There is no denying the power of massage. Whether you view it as pampering, therapeutic, rejuvenating or just a lovely relaxing moment of ‘me’ time, massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your life.
Experts estimate that about 90% of disease is stress related and perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in our fast-paced world may be idealistic massage can, without doubt, help to manage stress. This means:-
- Decreased anxiety
- Better sleep
- Increased energy
- Improved concentration
- Increased circulation
- Reduced fatigue.
Research into massage shows the enormous benefits of touch, ranging from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders and muscular injuries through to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently the medical community is actively embracing massage and it is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units.
At Physio & Therapies we have four very skilled massage practitioners who each specialise in a different type of massage therapy. Find out more about each to help you decide which one would help you the most.
In the 1920’s a French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse burnt his arm whilst working in his laboratory. The nearest cold liquid was a tub of lavender oil into which he plunged his arm. The pain lessened and his arm healed quickly leaving no scars. He then dedicated his life to researching the properties of natures’ essential oils and coined the term ‘Aromatherapy’
Essential oils are made in the leaves of plants during photosynthesis then stored in the flowers, peel, fruit etc. Each oil has a unique mixture of chemical components which result in its individual therapeutic properties.
Aromatherapy massage treatments can help promote health and well-being having both a physical and psychological effect, with blends made individually for each client. A remedial massage for muscular problems may use anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic oils, whereas a gentler massage style works to relieve stress and anxiety, using oils which have calming and uplifting properties.
Aromatherapy is a natural part of life. Everyone has emotional and psychological responses to scent and our Aromatherapist, Carole Chambers, has worked with us for 12 years helping numerous clients on their personal road to recovery.
NO HANDS ®
NO HANDS ® massage is described as the ‘gentle giant’ of massage and as a massage for life, not just for injury or pampering. It is both deep, nurturing and relaxing. Deep and powerful touch can trigger the body’s natural self-healing abilities and it will touch your spirit.
Trudy Castle is our NO HANDS ® massage therapist and she uses a combination of utilising the soft surface of her forearm and her breath and body weight to encourage the client to relax and let go of tension and emotional memory held in the muscle. It provides an extremely powerful and more intimate, deep massage stroke which may also involve movement and stretching without causing pain or muscle tension.
It is the combination of power and sensitivity that creates potency in NO HANDS ® massage. The massage may be gentle and nurturing or invigorating and releasing.
“The nurturing power of deep NO HANDS ® massage will help to reduce pain, anxiety, and stress and will, as a result, have a beneficial effect on the immune system.” (2000, Pyves G).
Esalen massage
Esalen massage is holistic and intuitive. The method comes from California and is a combination of many styles including Thai, Hawaiian lomi-lomi and Swedish massage, as well as its own inimitable moves. It is characterised by long, flowing strokes; passive stretches and pauses for integration. Deeper tissue work occurs as punctuation when further work is needed in any particular part of the body. It is a profoundly soothing and deeply relaxing treatment. Kate Herbert, our Esalen massage therapist, is also a Healer and Reiki therapist and often uses these therapies together for a more holistic treatment.
Sports and Remedial massage are ideal to treat injuries, as well as preventing them by dealing with the health of muscle and connective tissue. Chris Halliday, our Sports Massage Therapist works to improve the range of movement, tone, symmetry, balance of muscles. He achieves this through the manipulation of soft tissue to release tension, reduce pain, restore range of movement and promote good condition.
The techniques used include standard ‘massage’ techniques, including stroking movements through muscles groups or isolating specific muscles and creating movement within them in different directions and at varying depths and strengths. He also works into specific areas to break down tensions and ‘adhesions’ or separate the layers of connective tissues to resolve longstanding problems.
When treating any injury or symptoms it is important to consider the root cause and this may mean that he needs to treat other areas around the body. However, as the biomechanics of the body improve with his hands on treatment, the injury can resolve and often clients feel they have regained their bodies equilibrium allowing them to move better than they have in years!
Sportspeople often find that regular treatments can enhance their performance and prevent injuries and many choose to make massage a regular part of their training schedule. Our everyday working lives and lifestyles create a similar set of problems though so you don’t need to be an athlete to benefit from a Sports Massage!
To book an appointment with any of our therapist please call 01706 819464.