatment ranging from two to three appointments for a simple muscle strain .Sometimes several treatments are needed over a few months for more complicated issues. Regular maintenance treatments are highly effective in helping manage chronic long standing issues. Home care advice is given to support you further and help you self manage. Choose from 60 minute, 90 minute, 2 hour appointments.