Tasman Therapies Services
Sports and Remedial massage is a massage technique that deals directly with the body’s soft tissue. It has developed over the years to deal with the specific conditions that the human body experiences before and after exercise and injury. When injuries to muscle tissue occur the fibres often heal misaligned. Our muscles are covered by a layer connective tissue called fascia. This fascia covers all the individual muscle fibres, the larger bundles of muscles and the whole muscle groups.
Normally, when covering healthy, moving muscle it is a soft, gel like substance. However, when our muscle movement is restricted, in the case of injury or postural misalignment, the fascia begins to become hard and scar tissue forms, further trapping toxins such as lactic acid within that specific site. This causes pain and dysfunction as the body tries to remedy the situation, often by a process of physical compensation and adjustment, which can lead to further pain and problems.
Sports and remedial massage techniques assist the healing and rehabilitation of injuries and dysfunction and help to re-establish the body’s normal patterns of movement. Sports and remedial massage techniques are just as relevant to an office worker suffering from pain as a result of poor posture whilst sitting at their desk as it is to an Olympic athlete suffering a torn hamstring, or anyone who has sprained their ankle.
Sometimes sports massage can be a little uncomfortable, as the techniques aim to release areas of tension and scar tissue, sometimes deep within the muscles. However treatments can be adapted if too much discomfort is being experienced. It is not unusual to feel a little post massage soreness for a day or two after a remedial massage. This is normal and shows that the body is beginning the process of healing.
Originating in India, this form of massage has been used for centuries as a means of stress relief. The Indian Head Massage techniques of today have evolved from traditional rituals of family grooming.
Over generations, Indian women have been taught by their mothers to massage different oils into their hair in order to maintain its condition.
Traditional Indian Head Massage as practised by women in India was restricted to the head and hair. With the westernisation of the art comes the added treatment areas of the upper back, neck, shoulders and upper arms.
The head and neck areas are susceptible to stress and tension and Indian Head Massage ideally addresses these areas. It helps disperse toxins, improves circulation and encourages a feeling of general well-being.
Indian head massage is generally performed with the client fully clothed. Treatments normally last from 30-45 minutes.
Massage involves using the hands to perform movements on the skin to promote relaxation, healing and wellbeing. The main techniques of massage involve stroking, kneading, rubbing or pressing on the body.
Modern Western massage techniques are based on an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the body. The hand movements are used to facilitate the circulation of blood and the lymphatic system, and to release muscular tension and joint stiffness.
When the body is touched, receptors in the skin send messages to the brain causing the release of chemicals such as endorphins. These produce a sense of relaxation and wellbeing and can also relieve pain. Massage also improves the flow of blood and lymph fluid and helps to eliminate waste products from the body.
Massage can also:
- improve mood
- aid sleep
- relieve tension
- reduce anxiety and stress
- promote a general sense of wellbeing
Massage therapies are performed directly on the skin. Clothing is usually removed for a full-body massage, although underwear can be worn if you prefer. Towels cover the areas not being massaged and help to keep the body warm. A full-body massage usually takes about an hour. If only part of the body is being massaged, such as the neck and shoulders, the massage may last 15 to 30 minutes.
Thai Massage is performed on a mat on the floor rather than a raised table. This allows for many movements and procedures that are not practical or effective on a table. It allows for the most effective use of the practitioners body weight rather than muscular force for the transmission of pressure, force, or energy, which creates a highly therapeutic effect.
Thai Massage is a unique form of energy bodywork that leads to a deep release, and enables you to reach your full potential. Working on the floor enables the proper use of body weight, and the use of many techniques that are only feasible in Thai Massage. Treatments are longer, more thorough, and have more profound effects than other forms of bodywork. Thai Massage therapy comfortably and effectively resolves many specific issues and commonplace problems, such as lack of use resulting from long hours sitting at a desk or driving, and has many applications for sport.
Traditional Thai Massage dates back thousands of and incorporates yoga, meditation, acupressure and reflexology along with its own techniques of gentle rocking, deep stretching and compression. The movements assist the restructuring of your musculo-skeletal framework with great benefits for athletes, dancers and other people who want their body to achieve maximum performance.
