What is Remedial Massage?
Remedial Massage is a massage designed with the intention of rehabilitating, or “to remedy” areas indicated by the client where they are suffering from pain, discomfort, tension, or soreness. Using oil, different techniques are applied directly to the skin to increase circulation, mobility, flexibility and minimise discomfort.
Techniques may include firm pressure, firm strokes, deep tissue friction and stretching. This type of therapy can at times, be intensive for the client (and sometimes the therapist!) but the results are almost always an improvement. It can sometimes take a few hours or even a few days for the body to settle after a remedial massage, and it is recommended that at least three days pass before the next session.
Any issues that arise from a remedial massage, during and after the treatment, including swelling, bruising or additional pain should be discussed with your therapist, although these can all be quite normal responses from remedial massage, particularly after the initial treatment.
What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a Japanese style massage which applies pressure to acupoints. Using thumbs, elbows, knuckles etc, points are pressed and held along various qi channels (as related to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – qi being the energy in our body) to stimulate deep circulation and removal of stagnant blood and qi.
Many people find it a very beneficial massage style, as it focuses on specific points or areas that are painful, stiff, or tender, releasing them and freeing up movement and pain.
Shiatsu assessment also takes into account psychological and emotional imbalances, and uses TCM knowledge to balance these imbalances through physically unblocking tissues which may be ‘holding’ these states. Clients may sometimes experience a catharsis if they have been holding an emotional or psychological issue for a long time, which may in turn, allow them to move on from the original trigger. Shiatsu is excellent for anyone who wishes to have a clothed massage, as it is practised without the use of oil.
What is Tui Na?
Tui Na is the traditional Chinese remedial massage style, applied through clothing on the massage table. The focus is on relieving physical and energetic stagnation to increase flow throughout the body. Acupressure points are manipulated together with muscle releasing techniques to allow the body to balance itself. Effective for treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.
What is Pregnancy Massage?
Pregnancy massage is a specialised massage designed for pregnant women, to help make pregnancy a more comfortable experience. Pregnancy massage can help reduce swelling, relieve back pain, and promote well being throughout the pregnancy duration.
PLEASE NOTE - YOU MUST BE OVER 12 WEEKS (3 MONTHS) PREGNANT. IT IS A CONTRAINDICATION TO HAVE A PREGNANCY MASSAGE BEFORE 12 WEEKS GESTATION.
What is Sports Massage?
Sports massage, as the name implies, is a massage style which focuses on assisting athletes/sports persons to achieve and maintain their best potential. Sports Massage combines the use of oil with large superficial strokes, pressure and deep strokes, frictions, stretching, mobilisation techniques, and client assisted stretching and strengthening exercises, specific to their sporting requirements.
Sports Massage assists an athlete to increase body circulation, flexibility, prevent injuries and promote faster healing if injuries do occur. By working with their Massage Therapist, an athlete can keep their body in prime condition.
Massage is used pre-event to assist with training and injury prevention, and post event to assist with recovery. If an injury occurs, massage is used to help with rehabilitation, and promote faster recovery, so the athlete is able to return to their training program as quickly as possible, minimising risk of further injury. When undertaking sports massage, it is recommended to work with your therapist regularly, particularly prior to, and post events, in order to prepare and maintain your body at it’s peak performance level.
What is Relaxation Massage?
The aim of relaxation massage is just that – to relax you. Light, squeezing strokes, gentle pressure, with the intent to allow the person to sink into a deep state of relaxation. The whole body may be encompassed in the treatment (depending on client requirements), including head, face, neck, back, hips, abdomen, arms and legs, and of course, the feet.
Clients leave this massage feeling light as a feather, contented and blissed out… sounds good, doesn’t it?
This is an excellent massage to book in for after an extended period of stress, study, or work, or to give as a Gift Voucher to a loved one or friend.