Massage involves the manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues to promote blood flow, and bring about healing effects. Both physical and psychological changes contribute to an overall improved feeling of general wellbeing. Massage involves the therapist using their hands to apply pressure on your body: stroking, gliding and kneading the soft tissues to the point where you feel relaxed and revitalised.
Massage therapy is extremely beneficial to people leading stressful or busy lifestyles. It can assist relaxation of the mind, and also works well in the treatment of back and neck pain that comes from sitting for an extended period of time at a desk, physical labour, or sports injuries. Regular massage, be it relaxation or remedial massage, is now a recognised way of dealing with the effects of sitting in front of a computer for most of the day.
Companies are beginning to appreciate the benefits of massage on staff wellbeing and productivity. Medical practitioners often refer their patients for remedial massage therapy to help treat back or neck pain, and athletes have long realised the value of massage in keeping them in prime physical and mental condition and dealing with muscle strains, aiding flexibility and protecting against injury. While many people wait until they are already in pain before turning to massage, this is not the best approach.
Regular massage can be used as a preventative measure so avoid or minimise the chance of developing symptoms. Regular massage will increase your general sense of wellbeing, optimising your physical and mental health, and helping you to achieve your goals in life. Massage may be used to treat a wide range of physical and psychological problems, including:
- Insomnia (inability to sleep well)
- Muscular tension
- Headaches (tension headaches, migraines, neck-related headaches)
- Work and home-related stress
- Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
- Depression and anxiety
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Neck and back pain
- Frozen shoulder
- Whiplash injuries
- Sports injuries
At Precision Life, we offer a variety of massage therapies, including: Swedish massage, sports massage, deep tissue massage, neuromuscular release, myotherapy, trigger point massage and others. There is an overlap between these techniques, and the type of massage therapy offered will be customised to your specific needs and goals.
ACUPRESSURE
Acupressure, or acupuncture without needles, is a Chinese Traditional Medicine technique which employs deep finger pressure at certain points. Like acupuncture, it can reduce tension and pain in a variety of conditions. In particular, acupressure may be very effective in relieving back pain.
CORPORATE MASSAGE
These types of massage are performed in the workplace or at our Precision Life boutique studio. The client stays fully robed and a session lasts 15 minutes. Usually the therapist will focus on the back, shoulders, neck and arms. The aim is to provide relief from muscle tension, headaches, neck pain, back pain, and stress. You should feel invigorated and rejuvenated. This can also result in lower workplace absenteeism, as well as improved productivity and morale.
DEEP TISSUE & TRIGGER POINT
This is a stronger massage that rebalances the muscles, ligaments and tendons (connective tissue). Focusing on the deeper layers of muscle using friction, deep strokes and trigger points, this technique may be helpful in the management of overuse injuries and back pain.
MUSCULOSKELETAL THERAPY
Musculoskeletal Therapy (MST) treats symptoms, relieves pain, and identifies and addresses contributing factors and underlying causes of musculoskeletal conditions.
The inclusion of critical evaluation contributes to an ability to effectively assess a presenting musculoskeletal condition, identify its causes/contributing factors, and to develop a holistic plan of management that will provide an effective result. Exercise prescription, diet/nutritional measures, postural awareness, as well as hands-on techniques may be employed.
MYOTHERAPY
Myotherapy is the treatment of muscle to relieve pain and improve movement. It employs various treatment modalities including soft tissue massage, trigger point therapy, dry needling, transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) and corrective exercises. This type of massage helps loosen muscles, release toxins and improves circulation.
NEUROMUSCULAR & MYOFACIAL RELEASE THERAPY
Neuromuscular release therapy is a firm type of massage used to treat specific musculoligamentous injuries and conditions. It facilitates the repair of muscular and connective tissue, and is ideal for tired or sore muscles. Myofacial Release Therapy is a gentle effective type of manual therapy which uses sustained pressure to reduce pain and restore motion and function. Fascia is the tough, connective tissue which holds the other body tissues together- it can be torn, inflamed, or injured, and is a common source of pain. Myofacial therapy specifically targets this tissue, making it more supple and less tight or constricted. The therapy is based on the principle that poor posture, physical injury, illness and emotional stress can shift the body out of alignment and cause the intricate web of fascia to become tight and constricted.
REMEDIAL MASSAGE
Remedial massage is applied to the skin and deep tissues in combination with passive stretching manoeuvres. It works by heating up damaged muscles and tendons that are damaged, impaired or knotted. Remedial massage supports and speeds up the body’s natural repair mechanisms. It removes blockages, reduces scar tissue and adhesions caused by injury, speeds recovery and encourages healing.
SPORTS
Sports massage is a specific deep type of massage which aims to relieve pain, stiffness and muscle soreness following sporting activities. It can also help to maintain the muscles in premium condition and breakdown any scar tissue.
SWEDISH
Swedish massage involves the systematic working of the muscles and other soft tissue to create a state of relaxation. It involves long strokes, tapping, kneading, friction, percussion and vibration motions which soothe your body, soothes away the stress and strains of the body. Swedish massage leaves you feeling relaxed and invigorated.