Massage Therapy

What is massage?
Massage is the stroking, kneading, rolling and pressing of the skin and muscles. There are many different styles, each with different origins and aims, but the premise of the treatment is the same – to relax and rebalance the body and to make you feel good. It can also contain stretches and mobility movements.

Massage is a treatment which aims to relax, revive and heal the body. Using manual hands-on movements and manipulation of the soft tissues and muscles in the body, massage therapy works to promote healing and enhance a person’s overall well-being.

There are many forms of massage therapy, each with their own benefits. No longer is massage thought of as a luxury, only available to those who can afford it. Treatment is available for anyone, whether for relaxation purposes, for sports recovery or for pain relief.

Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage uses slow, firm strokes and pressure to help ease and release tension deep in your muscles. Commonly used to treat chronic aches and pains and tension in the neck, back and shoulders, deep tissue massage is an intense but effective treatment.

Deep tissue massage is a blanket term, describing several therapies (such as sports massage and lymphatic drainage) and occurs, in some form, in many massage treatments.

Remedial massage
Remedial massage can be effective in preventing and treating muscle injuries and pain. Commonly used to treat back pain, remedial massage uses deep tissue techniques to help remove blockages and damaged cells in the body. This helps to reduce recovery time after injury and encourage healing.

Sports massage
Sports massage is designed to help prevent and treat injuries that can occur as a result of exercise. Sports massage therapists will use a range of deep, intense techniques to restore mobility to an injured muscle. Stretching, compression, toning, and trigger point response techniques like acupressure may be used.

Many find sports massage to support them through all stages of training, from injury recovery to prevention of further injury, before and after exercise. Though this treatment isn’t only for athletes, anyone who partakes in regular physical activity can benefit from a sports massage.

Pre event massage
Pre event massage aims to create a state of readiness in the muscles by : stimulating circulation, generating a fresh supply of oxygenated blood to specific areas, helps reduce tension in tight muscles, increase flexibility of muscle groups, decrease any anxiety and nervous tension and also enhancing a state of focus and concentration within you.

Post event massage
Post event massage assists in the cool down process from exercise or intense activity. This type of massage helps relax tight muscles, stimulates circulation, reduces any potential soreness and helps to spread fibres to minimise any fascial adhesions from forming.

Will oils be used?
Not all treatments use oils, but if you’re concerned or have any allergies, be sure to speak to the therapist before the session. Typically, oils are used for two reasons. The first as a lubricant, aiding in the first strokes and movements of the hand to glide on the skin. The second, to promote relaxation through inhalation of the aromas.