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Therapeutic Massage

What is Therapeutic Massage?

Therapeutic massage is the manipulation of muscles and the soft tissues of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort and stress. It incorporates the flowing elements of Swedish massage with more advanced techniques, which may involve deeper tissue work. A knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology are used to address soft tissue dysfunction, stress-related conditions, pain and energy imbalances.

Massage has been in existence before recorded history began and is found in some form in every culture of the world. Touch has been shown to be of importance in our daily lives and in our own healing process. Research has been done and continues to be done proving time and again the benefits of touch and of massage to our health and well-being.

What to expect from a Therapeutic Massage?

A full medical history is taken at the first visit. A session will normally last an hour, 45 minutes of which is the massage. Shorter times may be more conducive to some conditions. The structure of each session is dependent upon the complaint, i.e. back pain, shoulder pain, etc.  The massage will address the part of the body affected and may also include work on other muscles which may be involved.  For example, lower back pain will involve a back massage, but could include the gluteal muscles and the legs or abdomen as well. The client will undress as necessary and towels will be used to ensure privacy and dignity at all times.

Sometimes hot or cold stones (from LaStone Therapy) may be incorporated into the massage.

How can Therapeutic Massage help me?

There are many benefits of Therapeutic Massage. Some of these are listed below.

• Relaxes muscle spasm and relieves muscle tension.
• Increases the blood supply and nutrition to muscles and prevents the buildup of harmful "fatigue" products, i.e. lactic acid, resulting from strenuous exercise or injury.
• Stimulates elimination of wastes and toxins.
• Improves muscle tone and helps delay muscular atrophy from inactivity.
• Can compensate for lack of exercise and muscular contraction in those who are forced to remain inactive due to injury, illness or age.
• Helps the recovery from sports injury and as a preparation to sport.
• Stretches the connective tissue, improving its circulation and nutrition thus breaking down or preventing formation of adhesions.
• Lessens inflammation and swelling joints, helping to alleviate pain.
• It just makes you feel good!!

Certification

Yvonne Foster-Palmer has been a practicing and insured complementary therapist for over 10 years, originally training in Therapeutic Massage with the Maitri Foundation in Stroud, Gloucestershire. She is a member of the Association of Physical and Natural Therapists (APNT). For more information about Yvonne's qualifications and experience please refer to her biography.