Therapeutic Massage in the UK
Therapeutic Massage is defined as the mobilisation of soft tissue to restore normal systemic use. It can be stimulating or soothing depending on the technique, depth and speed. Is both safe and effective and helps to create balance and harmony from within. Today, given the high levels of stress under which many people live, Therapeutic Massage Therapy is not only a highly beneficial therapy but also one of the healthiest options for improving one’s quality of life.
While Therapeutic Massage is often relaxing, the end goal of the session can be different. Therapeutic goals can vary considerably between massage therapists and clients. In some cases, it may be performed as part of a larger treatment plan, for example, to loosen muscles, improve muscle tone, and increase flexibility. Therapeutic Massage is not only to relax your whole body but at the same time, work through some of the muscle issues or “tight spots” you may be experiencing.
The Massage Therapy may also improve your circulation, which enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells and helps remove waste products or reduce swelling. This type of therapy induces a relaxation response, which lowers your heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure, plus boosts your immune system, and generally decreases the physical effects of stress. These effects suggest that massage is helpful for a wide range of conditions.
Most Popular Therapeutic Massage Styles in the UK
Swedish Massage
A gentle and relaxing massage style that incorporates long, smooth strokes to relax and soften superficial muscle. An excellent massage option for those looking for a gentle treatment to promote that relaxed and stress-free feeling.
Deep Tissue Massage
A deeper massage is targeting the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. This massage style incorporates slow, deep strokes to break up stubborn knots and tight soft tissues. Deep tissue massage is excellent for those who suffer from chronic tightness, scar tissue formation, repetitive strain, or regular physical activity.
Soft Tissue Massage Therapy
Soft tissue massage therapy involves direct physical action upon the soft tissues of your body. Your muscles, tendons, ligaments, or other connective tissue such as fascia are the target structures. Massage therapists possess a variety of massage styles, which they customise to each client. Soft tissue techniques include a whole range of massage depths, pressures, and durations.
Sports Massage
Sports massage specifically treats those involved in physical activity. Sports massage focuses on preventing and treating injury while also enhancing athletic performance. Therapists will commonly use a mixture of Swedish and deep tissue massage techniques. The massage therapist will frequently finish your sports massage with some gentle stretch therapy.
Remedial Massage
Remedial massage is a modality that incorporates numerous techniques to locate and treat musculoskeletal imbalances and chronic/acute pain. Specific techniques used include: Swedish and deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, muscle energy techniques and stretching. Remedial massage is useful for those suffering from a particular complaint, or those who want to ensure their body is functioning at its optimum level.
Relaxation Massage
A relaxation massage helps to de-stress and loosen up your body and is excellent for those who have had a hard working week or feel like treating themselves to some TLC! The treatment consists of flowing strokes, kneading and gentle manipulations of the muscles performed at your chosen pressure. It is a pain-free way to relax both your muscles and your mind.
Hot Stone Massage Therapy
Is a specialist massage that uses smooth, flat, heated between 130 and 145 degrees, basalt stones that are positioned along your spine, in the palms of your hands, along your legs and between the toes. Typically, from river beds, basalt stones are used for massage as they have a rich iron content that retains heat. Cold marble stones are often used in the treatment to help aid with detoxing and healing the body.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Sometimes it’s called essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health. Aromatherapy is thought of as both an art and a science. Recently, aromatherapy has gained more recognition in the fields of science and medicine.
Hot Oil Massage
Hot oil treatment is a type of body massage therapy for relaxation and healing purposes. The hot oil is used to loosen and release the internal impurities, which are then flushed out and eliminated through the urinary and digestive tract. For this reason, it is important to drink plenty of water after a treatment. The oil used should be organic, cold-pressed oil. It is important to note that the skin is an organ and will metabolize anything that comes in contact with it, so only use pure products should be used. Sesame oil is a good option for hot oil treatments. For people with a lot of heat and skin or muscle inflammation, a more cooling oil, such as olive or coconut oil, may be used. This is especially true for those with sensitive skin.
Lomi Lomi Massage
Is a traditional Hawaiian massage that uses a combination of massage techniques, nut oils, and sometimes elements of breathing to restore energy and soothe the body. It is also known as the ‘loving hands’ massage. This name helps to explain its principles – the massage works gently yet deeply into the muscles with continuous, flowing strokes, allowing the client to relax and give in to the nurturing touch. Lomi Lomi translates to ‘rub rub’ in Hawaiian, and reflects the broad, flowing strokes made with the therapist’s fingers, thumbs, palms, arms and elbows. Macadamia, palm and coconut oils are usually used as moisturisers in this type of massage, to keep the strokes smooth and to nourish the skin.
Indian Head Massage
Is a relaxing holistic treatment that uses acupressure massage on the head, face, neck and shoulders. It aims to rebalance your body’s energies and was originally used to improve scalp and hair condition. It doesn’t seem sufficient to say that a good Indian head massage will relax you, it is more than this. It can make you feel detached and serene, leave you sighing and wordless, but also alert and clear-headed, alleviating brain-fog and stress.
Ayurvedic Massage Therapy
Combines the 5,000-year-old Indian principles of Ayurveda—the science of life—and pressure points. This type of massage is designed to create balance among the mind, body, and spirit, and help the body heal itself. It’s sometimes referred to as an “oil massage” because it typically incorporates warm herb essential oils, as well as time-honoured and non-traditional strokes and kneading that suit an individual’s needs. Organic oil blends are infused with Ayurvedic herbs and heated to promote relaxation and detoxification. The oils are chosen to balance a person’s dominant dosha (Vata – air and space, Pitta – fire and water, and Kapha – water and earth). At the right temperature, these oils enter the body through the skin and pores, bind to the ama (toxins), and are released to detoxify the body.
Thai Massage
Is a wonderfully energising and balancing treatment. Thai massages certainly are not gentle. It is important to note that oftentimes, Thai massages can feel unpleasant, if not painful experiences. Usually, the masseuse will make it more or less intense depending on a person size and age. During the massage, you will be pulled, stretched, and rocked at the hands of your Thai massage therapist. They will use every part of their body in order to do this. Some masseuses might even walk on you. This is a deep massage and whilst a good therapist will ensure an enjoyable experience, some areas may feel slightly painful due to tightness of muscles and it is not always a relaxing experience. This is a clothed massage, which is unusual. There is lots of passive stretching involved and the therapist uses palms, forearms, elbows, knees, feet and toes to manipulate and relax your body.
