Which type of massage do I need?
Specific Massage (sports massage)
aims to bring about a specific effect (e.g. releasing muscle spasm or targeting a specific area of the body which has become over-tense). The techniques used are soft tissue manipulations and connective tissue massage, and are generally employed by sports massage therapists, physiotherapists and osteopaths.
Non-Specific Massage (body massage)
is most widely used by general body massage therapists and complementary therapists. These therapists will use techniques such as Swedish Massage and Aromatherapy massage in order to bring about general enhancement and improvement of physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Non-specific massage has distinct physiological and psychological benefits and will generally cause many of the effects of specific massage but to a lesser extent.
More about Sports Massage
Sports Massage is the manipulation of soft tissue for injury prevention and therapeutic purposes, aiding the restoration of normal functional activity of the body structures. Massage can be used to remove the build up of general aches and pains and regular sessions can help avoid over-use injuries and traumas. It can be used as a treatment or to greater effect for prevention by incorporating regular sessions into your training regime.
The pumping motion of massage will help to restore circulation to the muscles, which in turn allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach the muscle cells and aid growth and repair, and also helps with the removal of waste products such as lactic acid which can build up during and after exercise. Sports massage can also help increase flexibility by stretching deep muscles tissue not targeted through traditional stretching. Breaks down scar tissue from previous injuries or repetitive exercises and helps return muscles to their optimal balance.
Sports Massage can also be used before, during or after a sporting event to aid performance and/or recovery.
More about Body Massage
There are numerous benefits of overall body massage. They include:
- Healthier muscles and bones due to improved cellular function
- Improved muscle and bone function as a result of healthier muscles and bones
- Improved lymphatic function which can help reduce or prevent oedema
- Improved skin condition.
- Improved or Maintained range of movement and flexibility / reduced stiffness due to improved muscle integrity
- Increased metabolic rate due to improved muscle functioning
- Increased circulation and softening of adipose tissue, due to mechanical effects, aiding the improvement of cellulite.
- Increase in postural awareness due to improved muscle balance/ joint functioning
- Increase in relaxation due to reduced tension and increase of warmth from friction of hands on tissues and increased circulation.
- Helps maximize the full potential of physiological and psychological functioning due to correct electrical functioning and balance. Meridians stimulated through pressure and touch
Massage can also help the Parasympathetic Nervous System. This can lead to:
- Normalization of heart rate, respiration and blood pressure
- Normalization of muscle tension
- Normalization of body temperature
- Normalization of digestive processes and blood sugar levels
- Normalization of hormone function and cessation of adrenal production.
The psychological benefits of massage are due to increased mental and physical relaxation. It can lead to an increased feeling of well-being; increased feeling of energy and vitality and an increased ability to cope with stresses.
Massage and Cellulite!
It is often claimed that massage can “get rid of cellulite”. This is not altogether true, but it can help to reduce cellulite alongside good nutrition and exercise.
Cellulite is predominantly found in women where areas of adipose tissue (fat) become hard, lumpy and difficult to remove. It is generally more common in women than men due to the higher levels of oestrogen in women which encourage the laying down of fat. It can often be found on the outer thighs, hips and buttocks, abdomen and back of arms, and whilst it is more commonly found in overweight individuals it can also be found in those of average weight or even very slim people. Its dimpled appearance often resembles the surface of ‘orange peel’ and is often cold and hard to the touch.
By means of its mechanical effects, massage can help to reduce cellulite by softening adipose tissue and increasing circulation to the area. However, this is only one step. Once successfully re-introduced back into blood and lymphatic circulation, it will only be eliminated with the help of good nutrition and exercise. So if you book up for training, nutritional advice and massage with me on a regular basis, I can offer you the full ‘cellulite-busting’ package!!
info@optimumtraining-lifestyle.co.uk
07872618782 / 01252845608