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Massage Therapies
Massage Therapy at HTC
There are over 80 known massage types, each with its own unique characteristics. The most common ones are readily available here at HTC and their benefits range from helping with stress relief, injury recovery, to pain management to enhancing fitness and sporting performance.
Should you have a medical condition, then you should always seek advice/guidance from a medical clinician (i.e. GP) or an appropriately qualified Clinical Professional (i.e. a Physiotherapist) prior to undertaking/selecting a massage therapy. Also, in general, being aware of what different types of massage can do for you is an important step in maximising the benefits you derive from it. So please select that which is appropriate for you when seeing your therapist.
Selecting Your Massage Type At Our Centre – A Quick Guide:
- Wellness Massage = Soft approach, designed to relax & de-stress.
- Foot Reflexology massage = A specific technique with a specific ethos and approach. See our Reflexology page for more information.
- Myo-fascial = Firm, designed to release superficial and deep tissue & can be slightly uncomfortable at times (discomfort levels would be well controlled via effective communication from your therapist to you). This type of massage may often be utilised in treating general musculoskeletal conditions such as neck & lower back pain, RSI, or joint conditions such as Osteoarthritis.
- Sports Massage = Firm, deep and penetrating in nature, including the release of muscle/fascia ‘Trigger Points’. This type of massage is very effective but is also often uncomfortable. If you have never had a sports massage before but wish to try then ensure you inform your therapist and they will work with you to build up the treatment effectiveness without too much initial discomfort.
For more detail on massage techniques read on…
CLASSIC MASSAGE SERVICE
This type of massage can be orientated upon request to be soft, superficial, and wellness in style or to a much firmer level and stimulating to a number of deeper tissues. It employs elements of Swedish techniques (stroking/kneading/tapping/lifting tissues) and is relatively easy-going on the recipient.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE TECHNIQUES
The most rudimentary type of massage therapy Myofascial release describes the breaking down of tight fascia, which is the fibrous layer of connective tissue above/between the muscles and under the skin. Depending on the depth of application this can be either comfortable or mildly uncomfortable.
AMATSU TECHNIQUES
A form of therapeutic bodywork that aims to release tension by working with both the soft tissue and fascia. It is derived from some ancient Japanese practices and a blending of current anatomy, physiology, and movement practices. During a session, practitioners attempt to utilise natural movement to create tiny changes in the body and realign the joints using light movements; no harsh strength is involved. This can be used in the: tendons, ligaments, muscles, soft tissue, and fascia.
ACTIVE RELEASE THERAPY/TECHNIQUE (ART)
The idea of Active Release Therapy originated for elite athletes to return to peak performance as quickly as possible, without the long-windedness of a full massage. However, this style can be adapted and integrated with other styles to enhance relief and improvements in everyday stresses such as occupational activities.
ART treats minor soft tissue disorders within the muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascias & nerves
SPORTS MASSAGE SERVICE
This type of massage is often quickly/rashly selected by clients and can be an uncomfortable experience. Please ensure you discuss this with your therapist before commencing therapy.
Techniques employed include:
- Swedish
- Harder Myofascial Release Techniques
- Amatsu Techniques
- Active Release Therapy/Technique (ART)
- Trigger Point: Originally developed as a facet of ancient Chinese medicine, and is used most commonly for pain relief.
- METs (Muscle Energy Techniques): Often intense tissue stressing & holding activities with stark positioning where necessary.
Having poor circulation attributes to muscle tightness, pain, and swelling can increase in injured tissue. Improved circulation can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells. As cellular health improves, tissues function more efficiently. More efficient functioning leads to the removal of waste products and may increase the absorption of excess fluids and reduce swelling in soft tissues.
One of the many benefits, alongside injury prevention, are reduced swelling, pain, and stress relief, to name a few, is that it improves the circulation of the blood and lymphatic systems in the body. This is due partly to the physical manipulation of soft tissue and partly to the chemicals released as part of the relaxation response.
Sports, remedial and Swedish will all improve blood circulation. Good circulation of the blood can help to maintain stable energy levels throughout the day. The pressure from the strokes used in massage helps to push the blood through areas of congestion in the muscles. On the release of the pressure or stroke, new blood can flow in. This applying and releasing of pressure also flushes lactic acid from the muscles, supports vascular (artery/vein and lymph vessels) flow activity & thereby the removal of metabolic waste, resulting in improved muscle/tissue functionality.