Massage Therapies

MASSAGE WORK
There are many approaches to massage - Swedish based, Eastern, Neuromuscular, Structural and Energetic, so it is difficult to properly define what massage actually means. Most people think of Swedish based massage when questioned, and it does form the basis for most of the techniques most therapists use.

Therapists never lose sight of the fact that they are treating a whole person, and that everything is connected and related to each other.To use an imaginary example;-

A patient comes to see a therapist complaining of a stiff neck and tension headaches. She does not know what is causing them. When the patient enters the room it is noticed she is limping slightly, and on questioning her the therapist found that a couple of weeks ago the lady had sprained her ankle. This had caused her to favour her injured ankle, resulting in the hip and lower back muscles tightening. The imbalance was the cause of the stiff neck muscle and headaches. So treating the neck alone would only have a minor effect on the problem.

Aromatherapy Massage
Sweet smelling Aromatherapy Massages are available in beauty salons countrywide, but used correctly it is much more than a beauty treatment - it can be a versatile and powerful therapeutic process. There are over 300 essential oils that can be mixed into a synergistic blend to enhance the therapeutic effect. Some oils have antibacterial or anti-fungal effects, others help lift depression, or aid bodily functions.

The massage is gentle and very relaxing, so helping to release tense muscles, it encourages blood circulation, and the removal of toxins via the lymphatic system. There are many ailments that can be helped by Aromatherapy - possibly due to the deeply relaxing euphoric state achieved causing the release of endorphins and other life enhancing chemicals into the brain and body. Stress and insomnia respond well to Aromatherapy, as do some minor skin complaints, muscle and joints aches, and high blood pressure. It also boosts the immune system.

Swedish and Holistic Massage
This is a firmer and more vigorous form of massage than used in Aromatherapy, although oils are used in the process It is recognised for its ability to provide deep tissue and muscle relaxation. The session will include a combination of gentle, long flowing stokes along with friction, kneading, percussion, and possibly some pressure point work.

The posture of the patient will be noted and more complex work may be recommended. Breathing techniques and simple exercises may be suggested.

Remedial Massage
This is based on Swedish Massage but is more vigorous and has a wide range of appropriate manipulation techniques worked into the process. This kind of massage can be of benefit to sportsmen and women before and after a hard competition.

Many people have muscle imbalances, with one of the antagonistic pairs being shortened and the other lengthened. The problem is that shortened, (contracted), muscles do not work, and frequently resist lengthening. Usually this situation is a 'defence mechanism' to overload, overstretch or repetitive motion. Often an occupational imbalance occurs when particular muscles are used for a given task, eg. a carpenter may have an over-development of the shoulder and upper arm muscles on his sawing arm and a totally different muscle development on the other side which is used to hold down or grip the wood being sawn. A postural imbalanced may be caused due to having to stand for much of the day and taking most of your weight on one leg while at work.

Along with standard massage work the therapist may include Positional Release, Trigger Point, or Neuromuscular Techniques, elements of Acupressure and Shiatsu, and other therapies.

Special Massages for those of a 'Certain Age'
These massages are for those of us of a 'certain age' when we may find that wear and tear is catching up with us. That time of life when just a normal massage is not enough to remove those niggles in our joints or muscles, that time when we need a bit of extra work on our shoulders, lower back, hips, knees, etc. Maybe those muscles just need a good stretch or a couple of joints need a little bit of loosening up.

Richard has designed these massages to combine Holistic, Remedial and Joint Mobility work all-in-one at the price of just the Holistic Massage. The Remedial and Joint Mobility work is 'free'. They last between 50-60 minutes and the 'whole' body is worked on each session as in an Holistic Massage but with extra work in those areas of need.

Most of the work is completed laying on a massage couch while you are covered by a large warm towel, each body part is worked on it turn - this is the only part of you exposed at any time. Your modesty is protected at all times. Some remedial shoulder work may require that you be seated in a chair.

We have been asked to define 'Certain Age'. The answer is different for everyone as only they know when they feel they have reached a 'Certain Age'. For some people it may be 40, for others it could be 50, 60 or even 70. On this basis we have opted for a minimum age of 40. If serious work is required it will not be undertaken during one of these massages. You will be fully briefed on the condition and advised on further treatment available at Cressinghams or via your GP.

Eastern Head Neck & Shoulder Massage
This is no ordinary massage it is a whole therapy in its own right. It is applied to the head, including the face, the shoulders, neck and upper arms. It is usually performed fully clothed, however many materials detract from its efficacy, so it is best to wear a cotton t-shirt. If an oil massage is required then it may be better to remove the top to prevent staining. Eastern Head and Shoulder massage originated in India as part of the Ayuvedic System of medicine but has changed as other influences has been absorbed into it. Indian Head Massage is a blissfully relaxing form of Holistic massage that anyone can benefit from.

The treatment will usually begin with a hard kneading of the shoulders and neck muscles. This is followed by work on the scalp, the hair may be gently pulled or tugged and combed by some practitioners. Next some acupressure points are stimulated. Further work is then carried out.

This is a fantastic treatment for stress, insomnia, sinusitis, headaches and general welbeing. It makes the head and face more relaxed and making the person feel happier and healthier.
Different practitioners have different methods of work but they all give the same results.

Muscle and Joint Mobility Remedial Massage
This is a special form of massage which has its origins in Chinese massage techniques with added advanced Western methods. The synergy of these two forms gives a powerful tool to aid with stiff joins and muscles.

Special Massages
Holistic Massage with Hypno-relaxation

Also see: Lymphatic Drainage Massage and Anti-Cellulite Massage