Remedial Massage

Remedial massage is a holistic treatment assisting the body in healing and remedy tissue disfunction involving various types of massage techniques to assist in the recovery of the patient.

Many people do not realize the detrimental effect of muscular imbalance and chronic injuries, much of which are quite reversible such as lower back pain, nerve disorders, repetitive stress injuries (RSI), frozen shoulder, sciatica, headaches, migraines, restricted range of movement which makes part of your body very heavy, whether it be your arms or legs if untreated become invisible loads caused by invisible bonds.

Muscle imbalance to any part of your body causes another great danger i.e. after an injury has occurred for example in your arm, you would have a tendency to compensate with the good arm more which causes the injured arm to loose strength and become weaker and make it very susceptible to injury, e.g. repetitive stress injury (RSI) then you should ask yourself if you are carrying your muscle or are your muscles carrying you, this is where a truly qualified remedial massage therapist can be of help.

At your initial consultation a client record form will be filled out asking information about your lifestyle, medical history, hobbies, occupation, sports, eating and drinking habits which enables the therapist to determine what action or relevant techniques to apply for your treatment. Please arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment to allow for filling out your client record form.

At Victoria Park Sports Massage Clinic, we offer different modalities to support our clients in their recovery to full health.

A remedial therapist is required to study anatomy, physiology, Swedish massage, pathology fields and should hold a Diploma of Remedial Massage Therapy Certificate.This requires 2 years of full time study.Ongoing courses are essential in learning new techniques to boast at the effectiveness of their treatments being as good as any medicine or surgery that is why a growing number of doctors are now prescribing massage over the last few years.

There has been a wider acceptance by doctors especially for the treatment of neck and back and chest massage to loosen bronchia secretions in patients with asthma and chronic bronchitis. Many physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths now refer patients for massage. Some health funds provide rebates for remedial massage.

Fascia is a seamless web of connective tissue that covers, connects, and holds the muscles, organs, and skeletal structures in our body. Fascia envelopes every structure in the body, each nerve, bone, muscle and organ is surrounded by fascia.  Muscle and Fascia are united in forming the myofascia system. Fascia forms an integrated web that unifies the body, connecting all body parts together. Fascia covers about half of the muscles attachment of the body, thus muscle tone has direct connection with the tightness of fascia.

Injuries, stress, trauma, and poor posture can cause restriction to fascia losing its fluidity and becomes rigid. Since fascia is an interconnected web, the restriction or tightness to fascia in one place, with time can spread to other places in the body like a pull in a sweater. Myofascial release is manual technique for stretching the fascia with the aim to balance the body.

Myofascial Release Therapy may be helpful for many physical problems, including:

• Back strain and general chronic or acute back pain
• Lumbar and thoracic pain
• Chronic cervical pain
• Dizziness, vertigo
• Carpel tunnel syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Fibrositis
• Headaches
• Myofascial pain dysfunction
• Plantar fasciitis
• Post-polio symptoms
• TMJ dysfunction
• Whiplash
• Chronic pain syndromes

The goal of myofascial release is to free fascia restriction and restore its balance. The term Myofascial Release refers to soft tissue manipulation techniques. It has been loosely used for different soft tissue manipulation work (connective tissue massage, soft tissue mobilisation, Rolfing, strain-counterstrain etc). There are two main schools of myofascial release: the direct and indirect method.

The direct Myofascial Release method works directly on the restricted fascia, the practitioners use knuckles or elbow or other tools to slowly sink into the fascia, the pressure is few kg of force, contact the restricted fascia, then put a tension or stretch the fascia. This is sometimes referred as deep tissue. Direct Myofascial Release seeks for changes in the myofascial structures by stretching, elongation of fascia or mobilising adhesive tissues. The misconception is that the direct method is violent and too painful, it is not essentially aggressive and painful, rather the practitioner slowly going through the layers of the fascia until the deep tissues are reached.

Indirect myofascial release
The indirect method involves a gentle stretch which allows the fascia to 'unwind' itself. The dysfunctional tissues are guided along the path of least resistance until free movement is achieved, the aim is to improve the quality of the body’s functionality encouraging more efficient movement patters and inducing long-lasting changes to the body’s structure and educating client. This type of work balances the structure rather than fixes somatic dysfunctions. The gentle traction applied to the restricted fascia will result in heat and increased blood flow in the area. This allows the body's inherent ability for self correction to return, thus eliminating pain and restoring the optimum performance of the body.

The indirect technique originated in osteopathy schools and is also popular in physiotherapy.

Dorn Method

Developed by Dieter Dorn some 30 years ago in Germany it is now fast becoming the widest used Therapy for Back Pain and many Spinal Disorders in Germany.

The Method is featured in numerous books and medical expositions, taught to Medical Students in some Universities, covered by most private Medical Insurances and more and more recognized in general.

