Remedial Massage Technique
“When muscles and tendons become damaged or impaired, knotted and tense or immobile, Remedial Massage provides a healing treatment that can be gentle or strong, deep or shallow.
Remedial massage holistically treats the whole body and traces the discomfort as far as possible back to the original cause, healing both the cause of the disorder as well as the symptoms.
It uses several specialised techniques to locate and repair damage and to support and speed up the body’s own repair mechanisms. The massage is applied directly to the skin using a lubricating medium, usually oil, which ensures that the muscles associated with the disorder and mobilisation of the joint are deeply penetrated. Passive stretching moves are also used.” (http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/massage/Remedial_Massage)
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“Sports massage was designed for athletes, but is useful for anyone with chronic pain, injury or range-of-motion issues.
Sports massage was originally developed to help athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or function well during training. Sports massage emphasizes prevention and healing of injuries to the muscles and tendons.
But you don’t have to be in the Olympics to benefit from sports massage. Sports massage is also good for people with injuries, chronic pain or restricted range of motion. The massage therapist generally concentrates on a specific problem area.” (http://spas.about.com/od/sports/a/sports.htm)
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“Deep tissue massage is a type of massage aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue. Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It is also a more focused type of massage, as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots.” (http://spas.about.com/od/massag1/a/deeptissue.htm)
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A relaxation massage is a whole-body hands-on treatment that uses pressure, stroking and rubbing of your skin to help you relax.
What should I expect from a relaxation massage?
Most massage treatments will relax you, among other things. With a relaxation massage, relaxing you is the only aim. For this reason, it is one of the most complete and indulgent massages you can have.
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Swedish massage incorporates five basic movements (Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Vibration and Friction) to increase circulation and remove toxins from muscles. The therapist should always work towards the heart, the massage therapist will use
Effleurage, long gliding strokes that can be firm or soft, depending on purpose and client.
Petrissage, or kneading. Petrissage is designed to release toxins from the muscles by lifting, separating, and rolling them. Gentle pressure is used to compress and relax the muscles, and enhance circulation.
Tapotement, involves tapping the muscles with a rhythmic stroke. The side of the hand, fingers, or palm may be used.
Vibration, a technique added to the Swedish massage repertoire later. The therapist centers their hands on the back of a limb and shakes them briskly for several seconds to release tension, encourage circulation, and help muscles to contract.
The final technique is and the deepest work in Swedish massage is accomplished with friction, where the therapist works deep into the muscles with the fingers, elbow, or base of the palm. Using circular movements, the therapist works deeply into the muscle, especially in bony areas, to release muscle adhesions which can restrict movement.
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What is Cupping Therapy?
During Cupping Therapy a mild vacuum is created inside ‘cups’, which are then placed on the skin to provide gentle suction. The vacuum effect of the cups creates suction that softens tissues and increases the circulation of blood and fluids. By stimulating the skin and underlying muscles, it helps release area-specific toxins that have accumulated and encourages circulation of both blood and lymph vessels.
Cupping can be used on the neck, shoulders, back, sacral area, hip, abdomen, thigh, upper arms, calves.
Methods of Cupping Therapy
Retained Cupping
The most commonly administered. The cups are applied and left in place for a length of time varying from a few seconds to a number of minutes depending on the treatment protocol, the desired effect and the response of the client.
Momentary cupping
The cups are ‘popped’ on and off rapidly.
Slidding Cups
Prior to applying the cup, oil may be administered to the skin to create smooth gliding movements. Then the practitioner slides the cup along a large body surface such as the back or thigh until softening of the muscle and connective tissue is observed. Pure massage oils are used to help the cups glide smoothly. Occasionally medicated oils or liniment may also be used.
Types of Cups
Fire Cups
The traditional method of cupping. A small cotton ball is held in locked forceps, and wet with alcohol. The cotton ball is ignited and inserted into the cup which will evacuate some air, creating a vacuum. The cotton ball is withdrawn and the cup is quickly placed on the skin in the chosen area.
Magnetic / Hand Pump ( Used at Voltage)
Many modern cupping practitoners use magnetic or hand pumps to create the suction. This has can have several advantages for the practition, such as requiring less skill, and no need for flame or flammable liquids. It is also easier to judge the amount of suction being used.
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