Manual Treatments
SPORTS MASSAGE
The practise of massage as a healing method has been recorded in history for over 5000 years with beginnings in Ancient Egypt and China. Sports massage involves manipulation of soft tissue using techniques designed to assist in the correction of problems and imbalances caused from repetitive and strenuous exercise and trauma. The application of sports massage, prior to and after exercise, may enhance performance, aid recovery and prevent injury.
Injuries sustained through sport, repetitive movements at work or through an accident, can be effectively treated with sports and remedial massage to help get you on the road to recovery.
SOFT TISSUE RELEASE
Soft tissue release (STR) is a technique of assisted stretching of muscle fibres, tendons and fascia (a clingfilm-like substance that wraps around all our muscles and organs, offering support and reducing friction during everyday movement).
STR involves repeatedly and quickly stretching small areas of the soft tissue.
Precise pressure is applied to part of the muscle which is then moved to achieve a very specific stretch.
The technique was developed as a treatment for Olympic athletes but can be adapted to treat any type of muscular injury, muscular tension and imbalances, restricted joint movement, posture and balance issues, and general strains.
MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUES
Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) are therapeutic tools used to improve function through the release of tightness in the muscles and has been found to be more effective than simple stretching. These techniques help to improve musculoskeletal and joint function via stimulation of the nervous system.
METs are gentle but effective, using active muscle contractions of the client to relax and lengthen muscles, normalise joint motion, and improve pain. These techniques can be employed during the early stages of the rehabilitation process and as a remedial therapy.
NEUROMUSCULAR TECHNIQUES
Neuromuscular Techniques (NMTs) are forms of deep tissue massage in which digital pressure and friction are used to release tender/trigger points in muscles. Trigger points are small areas of hypersensitivity in the muscle in which there is a contracture of muscular tissue (like a knot in a piece of thread). The flow of blood and nutrients is restricted to that part of the muscle and it is unable to relax. Trigger points cause pain, fatigue and weakness in the muscle as well as referred pain in other parts of the body.
Neuromuscular therapy is used to treat many different soft tissue problems as well as referred pain. Some examples are lower & upper back pain, carpal tunnel, sciatica, hip pain, headaches, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, knee pain, and iliotibial band syndrome.
