Angie's Basics of Massage. Week 3. Trigger Point Therapy

Blessings Readers,


Welcome back to another week of some basics of massage and particularly, welcome back to an introduction to Trigger Point Therapy. Last week I covered basics on Deep Tissue Massage, and working with trigger points is usually part of this massage. As part of my practise, I use alot of Trigger point Therapy work within a Deep Tissue Massage for maximum benefit for relief of the presenting condition. 


To go into more depth I will start by explaining what Trigger points are: Trigger points are related to hard lumps or knots in the muscle tissues. The lumps are caused by small areas of active spasm in the muscle. These trigger points refer pain to other areas in the muscle and attached tendons, and sometimes even further away.
Trigger point Therapy has been used for decades by doctors, pain specialists, and massage therapists to quickly stimulate the flow of oxygen and promote rapid pain reduction.
The technique involves applying short, repeated massage strokes to trigger points, places in the muscle tissue where lack of oxygen causes referred pain. The stimulation of the point causes an increase in the oxygen level in the area and produces an often instant relief. (Blood flow back to the area is also encouraged, helping with recovery). 
Trigger point Therapy can be used for alleviating chronic pain caused by a variety of conditions including muscle ache, arthritis, back pain, carpel tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, headache, and repetitive strain injuries.


I hope this information helped to broaden your understanding on muscle trigger points and how Trigger point Therapy works. 


*Note: I would also like to cover in this week's post;


The Primary Reasons for People to Drink Water after a Massage


The first has to do with substances released by the muscles as the massage therapist manipulates them, and the second has to do with ensuring the muscles of the body are properly hydrated.
Water after a massage helps flush out any accumulated materials in the muscle which were released during the massage. Especially in the case of Deep Tissue Massage and Trigger point Therapy.
Massage stimulates circulation in the body while expressing water, salt, and other minerals from the muscle, and circulation is designed to carry away these waste materials; otherwise they may build up, causing muscle aches and soreness after a massage.
So please, drink up!!


Next week i will cover some basic information on Bowen Technique.


Bowen Technique is a form of Bodywork that you may find interesting.
I don't actually use Bowen Technique in my practise but I feel its important to have insight into other therapy's on offer. 
I believe in an integrated approach to health and its great to have information on whats out there, helping you make informed choices about your health concern choices. Different therapy's can certainly compliment one another!


Until next week I will leave you with a quote to ponder.

'Compassion is the heart that never stops loving others'

'Love, Nurture and Forgive'

Ryuho Okawa

Angie's Basics Of Massage. Week 2. Trigger Point Massage

Blessings Readers,


Its been such a lovely week so far, sunny days (a few rainy days for our gardens), brightening our spirits.
I hope you found last week's entry on the basics of Swedish Massage interesting.


This week I will be covering the basics of Deep Tissue Massage. This should not be confused with Deep Pressure Massage. Deep Pressure Massage uses sustained deep pressure strokes through the entire massage where Deep Tissue is somewhat different. Deep Tissue Massage is certainly a therapy I use in my practise to help my clients, as it really is a very effective form of massage for certain complaints and conditions. Please read on and I'll explain......


Deep Tissue Massage aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of of muscle tissue. It can be a very firm pressure that releases chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on contracted areas, either following or going across grains of muscles, tendons and fascia.
It is also a highly effective technique for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions and past lingering injuries.
Deep Tissue massage is used to treat particular muscular-skeletal disorders and complaints and employs a dedicated set of techniques and strokes to achieve a measure of relief.
The sessions are often quite intense as a result of deliberate focused work.
It is not uncommon for people who are not familiar with this type of massage to mistakenly believe that a Deep Tissue Massage will be painful! This isn't always true! Most clients refer it to a pain that 'feels good'. If at any time during your massage session, the sensation becomes uncomfortable or painful in a 'doesnt feel good' way please communicate this to your therapist.


*Note: It is important to drink plenty of water after a Deep Tissue Massage to help flush lactic acid out of the tissue. If you don't, this could result in additional post massage soreness. Its important to drink plenty of water after any massage or body work treatment (I will explain that in next week's post,,so stay tuned!).
It is possible you may feel some soreness the day after a Deep Tissue Massage even if you DO drink extra water. This should pass in a day or so.


I hope you found this information enlightening to your awareness of  massage styles and what best suits you!


Next week i will be covering Trigger Point Therapy. This really does go hand in hand with Deep Tissue Masaage and is often used as part of a Deep Tissue Massage. So please drop in next week for some interesting info.


Have a wonderful week!


Angie

Angie's Basics Of Massage. Week 1. Swedish Massage Therapy

Blessings Readers,


I hope to find you well and happy!


Over the next weeks I will be identifying for you different styles of massage and bodywork. Im hoping this may help when making decisions of which type of therapy best suits your health and wellbeing needs.


Just a note before I start *The term bodywork is often used to refer to therapies that are often combined and confused with massage eg, Shiatsu, Rolfing, Polarity and Reflexology.


This week I'll start with some basic information on Swedish Massage. I use Swedish Massage as part of my therapy to clients and call it Relaxation Massage as it's relaxation benefits (along with many other benefits) are very effective. I hope this helps enlighten you on this lovely, gentle and effective massage.


Swedish Massage


Swedish Massage refers to a group of hands on massage techniques primarily used to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as blood flow returning to the heart. Lighter pressure is applied as opposed to Deep Tissue Massage techniques (which I will cover next week).
Friction is reduced by the use of oil. Swedish Massage can relax muscles, increase circulation, remove metabloic waste products, help the recipient obtain a feeling of connectedness, a better awareness of their body and the way they use and position it. Swedish massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system while at the same time relaxing the nerves themselves. As it can help reduce emotional and physical stress it is often recommended as a regular programme for stress management.


I hope this information gives a better understanding of Swedish Massage and if it is for you.


Any questions or comments please dont hesitate to put them forward.


Next week I will cover Deep Tissue Massage.


Have a lovely week.


Blessings,


Angie