Remedial Massage – Sport Massage – Dry Needling – Pregnancy Massage – Exercises Prescription
REMEDIAL MASSAGE/ DEEP TISSUE/ TRIGGER POINT THERAPY
Remedial Massage/ Trigger Point Therapy (also known as Neuromuscular Therapy)
Remedial massage is an effective way to relieve pain and tension throughout the whole body. The manipulation of soft tissue relaxes the muscle, improves joint mobility and enhances range of motion. The techniques used depend on the location, severity and the type of pain. Treatment involves commonly the use of deep tissue massage with Trigger Point Therapy to achieve a more clinical approach by treating specific problem areas.
Trigger Points are hyperirritable spots in the muscle fascia caused by postural strain and repetitive use. They may be initiated or perpetuated by many physical, chemical, or psychological stresses. Trigger points can “”trigger”” local and also referred pain when pressed or when active they cause pain without any pressure. To diffuse Trigger Points, direct pressure is applied to the area. Releasing these Trigger Points calms the nerves and the elimination of discomfort results. Trigger Point Massage is ‘not relaxing’. It is also sometimes referred to as Neuromuscular Therapy.
Massage and Trigger Point Therapy are two of the common techniques being used by Musculoskeletal Professionals such as Physiotherapist, Osteopaths as part of their treatment protocol in pain relief. It directly targets the muscle that has become a problem, although the real cause of any muscular pain is always caused by muscular and structural imbalance which is due to biomechanical issues.
Key benefits of remedial massage include: Improve muscle tone, Increase mobility (Range of Movement), promote soft tissue repair, reduce tension, aches and pain
SPORT MASSAGE
Sport Massage is a form of remedial massage therapy given with the understanding not only of anatomy and physiology but also of the particular demands placed upon the body by the client and their specific sport. It is done by aiming to return you to your desired sports activity with the same or an even better level of function. Sports massages can include more aggressive techniques that approach muscles more deeply.
DRY NEEDLING
Dry needling (also known as Myofascial Dry Needling) is a form of soft tissue therapy using the same filament needles as used by an acupuncturist. But dry needling and acupuncture have a completely different approach in terms of treatment given. Dry needling treats soft tissues by targeting its active and latent myofascial trigger points (same approach as trigger point therapy), muscle spasms, dysfunctional tissue, which is based on Western Medicine theory, whereas acupuncture treats liver dysfunction, headache, nausea, joint pain, allergies, high blood pressure and many other non-muscular related ailments which base on Chinese Medicine theory.
Its effects can include deactivating trigger points, reducing or eliminating pain, increasing blood flow, increasing range of movement and re-education of the correct neuromuscular patterns.
PREGNANCY MASSAGE
Pregnancy massage eases the pain and aches, tension and the general discomfort of carrying a little bub. Some mum-to-be are natural and others find it difficult so we make sure our pregnant clients are treated properly and carefully. It is scientifically proven that pregnancy massage reduces stress, decrease in shoulder, back and leg pain and lowers anxiety.
In addition to general release and relief of muscle tension and pain, with the knowledges and skills of our myotherapist she could also help to bring relief of some commonly known problems and symptoms that happened during pregnancy such as: sciatic pain, anterior hip/groin pain, pelvic girdle pain (symphysis pubis dysfunction), pain at the lumbosacral area due to prolonged standing/walking etc by applying myotherapy’s techniques.
Pillows and bolsters are used to help the pregnant client to lie on their side in a very snuggly position for the massage to be performed – this side-lying position is recommended especially during the later stages of the pregnancy. We also have the pregnancy pillow set up which lets the client lay tummy down. However, it is recommended to let our myotherapist assess the signs and symptoms first before deciding which laying method to be used. In many cases, it is preferred the client to lay on their side to avoid any discomfort during and after the treatment even if bub isn’t too big and for the later stages. However, it will become a mandatory position if any of the above mentioned symptoms are present.
It is highly important that pregnant women have minimal stress and try stay healthy during the pregnancy as the babies they are deeply connect to the mothers’ emotions inside the mothers’ wombs particularly when the mothers are in distress.
EXERCISES PRESCRIPTION
to be continued…