Hot Stones

Hot stones have been used for centuries throughout history and have been used in ceremonies and in treatments by the ancient civilizations like the Incas, Egyptians, Chinese Shang Dynasties, Hawaiian Kahunas, Russians and Japanese. The stones used for hot stone therapy are Basalt Stones and come about from the volcanic eruption. They are very dense but those that get washed away along the rivers and streams become very smooth after being there for millions of years. It is believed that they hold special energy and minerals and they have been used for energy work by the Indians, Chinese, Japanese and many other cultures for chakra points.

There is no one way to use the stones and the size and shape used depends on the type of treatment. They can be used in various ways. In my clinic, we use them on sacral and stomach as the weight and warmth of the stone gives a soothing effect and aids digestion. Different stones can also be used on the face for sinus congestion and also pressure point work. The benefits include physical, mental and emotional well-being, helps in the healing process, reduces local congestion, reduces tension, reduces chronic inflammation, increases lymph function, increases circulation, increases metabolism and increases range of movement to name a few. Here in my clinic, the hot stones have been very popular, with clients reporting feeling warm, relaxed and in deep meditative state.

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Hot Stone Healing - Mind and Body

Reflexology

Reflexology therapy is a gentle massage on reflex points located on the feet, hands and ears, which corresponds to various organs of the body to release blockages in the body’s energy network and relieve stress and restore homeostasis.

During a reflexology session, only the feet are exposed. The feet are a mirror image of the human body and can be used like a map of the body. Each reflex zone is sighted on the feet according to the anatomy of the body.

The right half reflected on the right foot and the left half reflected on the left foot. Reflexology is very commonly used for disorders such as constipation, flatulence, indgestion, headaches, sinusitis, allergies, insomnia, stress, depression, general lassitude and chronic fatigue to name a few.

Reflexology is beneficial for most conditions whether chronic or acute. It assists the body to relieve congestion in the chest, lungs and lymphatics. It also helps to reduce tension and strengthen the immune system, stimulating the digestive system or sluggish colon and waste elimination. Whenever an imbalance in the body occurs, reflexology can be used to balance the system of the body and thus vitality is increased.

Relaxation (Swedish Massage)

Swedish massage is a series of relaxing smooth flowing strokes that aids relaxation and general well-being, relieving stress and muscular tension, as well as energizing the system. Massage is one of the oldest therapies for treating human ills. It is the systematic manipulation of soft tissues, mainly the muscles. The use of touch is so powerful and evokes natural human reactions that calm the body both physically and mentally. Basic Swedish massage is also commonly referred to as therapeutic massage, using five different types of strokes, each offering different benefits. These basic strokes consist of:

• Effleurage – gliding
• Petrissage – kneading
• Friction – rubbing
• Vibration – shaking
• Tapotement – pounding

Sports Massage

Sports massage has become an essential part of all athletic events, from swimming, cycling, running, tennis and body building to dancing. It is used to boost performance to aid athletes in training, both before and after a competition.

It can also be used as a workout for muscle flexibility and circulation, which in turn helps muscles prepare for forthcoming tasks and activities, thus reducing the risk of injury.

Sports massage is also used for rehabilitation purposes for chronically injured or recently injured athletes to speed up the recovery process. Many professional athletes and their team doctors and trainers now consider regular massage as part of their training regime, as it provides an extra edge and allows the athlete to perform at their peak potential in high performance sports.

A trained sports massage therapist would be able to recognize each muscle or muscle groups used in different athletic events and thus will be able to pinpoint and treat the stressed muscle or muscles injured in each sport.

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage or parental massage as it is sometimes called, is very soothing and therapeutic for a mother to be, not only emotionally and mentally but also physically.

You can strengthen your baby’s health and boost their immune system just by getting a massage during your pregnancy. Talk about giving a head start to your growing baby inside your womb! The mother to be goes through a lot of changes physically, mentally and hormonally. The mother to be may experience back pain, neck pain, poor circulation, fluid retention, cramps, spasms, sciatic pain, constipation, gestation, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, nausea, blood pressure and carpal tunnel syndrome to name a few, while other mothers may go through pregnancy without any problem. Pregnancy is the most challenging but exciting time for a pregnant woman. Massage is beneficial during pregnancy and also makes labour easier. Massage can also relieve stress and support a new mother in regaining strength after birth (postpartum).

Women at risk from preterm labour should avoid massage altogether on certain areas – i.e. lower back and abdomen. If women have preterm issues, they must get written permission from their doctors. However, head, face, hand, and leg massage with gentle strokes can sooth a pregnant woman's nerves and help them get a good nights sleep.

Accupressure

Acupressure is one of the oldest therapies known to man and is even older than reflexology. Acupressure differs from reflexology in the sense that acupressure points are located all over the body on exact meridians where as in reflexology the points are located on the palms of hands and soles of feet. Acupressure treatment is direct whilst reflexology is indirect. Body workers practicing acupressure press anything from the fingers, knuckles, palms, sometimes elbows and feet on specific key points on the body to stimulate the bodies own curative abilities, which then releases muscular tension and improves circulation of blood and the body’s life force to aid healing.

