Massage for Health & Wellbeing
Massage is one of the oldest healing therapies used throughout the world. Ancient cultures including the Greeks and Chinese valued the therapeutic effect that massage had on an individual when treating a variety of health conditions. It is no wonder that the modern world has embraced the healing qualities of massage and we now find that massage is forging its way into mainstream therapy centres working alongside other practitioners, including chiropractors.
WHAT IS MASSAGE?
Massage is often explained as the manipulation of the soft tissue of the body. Massage techniques aid the body, particularly with tension or pain, by using the hands to rub, kneed or tap the soft tissue to enhance a therapeutic response.
BENEFITS OF MASSAGE
The feeling of relaxation and calm is an initial benefit of massage. Massage releases endorphins (acting as an analgesic) throughout the body. The release of the endorphins allows one to have a sense of calm and well being throughout and following the massage session. Massage plays an important role in the reduction of pain by stimulating the autonomic nervous system assisting in improving the dynamic glide in all soft tissues. Other benefits associated with massage include improved circulation, reduction in muscle tension and an improved supply of oxygen and nutrients to the soft tissue. Furthermore, it expedites the removal of metabolic waste products.
TYPES OF MASSAGE
THERAPEUTIC – This form of massage can be stimulating or soothing depending on the needs of the individual. Therapeutic massage concentrates on mobilisation of the soft tissue, allowing for improved circulatory, lymphatic, and neurological functions of the body.
REMEDIAL – This form of massage relies on the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The therapist will use palpation techniques to source the pain areas and determine the correct treatment for the area needing treatment.
SPORT – This form of massage is an adjunct to remedial massage and is usually sports specific. Sports massage uses techniques such as soft tissue release, myofascial release, positional release, as well as neuromuscular techniques such as trigger points.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE TECHNIQUE – Fascia is a thin, strong layer of connective tissue found throughout the entire body, and it provides a framework that supports the internal organs. Tension in the fascial system may cause a change in muscle adaptability, causing a decreased range of movement. In essence, the fascia connects multiple joint complexes and is essential for efficient movement.
Knowing which form of massage technique will provide the best results is where our expertise comes in.
Visit www.ninewayschiropractic.com.au for more information.
