Is massage right for me?

With all the different types of massage available, it can be confusing as to which type of massage will be the most beneficial!

Some of the more familiar treatments include Swedish and deep tissue massage but there are other types of massage that you can receive here at Heale’s Clinics – each with their own unique benefits.

To help you make up your mind, I will explain a little bit about each technique we use at our Luton and Hitchin clinics and their benefits.

Swedish Massage

This is probably the most common type of  therapy and is probably what comes to mind when most people think about of hear the word “massage.”  It is very gentle and is great for people who just want to relax, relieve tension and desire a gentle touch!

The primary goal of a Swedish massage is to relax the entire body, improving circulation and relieving muscle tension.

Swedish massage strokes are long, broad , gentle and fluid movements that return the blood to the heart, apart from feeling good this type of massage has the ability to:

• Ease muscle tension
• Increase the level of oxygen in the blood
• Decrease toxins in the muscles
• Decrease the levels of the stress hormone cortisol
• Increase the amount of white blood cells which boost the immune system

Deep Tissue Massage

In this type of massage, the therapist uses finger pressure and the stroking of deep layers to massage tissue areas where muscles are tight and knotted. It is a good option for those who have muscle soreness, injury, imbalance and tightness as this method eases chronic aches and pains found in the neck, upper back, lower back and shoulders.

Deep tissue massage has the ability to:

• Improve circulation and range of motion
• Break down scar tissue and eliminate “knots” or adhesions – bands of painful, rigid tissue
• Reduce inflammation
• Help recovery of injuries
• Relieve the pain from muscle strains
• Improve posture

Trigger Point Massage

This helps target points of concentrated tension in tight muscles and connective tissue. These points can result from direct trauma, sustained muscular contraction, poor posture and even emotional distress. It uses alternating levels of pressure in the area of the trigger point to alleviate tension. Trigger points can contribute to chronic pain, tightness and further injury.

Some trigger points are active, meaning they cause pain or discomfort that you are aware of. Others are non-active or latent, meaning that you are probably not aware of them until pressure is applied.

Sports Massage

This is a general term referring to the combination of a wide range of techniques and was specifically designed with athletes in mind to enhance performance and fitness training. The techniques may include joint range of motion, active and passive stretching and depending on the individual Swedish and deep tissue work as well.

However, you don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy the benefits of a sports massage and is a good option if you have a repetitive use injury or are prone to injuries as it can be used to help prevent them. Other benefits include:

• Improved range of motion and flexibility
• Reduced muscle and joint pain
• Quicken work out recovery times
• Enhance overall performance
• Help prevent sport-related injuries
• Promote tissue repair and muscle balance

So, you’ve decided on the right massage for you, but how do you find a Massage Therapist?

• Whoever, you end up going to see make sure that your therapist is professionally trained, insured and belongs to a governing body. You can ask to see these certificates for peace of mind.
• Make sure it is someone you feel comfortable with, so you can fully relax.

Here at Heale’s Clinics all of our therapists are members of the International Council of Holistic Therapists and are therefore bound by their codes of conduct and professionalism.

Your first visit with us will consist of an initial consultation so we fully understand your needs. Our fully qualified and expert masseurs will be able to deliver a massage that will be tailored to your needs. The particular massage techniques will be conducted firmly enough to be effective whilst paying due regard to any discomfort experienced.

Massages should be invigorating rather than painful, so please let your therapist know if you find it uncomfortable.

If you or someone you know could benefit from a massage or 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.