Massage Therapy

Here are a few good reasons to reform your opinion of massage therapy slynkey girls!

Massage has been around for centuries and is instinctive to humans, but unfortunately it has been exploited by the 'sex industry' giving it a dubious reputation. This reputation is slowly being reformed and massage is becoming recognised as a valuable and essential practise in the rehabilitation of chronic and acute soft tissue damage.

The basic physiology behind massage includes bringing circulation to localised area which increases waste removal and circulation of nutrients to the area, which results in quicker recovery time. Aside from quicker recovery, massage is also well known for its relaxation benefits. Massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system leaving the recipient feeling relaxed and 'de-stressed'.

Here are some indications that you may need a massage:

* You work at a desk and suffer from muscle pain. Massage can bring great relief to neck and shoulder pain, the therapist should also recommend stretches for area which to help reintegrate better posture and prevent further pain.

* You suffer from poor posture. Massage can bring relief to strained areas and help lengthen muscles that may have shortened due to repetitive improper structural habits. Your massage therapist should also recommend stretches and exercises to improve posture.

* Pre and post excessive exercise. Massage can prevent damage and speed up the recovery process within the muscle.

* You have decreased range of movement within your joints. For example you may find that upon moving your shoulder joint you have pain which has lead to decreased range of movement. Massage can help you regain this movement and prevent further loss.

*You are under excessive stress or pressure. Massage can have numerous physiological benefits, including decreased stress, due to stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, this lets your body regain normal functioning and give you a better ability to deal with any future stress.

A trained massage therapist will apply specialised techniques to suit the specific muscle group and will design a specific treatment plan individualised to your needs. In a good massage session you should expect the massage therapist to gain an initial history and to employ some diagnostic techniques, the massage therapist should warm up the area to ensure safety and prevention of any damage, the therapist will also apply specialised techniques depending on muscle's site and the desired effect. A good therapist should ask for lots of feedback from you and work to a optimum level where the muscles most benefit.

Types of massage - Relaxation and Therapeutic

Relaxation massage primarily engages with the superficial muscle area, so the massage tends to be 'light and fluffy' primarily aiming to leave the client relaxed.

Therapeutic massage includes employing techniques that target the superficial and deep muscles, and has a desired therapeutic outcome. Therapeutic has stemmed from the swedish tradition which includes certain strokes, remedial is also a branch of swedish and also has a desired remediation of the stressed muscle area.

REMEMBER: As with any therapy, always make sure you receive treatment from a professionally trained individual slynkey girls!

By Suzanne Battersby - Diploma Therapeutic massage - Christchurch