Introduction to Massage Techniques

As a soft tissue therapist I use various Sports and Remedial massage techniques to maintain and improve the function of the musculoskeletal system.  These techniques can help to normalise muscle tone, stretch the muscles fibres and increase the pain free range of movement.  Massage techniques are also influence the nervous system as therapeutic touch to take the nervous system it from a state of ‘fight and flight’ to state of ‘rest and recover’.  This is really important for muscles to function well and for pain management and rest and recovery.

Effleurage

The therapist will use their hands, fists and forearms to apply effleurage strokes in a long, flowing and rhythmical way.  The pressure, depth and length of the stroke will depend on both the body part being treated and the outcome desired.  Pressure is applied in the direction of blood flow around the body with a gentle return stroke is also used.  During the session deep effleurage stokes may be used, these are applied very slowly to allow the muscles to relax and yield under the therapists touch.   The aim of this stroke is to introduce the client to the therapists’ touch, to put the client at ease, to relax the muscles, to allow the therapist to asses the muscle condition, to work with the nervous system and to link other massage techniques together.

Petrissage (Kneading)

Petrissage is a kneading massage technique where the skin and muscles are lifted up, squeezed, pinched and rolled.  Petrissage is an alternating stroke where the therapist moves tissues from one hand to another.  The stroke is generally applied in the direction of blood flow around the body and the squeezing movement compresses the tissues which helps them to relax.  Petrissage can have a pain-relieving effect on the tissues and it also interacts with the nervous system which can be beneficial.   

Friction

Friction is a short and deep massage stroke which is used on small areas of the body.  Friction strokes are usually applied with a very direct force from the finger tips, thumbs, elbows or knuckles.  It is used locally to treat small areas of tissue to improve their function and condition.

Tapotement

Tapotement is a rhythmical percussion stroke and includes variations such as hacking, clapping, beating or pounding.  These are usually superficial strokes and are applied with fingers, cupped hands or loosely held fists.  This technique is used to interact with the nervous system to increase muscle tone and is beneficial in a pre-event sporting environments.  It is often used at the end of a session ‘awaken’ the client.

Neuromuscular Technique (NMT)

Neuromuscular techniques work with the nervous system to normalise muscle tone.  Localised pressure is applied to trigger points or areas of muscle tension.  The pressure is applied in a slow and controlled way which allows the muscles to stay relaxed.  The pressure is held for up to 6o seconds, during which time any discomfort experienced by the client should have disappeared.  This dispersal of discomfort coincides with the nervous system releasing tension and therefore normalising muscle tone.

Soft Tissue Release (STR)

Soft tissue release (STR) involves holding a strong focussed pressure into the soft tissues,  a stretch is then applied away from the lock to create a very strong but focussed stretch of the tissues.  The stretch can either be passive (controlled by the therapist) or active (controlled by the client).  STR can be used for improving the movement in a joint as the muscles fibres are stretched which allows for an increased range of movement.  STR is also beneficial in a rehab scenario as it can give the client more confidence in their range of movement.   

Muscle Energy Technique (MET)

Muscle Energy technique (MET) is a stretching techniques which uses the clients muscle contraction to create a beneficial change.  There are various methods but essentially the client contracts their muscle and after a short period of time holding this contraction the therapist will assist in stretching the target muscle.  MET is aimed at releasing excessive muscle tension and improvising the range of movement at a joint.  MET can have quite dramatic results; and the as the client can feel the target muscles being stretched it is a great way to improve their body awareness.

Positional Release

Positional release can be used where muscle are either tight or in spasm because they are guarding a previous injury.  Trigger points are found in the muscles with excessive tension and pressure is then held on the trigger point while and the body part is moved until the discomfort subsides.  This position of ease is then help for unto 90 seconds during which time the muscle tension can return to a near normal state.  Positional Release is often used when other massage techniques have not achieved the desired outcome.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial techniques are used with the aim of releasing the fascia and fascial restrictions.  Fascial is a connective tissue which surrounds our bones, muscle fibres and forms tendons and ligaments.  The superficial and deep fascia are treated with shot or long strokes and by applying a sustained stretch to get a spontaneous ‘ease’ tension.  Myofascial techniques can be used to help ease pain and tension in the muscles.

My clinic in Walderslade has easy access from the surrounding areas such as Chatham, Rochester, Gillingham, Strood, Hempstead, Rainham, Maidstone and Aylesford.

At my clinic I use a combination of these techniques to treat a wide variety of clients. I am able to use these sports and remedial massage techniques to treat clients from the sporting environment where pre and post event treatments are required.  This treatment benefits the client as they are maintaining their musculoskeletal system to prevent injury.  Any minor injuries they pick up along the way can be treated quickly to speed up their recovery.  I treat clients who have poor posture and the musculoskeletal issues related to this, such as a tight chest, rounded shoulders or an achy neck and back.  I also treat clients who are recovering from a minor injury, client who have chronic illnesses or client who just have aches and pains from everyday life.  

Soft tissue therapy is more than just a Sports Massage as it is a person centred approach to treating pain and dysfunction. Massage is also proven to help relieve stress, anxiety and depression, so whatever your reason for visiting me I am sure you will leave feeling better.