What is Clinical Massage?
Clinical Massage is an umbrella term for a type of massage that creatively combines and applies a range of techniques (deep effleurage, soft tissue release, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, stretching: passive, PNF, AI, and deep tissue work) to achieve the outcome specified by the client:
- improving quality of life
- increasing range of motion
- reducing pain
- increasing feelings of deep relaxation.
Clinical Massage is a very specific and technical type of manual therapy that deals with the soft tissues of the body (muscles, fascia, ligaments and tendons). The therapist works above and below the affected joint, working systematically through the muscles and associated soft tissue.
Massage doesn’t have to hurt to be effective. Our therapists do not prescribe to the idea of ‘no pain, no gain’. Pain is your body’s protective mechanism and we work with the body, addressing the source of pain slowly and sensitively.
Our therapists are highly trained in anatomy and physiology but do not diagnose, prescribe drugs or offer any medical treatment. If you are concerned about your health please talk to your GP.
What can Clinical Massage be used for?
In addition to general stress and tension, Clinical Massage can be used for
- chronic pain conditions eg low back, shoulder and neck pain
- repetitive strain/overuse injuries eg RSI, tennis elbow, golfers elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tendinitis
- long term conditions eg osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, IBS, depression.
Any pain condition where no tissue damage has been found may benefit from clinical massage. The neurophysiological effects of manual therapy can help to retrain the brain over time to stop it sending out pain signals and help the subconscious part of the central nervous systems stop perceiving threats that aren’t there.
What are the benefits of Clinical Massage?
Clinical massage is manual therapy tailored to the individual client. Communication plays an important role, as clinical massage is a co-operation between therapist and client. With Clinical Massage the therapist and client work together to create a treatment plan, this will not only involve massage but also a home care programme putting you back in control of your pain condition.
Under usual circumstances we expect to see improvements within 1-6 sessions, if after 4 sessions no measurable improvements have been made we will refer you to another specialist. Our aim is to maximise your pain free time between sessions so you can progress onto a maintenance schedule as quickly as possible.
Who is Clinical Massage good for?
While clinical massage is suitable for all it is most beneficial for people with chronic pain conditions who may feel that they are not being heard by previous professionals. People who may have been told that there is no tissue damage and the pain is in their head.
Clinical Massage involves a thorough assessment; this includes previous medical history; clients feelings around their pain condition; client expectations; origin, provocation and quality of pain; observation; special orthopaedic testing and palpation.
