A quick rundown on massage therapy and what to expect

Most people are familiar with the basic concept of what massage is. Some have a good idea of what is actually involved in massage and the benefits that that can be obtained, where for others it is an unfamiliar area of treatment. For those of you that may have questions, here is a rundown on massage therapy in general, what you can expect and the types of therapy provided at Mountain View Massage & Health.

Your first visit

When you make an appointment for treatment here at Mountain View Massage & Health, you can make your booking based on the type of massage or treatment you require (if you know what type of treatment you want), the time you have available, or simply based on affordability (see prices here).

Please don’t hesitate to ask for advice when booking if you are unsure about what you need.

On your first visit, I will take your contact details and a short case history which will include questions regarding your overall state of health, and any injuries or illnesses you may be experiencing. The case history usually takes only 5-10 minutes and on subsequent visits only needs to be updated if there are changes.

Massage

Use of massage oil and essential oils means that it is generally necessary to remove clothing on the areas being massaged (underwear is left on). If you are only having your back massaged, you can leave clothing on the lower half of your body if you wish. Similarly, if you are having your legs or feet massaged then it will be necessary to remove clothing from this area.
The simple truth is that some people are uncomfortable with getting undressed, while others don’t give it a thought. But if you have concerns please note the following:

• I always leave the room until you are undressed and on the massage table
• Areas not being massaged will be covered with a towel or sheet during the massage
• It is my responsibility to do my best to ensure you feel comfortable and safe at all times

Massage is performed using coconut oil and I often use a relaxing essential oil such as Lavender, or alternatively a warming, anti-inflammatory oil like Black Pepper or Ginger for pain and inflammation.

During the massage I will ask you to let me know if the pressure I am using is too hard (or too soft) as you need to be comfortable – ‘good’ pain is ok. Pain where you are gritting your teeth and getting ready to leap off the table is not!

During a massage I usually use both Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue techniques together, and sometimes Soft Tissue releases depending on what the aim of the treatment is.

I may also use cupping or other tools to release fascial adhesions and reduce inflammation depending on the needs of the client.

If the massage is purely for relaxation and there are no specific problems or injuries, then it will be mostly Swedish Massage with usually a few Deep Tissue techniques to relax specific muscles.

Massage is effective in treating the effects of stress and assisting the body to eliminate toxins. It is also useful in the treatment of injuries and for injury prevention.

Regular massage will have the following benefits:

• Improved circulation of body fluids
• Greater sense of well being
• Less aches and pains
• Reduced risk of injury
• A healthier body and mind
• Greater muscle relaxation
• Improved muscular performance
• Increased freedom of movement and co-ordination

If you choose to come for regular massage, that can be once a week, once a fortnight or even once a month, and will probably depend on the time you have available, or your finances.

Regular massage will help you to enjoy life with better fitness and health. It’s up to you!

What Is Swedish Massage?

Swedish Massage is so called because it is a set of massage techniques developed by a therapist named Per Henrick Ling in Stockholm, Sweden in the second half of the 1800’s. Ling borrowed movements or techniques from a variety of other modalities of the day and offered the first course in Swedish Massage in the late 1800’s. Swedish Massage was the first to develop techniques based on the combination of massage and anatomical knowledge.

Swedish Massage is a set of techniques usually performed in a specific sequence, which is great for relaxation and also has therapeutic value.

What Is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep Tissue Massage is a collection of techniques that are very effective in relaxing or releasing either individual muscles or groups of muscles. Deep Tissue techniques are easily incorporated into a massage as many of these techniques are massage like movements and performed with the use of oil. Those that require no oil are performed through a towel to prevent slipping being caused by the oil.

Deep Tissue techniques are commonly used in ‘sports massage’ and are effective for post workout muscle tension, injuries and soreness.

What Is Soft Tissue Therapy?

Soft Tissue Therapy is a different thing altogether from massage. Soft Tissue therapy can be applied fully clothed (loose comfortable clothing) and uses no oil. The techniques used are specific to your problem and treatment can vary from a few minutes releasing one muscle, to an hour assessing your problem, and releasing many muscles. This therapy comprises a system of techniques used to release individual muscles and to allow the body to re-align itself.

When you come for a soft tissue treatment, an examination will be performed to assess the alignment of your body, and to ascertain which muscles are likely to be causing your problems.

Soft Tissue Therapy is a ‘Myofascial therapy’:

• Myo = Muscle
• Fascial = The fascia surrounding the muscle and connective tissue

This therapy makes use of gentle, precise techniques that gently manipulate muscles and the fascia surrounding them to obtain release of muscles and realignment of the body.

I often use Soft Tissue techniques in combination with massage, however Soft Tissue Therapy is an effective modality in its own right, and it can be used very successfully on its own.

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