THERAPEUTIC
MASSAGES
WHAT
IS A THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
 |
Massage
can be defined as the systematic and manual manipulation
of the body’s soft tissue for therapeutic
purposes promoting health and
well-being. |
WHERE DOES IT ORIGINATE
It is generally believed that the word massage derives from the
Arabic ‘mass or ‘Mas’h’ meaning
to press softly. As an art it must be about as old as man
himself because to hold or rub an injured part is an instinctive
reaction to pain or discomfort.
 |
"Massage
has evolved from a combination of Eastern and Western
traditions." |
A
SCIENTIFIC SYSTEM
By far the greatest advancement of therapeutic massage recorded
in history was by a Swedish physiologist named Per Henrik
Ling (1776-1839), who created a scientific system of massage
movements and techniques known as Swedish Massage.
THE TECHNIQUES
This consists of five basic strokes: effleurage
(stroking), petrissage (kneading), friction, tapotement (percussion),
and vibration, though all of these strokes are not used on every
part of the body.
 |
Today,
massage is a multidimensional skill encompassing
a wide variety of ever evolving techniques, many of which
have their roots in the Swedish system. |
The general public is now very aware of the value of massage
in combating the stresses and tensions of modern living.
Athletes, sports people and dancers include massage in their training
schedules to aid recovery and to prevent or treat soft tissue injuries.
THE
SWEDISH MASSAGE AS A FOUNDATION
Most
massage therapists utilise Swedish Massage as the foundation for
a treatment and blend in various techniques, depending upon training
and experience, to address the specific needs of the client. In
general, the manipulation of the body’s soft tissue (i.e.
the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments and facia) using the hands
is a gentle, flowing massage technique that uses varying degrees
of pressure and stretching movements. It is most commonly used for
relaxation and improving well-being.
|
A
typical full-body massage session lasts for about one hour.
 |
Many
therapists will offer shorter sessions for treating
specific areas such as backs, shoulders and necks
or any areas giving discomfort, aches or pains. |
ON
THE FIRST VISIT
On the first visit clients are asked a number of questions
concerning general well-being, injuries and medical conditions
that the therapist should know about, in order to determine
if there are any contra-indications (physical
conditions that would prohibit or limit a massage treatment).
The client is asked to undress, to the client’s level
of comfort/modesty, and to lie on the treatment couch under
a sheet or large towel (draping).
 |
During
the session, the therapist will utilise the draping
to expose only those parts of the body to which treatment
is being applied. |
"No
body part or area will be massaged without the client's permission."
MASSAGE AND OILS
Massage media include oils, lotions, creams and talc; oil
is the most common.
A
good oil will nourish the skin and allow a free-flowing movement
as it allows the hands to glide over the area.
The therapist will sense responses but will also ask the client
about the strength of their touch. Remember, "no pain,
no gain" holds no truth in massage.
If
in discomfort or hurting, the client should feel free to ask
the therapist to modify their treatment.
WHAT
DOES IT COST?
30 Minutes £25
60 Minutes £35
Learn
more about your
Massage Therapist Klara SEBESTYEN
CONTACT
THE
RAPHA THERAPY CENTRE 01786 880 909
INTRODUCTION
TO HOT STONES MASSAGE
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"Since
my Diploma in Holistic Massage I have attended different
workshops to deepen my knowledge and qualified in
Hot Stone Therapy."
Klara
Sebestyen
|
Stone
massage therapy has been used in many different cultures
for many years. Healers used rocks from the river beds and
warmed them either in hot coals or hot water.
Placing
the hot stones on cloth on the body and arranging them along
the energy centres of the body would help to relax the muscles
and reduce pain or discomfort, boosting a healing process.
Learn
more about Hot Stones Massage
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