How does Remedial Massage work?

Remedial massage works on musculoskeletal injuries which includes spasmed or torn muscles and ligament sprains.

When tissue damage occurs, some bleeding will take place and scar tissue will develop, which is a vital part of the initial healing process. However, often excessive amounts of scar tissue form, and if the condition persists, will increase even further. This leads to the creation of adhesions and fibrous tissue. For a muscle to function the fibres need to be able to glide smoothly over each other. In the early stages, scar tissue is quite sticky and can bind fibres together. Over time a local area of muscle fibres can mat together into a hard lump or knot. Adhesions can also form between ligaments, tendons, muscles and bone, which can lead to restricted movement of a joint. Remedial massage techniques will prevent excessive scar tissue formation by stopping these cells from binding together. Where scar tissue has formed, massage can break it down so that it can be either absorbed and eliminate, or aligned with the muscle, thus making the damaged area stronger and hence less likely to cause problems in the future.

Repetitive or excessive use of a muscle can cause continuous muscle spasm within an area. These muscles only partially relax after contraction and cause pain in the affected area. This in turn can cause misalignment of the surrounding bones such as the pelvis or vertebrae. A typical example of this is back pain. Advanced Remedial Massage can use Muscle Energy Techniques to release this spasm, hence eliminating the pain in the area. Advanced Remedial Massage can also be very effective when used on frozen shoulders, sciatica and the untrapping of nerves caused by overtight muscles.

Finally, massage affects the nervous system in several ways. It stimulates the nerve receptors which control tissue tension and it can stimulate the body’s natural opiates such as endorphins thus reducing pain and increasing the sense of well-being.

Who can benefit?

Anyone with a muscloskeletal problem can benefit from remedial massage. This includes back, neck and shoulder pain, sciatica, frozen shoulders, pins and needles caused by muscle tightness, knee and ankle problems and problems with the rib cage.

When to avoid massage or seek advice beforehand

• Infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
• Immediately after surgery
• Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by the doctor
• People prone to blood clots because they may become dislodged and move to somewhere dangerous
• People with heart disease should check with the doctor before having a massage
• Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernias, or areas of recent fractures.

Remedial Massage at Hawthorn

Remedial massage at Hawthorn is provided by Sheena Livingstone.