Massage Therapy is manipulating the deep and superficial muscles and soft connective tissue using many different techniques.
The first known history of Massage Therapy was recorded in 2330 BC on the tomb walls of Akmanthor. Over the centuries, different cultures have created their own unique styles that are still very much in use today. In the 21st century, we have the luxury of being able to combine all of these unique tried and tested techniques and create a blend that can be tailored to the individual, and the problem area being treated.
There are two categories of Massage Therapy which are broken down into ‘relaxation’ and ‘therapeutic’. Relaxation is working on the superficial muscles and can be very relaxing and soothing. Therapeutic is about getting into the deeper layers of muscle and soft tissue to help break up adhesion fibres which are laid down in the body’s response to repair an injury. However, these adhesion fibres are not very selective in where they are laid and often times muscles, nerves, bone and whatever else is in the area tend to all become a bit stuck together. This creates a ‘tight’ feeling in the area, sometimes along with pain and you will often notice the movement in the area is a bit more restricted than it used to be. Therapeutic Massage uses a combination of techniques to help break and loosen these adhesions and reduce the pain. Stretches are done by the therapist to get the area moving freely again, and exercises are given to the client to help rehabilitate the area and prevent further future injury to the area.
Many times we become sore through some sort of physical trauma to our bodies, or our favourite sport taking its toll on us and creating injuries, but the most common pain and soreness comes from environmental stress placed on us through our employment and daily routines. To help our bodies function on a daily basis at an optimal level requires a few life adjustments which includes eating healthy nutritional meals, exercising frequently, and keeping our weight down to reduce stress levels on our bones, joints and muscles.
Massage Therapy is both a complementary and an alternative treatment. At times, depending on what the problem is, other types of therapies are needed such as adjustments to the spine, and this is where Massage Therapy complements. Other times, Massage Therapy can be an alternative treatment, meaning that it works on its own to help reduce muscle soreness and tension that can sneak in there and build up on us.
If Massage Therapy sounds like something you would like to try, but you’re feeling a little bit nervous about the process, then have a chat to the therapist that will be working with you and ask away. They will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.