Massage Therapy is technically defined as the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body - muscles, skin and connective tissues - for therapeutic purposes. This definition belies the complexity of a set of modalities that are helpful in treating conditions ranging from a bad day to severe whiplash. Most Massage Therapists are skilled in a variety of techniques that relax and bring balance to the whole body, as well as promote healing of muscular injuries and overuse.
Some beneficial effects of Massage Therapy are:
Enhances deep relaxation and stress reduction
Relieves muscle tension and spasm
Increases joint flexibility and range of motion
Assists with deeper and easier breathing
Improves circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid
Speeds recovery from injury
The use of massage is widespread and well documented throughout history. Stroking and kneading of the neck, chest, back and limbs was used in ancient civilisations - and in most cultures since then - to relieve pain and suffering. In the fifth century BC, Hippocrates wrote, "the physician must be experienced in many things, but most assuredly in rubbing."
More recently, the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami in Florida has documented the value of Massage Therapy in enhancing weight gain in premature infants, decreasing symptoms of depression and improving immune function in AIDS patients.
Specialities
Massage Therapy, as the term is used today, is non-specific and encompasses many different techniques used for a variety of purposes. Although the terms massage and bodywork are used interchangeably, bodywork usually refers to primarily manipulative techniques, such as:
Craniosacral Therapy works with precise aspects of human anatomy in concert with inherent intelligence to return to a state of balance and health.
Deep Tissue Massage unsticks the fibres of a muscle while releasing deeply-held patterns of tension, removing toxins and re-educating the muscle to operate at full capacity.
LaStone Therapy application of Thermotherapy, using deep penetrating heated stones and alternating with extremely cold stones.
Neuromuscular Therapy incorporates several techniques, including strength and length testing, trigger point therapy and facial manipulation.
Reflexology applies healing pressure to the points on our hands, feet, ears and other body parts, that reflect the major systems of our body, such as organs, skeleton and muscles.
Rolfing® is a systematic approach to releasing patterns of stress and impaired function in the body, through physical manipulation and education.
The Trager® approach uses gentle rocking, swinging, stretching and pressing to create pleasurable, effortless, easy movement.
