Massage involves the use of the hands stretching the connective muscle tissues to release stress and relax tense muscles in the body. There are many different types of massage: Swedish, Aromatherapy, Hot Stone, Shiatsu, Thai and Pregnancy.
Here at our Bournemouth Clinic we do sports massage or a combination of Swedish Massage with sports massage. Everyone is familiar with Swedish massage, it is gentle and relaxing.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR MASSAGE
You don’t need any special preparation for massage. Before a massage therapy session starts, there will be a form to fill in about your medical history, symptoms, hobbies and sports that you do.
In a typical massage therapy session, you undress or wear loose-fitting clothing. Undress only to the point that you’re comfortable. On the couch we will respect your dignity and cover any areas that we are not working on. If you can’t get on the table due to mobility problems we can massage you whilst sitting in a chair. We will evaluate how painful or tense the areas are to determine how much pressure to apply.
Depending on preference, your massage therapist may use oil or lotion to reduce the friction on your skin. Tell your massage therapist if you might be allergic to any ingredients. Also tell us if you bruise easily too.
Massage is an enjoyable experience. If it is too painful, or even if you feel the pressure is not deep enough, please let us know so that we can amend our touch to suit you.
THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE
Reduces pain. Massage releases the tension in the muscles and allows the waste products in the body, which cause the pain, to flow.
Improves circulation and blood flow to the tissues. This again allows waste products to be removed and allows nutrients to pass through more easily. Lymph can move more easily and swelling can be reduced.
Breaks down scar tissue. Scar tissue lacks blood and nutrients and massage can break down this tissue and improve the blood supply to the muscles and tissues.
Breaks down hard muscles. Intense training can produce muscles which are too hard and inflexible. Stretching the muscle tissues helps to improve your flexibility.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety. Massage helps to release the body’s natural endorphins, which are the happy hormones. You feel happier after your treatment and are more relaxed. Your stress levels are reduced. Human touch is incredibly therapeutic
Improves Sleep. Massage is known to improve sleep patterns.
Improves Immunity. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that massage boosts patients’ white blood cell count. White blood cells defend the body from disease.
Improves Headaches. Massage can decrease the frequency and severity of tension headaches. Tension headaches involve the muscles of the neck and shoulders. They need to be relaxed and soft and massage can help you with this.
Improves Posture. Desk workers, beware. Postural stress can show up as pain and/or weakness in the back and buttocks caused by too much sitting. Massage can counteract the imbalance caused from having a desk job.
Increases Energy. Energy is stored in the muscles. If your muscles are tight its stagnant energy and likely to make you feel less energetic. A good work out on your muscles will increase your stamina and energy levels.
Because of the many benefits of massage, it is helpful for the following conditions:
- Anxiety
- Digestive disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Insomnia related to stress
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Soft tissue strains or injuries
- Sports injuries
- Temporomandibular joint pain
However, massage is not recommended if you suffer from any of the following
- Bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medication
- Burns or healing wounds
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Fractures
- Severe osteoporosis
- Severe thrombocytopenia
- First 3 months of pregnancy
