What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissue (muscles, tendons, fascia…etc.) through the application of different massage techniques such as effleurage, petrissage and myofascial release. At Prohealth365, we offer a range of different massage treatments in Bray, South Dublin and nearby areas. Depending on your needs, your massage therapist may apply one or more techniques during your treatment session.
Trigger point massage:
Trigger points (otherwise known as muscle knots) are bumps in the muscles. These may cause local or radiating pain. Tender points can form in any muscle of the body, however, they are most common in the muscles of the upper back (between your shoulder blades), lower back, shoulders and buttock. As a result, symptoms such as local or radiating pain to other parts of the body, headache, stiffness, reduced mobility and strength.
There are many different causes for the development of trigger points. These may include stress, direct trauma (e.g. falling), poor posture, overuse, muscle weakness, or sitting for prolonged periods of time.
Sports massage:
Sports massage is a deeper treatment. It also helps loosen up soft tissue. During your session, the massage therapist makes use of friction, kneading and stretching to help increase blood circulation, remove waste products, increase flexibility and reduce pain. Sports massage is often used as part of the treatment of the recreational or professional athlete, however it can also be used as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of sports injuries. Moreover, it can be applied before or after training.
Classic therapeutic technique:
Surgery, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, tennis elbow or piriformis syndrome can all result in symptoms like increased muscle tension, muscle cramps, reduced mobility or pain. Therefore, this type of tissue manipulation is an important tool that can be used as part of the patient’s treatment plan to speed up the recovery process and to improve treatment outcomes.
Relaxation technique:
People who experience symptoms of stress such as tiredness, high blood pressure, anxiety, and difficulties sleeping will benefit greatly from this treatment. In fact, research shows that soft tissue manipulation can help in the reduction of stress-related complaints as well as in reducing blood pressure and heart rate. Moreover, it can help improve the ability to breath and sleep.
Hormonal changes with soft tissue manipulation
In summary, massage can:
- Improve mobility
- Speed up the recovery process
- Increase blood circulation and the removal of waste products
- Reduce stress, depression and anxiety
- Decrease muscle tension
- Boost energy, concentration and well-being
- Lower blood pressure and heart rate
- Enhance the ability to breath and sleep
- Diminish pain and muscle cramps.
Fill in the contact form, book online or call us on 01 960 9934 to make an appointment.