Massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue of the body, especially muscles, but also tendons and ligaments.
Swedish massage as a term is normally associated with relaxing soothing massage, but the same basic Swedish massage technique is also used for sports massage and deep tissue massage.
It is based on the techniques developed by Swedish physiologist and fencing master, Per Henrick Ling (1776-1839) He studied in China and developed his own system of active and passive massage movements. Massage is often used as part of physiotherapy and is beneficial for all body systems providing a natural and effective method of treating both physiological and psychological conditions.
When everything is working well, we don’t really think about muscles but when you can’t turn your head properly and have neck or backache, you can’t ignore them. Muscles give movement to bones. Our bones give the strength to and protection to our body.
Using different massage techniques allows us to achieve relaxation of muscles, alleviate the after effects of soreness following exercise as well as aid the break-down of adhesions which restrict movement and cause pain following tissue injury.
So what are the benefits of Massage?
Massage is soothing, relaxing, stimulating, comforting, gentle and safe. It is practiced all over the world. We are pleased to offer our massage services for clients in Stourbridge, Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury, Bridgnorth and across the Midlands.
If you injure yourself you will instinctively rub it so massage is similar, it promotes blood circulation to the area and this delivers nutrients and helps excrete waste products such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid.
Mention massage to many people and they automatically smile and start to relax. People respond to touch and find it comforting and it is highly effective at lowering stress levels.
Babies can’t speak but the gentle stroking touch from a parent will soothe and relax.
Massage affects all body systems but some are direct and some indirect. The skin, blood, lymph, muscles and nerves are all affected by the direct application of massage.
- Massage improves skin tone and removes dead skin cells
- Stimulates blood flow
- Encourages deep, relaxing breathing
- Stimulates lymph flow
- Relieves stiffness and soreness
- Encourages relaxation & promotes better sleep
- Calms the nervous system
- Reduce fatigue and anxiety
- Stimulates digestion, which works more effectively when we are relaxed
Massage is highly effective in
- Alleviating back pain which helps improve flexibility of range of motion.
- Exercise and stretch muscles
- Alleviate muscle spasms and cramping.
- Relax injured, tired, and overused muscles.
- Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
- Relieve headaches and migraine pain often caused by stress
It is estimated that up to 90% of disease is stress related. Muscles become tight and tense in response to stress and massage is a highly effective means of relaxation and consequently helps alleviate stress.
For more information on massage and its effects please see our article on Sports & Deep Tissue Massage.