I guess it is a natural reflex for us to press or rub parts of our body that are in pain, so it should not be surprising at the evolution of acupressure. Centuries ago people noticed that they could relieve pain by pressing specific points on the body. Soldiers that were wounded by arrows recovered from long standing illnesses, simply because the arrows pierced acupressure points. This led to people having observation powers over their bodies, thus the beginning of acupressure. Modern treatments believe and rely on separate drug for each ailment, and the more powerful a drug, the more dangerous the side effects, where as the Chinese believe prevention is better than cure and have regular acupressure treatments. Some of the conditions that can be relieved by acupressure are chronic sinuses, post operative pain, back pain, headaches and also migranes.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy has been practiced by remedial massage therapists for decades to relieve painful conditions such as neck, shoulder pain, lower back pain, torticollis, headaches, temporal mandibluar joint pain (TMJ), fibromyalgia, repetitive stress injuries (RSI), carpal tunnel, sporting injuries, occupational injuries, reduced range of movement and muscle weakness. Instant benefits can be felt from general circulation to increase range of movement and flexibility in the expert hands of the therapist who can locate and deactivate them, thus increasing the flow of oxygen to the area giving instant relief.

Trigger points are also familiarly known as muscle knots, are hypersensitive spots found within the muscular tissue or fascia. Active trigger points restrict muscle function and produce a characteristic pain pattern, local and referred they weaken the muscle and have an autonomic twitch response.

Latent trigger points lie within the muscle, with no pain but have an acute predisposition to acute pain, restricting its function and weakening the muscle.

Trigger points are activated when the muscles are left in a shortened position over a long period of time – i.e. sleeping or sitting in an awkward position or when muscle is exposed to chilly winds or air conditioning, or when muscle is fatigued from over work, overusing or excessive trauma on the muscular system or overloading by lifting heavy objects. Any biomechanical imbalance, direct trauma, acquired or congenital disorder of the skeletal of muscular system will cause trigger point activity that is very deep and has a dull ache right to the bone, depriving the body of oxygen and circulation.

Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic drainage massage (MLD) is a very gentle form of massage of helping to relax the nervous system and increase lymph flow thus strengthening the immune system by getting rid of metabolic waste. If the lymph pathway becomes sluggish or congested through any chemical imbalance, i.e. diabetes, liver disease, chronic inflammation, pregnancy, sinusitis, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, post operative etc which may cause flu like symptoms, soreness and pain. This is where MLD can be very useful as it is not only beneficial for increasing immunity to fight disease but also for a number of other conditions such as stress, depression, after dental treatment, sinus, menopause, acne, cellulite, constipation, detoxification of liver, colon disease, odema, insomnia, sports injuries and pre surgery. Lymphatic Massage (24 hours after surgery) can prevent infection – i.e. liposuction and face lifts.

Therapists have been using MLD technique for quite some time for mini face lifts, skin hydration, softening wrinkles, acne, sinus, swelling of the face and puffy eyes and under eye bags. The MLD therapist will also give home advice to the client to keep the lymphatic system healthy. For most parts MLD treatment is quite safe but is contraindicated to those suffering from malignant disease, recent thromobosis, renal failure, congestive cardiac failure or acute inflammation caused by any allergies, poisons, bacteria or viruses.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is a form of massage technique that focuses on releasing and treating chronic patterns and restrictions in the deeper myofascial of the muscle, tendon and ligament injuries. The therapist uses slow strokes with deep finger pressure, compression and friction applied across the grain of the muscles. This helps to break down scar tissue and crystallization restoring muscular balance increasing circulation of blood, lymph, cerebrospinal and interstial fluids to release tension and speed up the removal of toxins and waste products from the body. Lack of oxygen and nutrients to the stressed muscles build up toxins in the muscle tissue causing inflammation. Deep tissue massage technique helps to eliminate the toxins from the muscles increasing range of movement, restoring length and flexibility to the fascia and improving the overall health of the fascia and connective tissue of the body.

Deep tissue massage is often used in conjunction with other massage techniques such as Remedial Massage, sports massage and Swedish Massage, although it borrows a varied amount of its techniques from the latter, it has no resemblance to relaxing massage as it usually focuses on specific areas. Deep tissue massage can cause soreness during or after a massage, is often less relaxing and less comfortable than a Swedish massage, the massage should be on the threshold of pleasure and pain and if done correctly should feel better within a day or two. The client should be advised to drink plenty of water before a massage to help rid the body of toxins.

Superficial techniques cannot be of any real help they can only reduce inflammation and aid circulation, real physical disorder are never near surface but to the contrary lie very deep.

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Deep Tissue Massage - Mind and Body