Massage – take the stress out of Christmas!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year or it is supposed to be, Christmas songs fill the air and twinkly festive lights adorn the houses, but Christmas can be one of the most stressful periods of the year!

We all have our own ways of dealing with stress, but here at Heale’s Clinics we find the best way to combat festive stress is to treat yourself or a loved one to a therapeutic massage!

What is therapeutic massage?

Therapeutic massage is a general term that describes any type of massage that helps relieve pain, reduce stress, or works on a specific problem.

There are many distinct types of massage, below are listed some of the techniques used at our clinics: –

• Deep tissue massage

This massage technique uses, slow and quite forceful strokes aimed at targeting the deeper layers of connective tissue and muscles. It is commonly used to help with muscle damage from injuries.

• Swedish massage

This type of massage uses long strokes incorporating deep circular movements, kneading, and tapping. It is commonly used to help you feel revitalised and relaxed.

• Sports massage

This type of massage uses many varied techniques and is aimed at people involved in sport to help treat and prevent injuries.

• Trigger point massage

This technique focuses on areas of tight muscle fibres that can form after overuse or injury.

Benefits of massage

There are many benefits of massage, here are a few: –

• Reduce stress

Patients are sure to notice feeling relaxed and de-stressed after having a massage.

• Improve circulation 

Loosening muscles and tendons allows increased blood flow throughout the body. Improved circulation can have a positive effect on fatigue and pain management.

• Reduce pain 

A professional massage therapist will be able to accurately target the source of your pain and help to alleviate it.

• Get rid of toxins

Massaging the soft tissues will help to release toxins that have built up through your blood and lymphatic systems.

• Improve flexibility

A good massage therapist will loosen and relax your muscles, helping your body to achieve its full range of motion.

• Improve immunity

Stimulation of the lymph nodes re-charges the body’s natural defence system.

• Improves sleep

Going to bed with loosened and relaxed muscles encourages more restful sleep, leaving you feeling less tired when you wake up.

• Reduces fatigue

Massage is known to boost mood and relieve tiredness.

• Reduces depression and anxiety

Massage helps to release endorphins into your body making you feel happier and at ease.

• Reduces post-surgery and post-injury swelling

A professional massage is a fantastic way to safely deal with a sports injury or to help with post-surgery rehabilitation.

Aims

The aim of the massage can vary between therapist and patient, so it is definitely worth discussing any particular sore spots with your therapist to get the most out of your treatment.

Overall, the goal is to give you a therapeutic benefit – whether it is sports or stress related. Many people opt for a one-off treatment, while others attend several sessions to improve their muscle tone and increase their flexibility.

If you want to take the stress out of Christmas and with all these benefits in mind, why not book a massage today!

If you would like some further information or to speak to a member of our team please call us on: Hitchin 01462 420077 or Luton 01582 579687, alternatively e-mail us at: hitchin@healesclinics.com or luton@healesclinics.com