What is massage therapy and could it be right for you?
Therapeutic massage is a manual therapy that involves the treatment or manipulation of soft tissues to improve physical and mental well-being.
Regular massage with a massage therapist or physio has numerous health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving circulation, relieving muscle pain and tension, enhancing sleep quality, and boosting the immune system.
Pollinate Health offers different types of massage services, including remedial massage, deep tissue, sports, therapeutic, trigger point and relaxation massages, to meet the unique needs of our clients.
Our practitioners are highly trained and experienced, and use best-practice to ensure optimal outcomes for our clients.
Getting a massage with Pollinate Health is an investment in your health and well-being. Our aim is to help you feel relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated, and to improve your physical and mental health. Whether you are:
- seeking relief from pain and stress,
- looking to recover from intense training or competition,
- or simply want to treat yourself to a relaxing experience, a massage with Pollinate Health is a good choice.
What exactly is therapeutic massage?
Therapeutic massage is a manual therapy that treats the body’s soft tissues, including the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue.
It is often used to relieve pain, release muscle tension, reduce stress, improve joint mobility and improve overall wellness.
Benefits of Physio Massage Therapy with Pollinate Health
Massage has many benefits, not limited to just physical ones.
At Pollinate Health, our massage therapists make sure you get the most benefit from your massage.
How can massage treat problems with muscles, tendons, and ligaments?
Massage can help to treat problems with muscles, tendons, and ligaments by:
- reducing excessive muscle tone,
- increasing muscle range of motion,
- increasing the circulation and nutrition to these areas, and
- deactivating symptomatic trigger points.
Here are a few ways massage can treat problems with muscles, tendons, and ligaments:
- Relaxation of muscle tension: a massage therapy session helps to relax and stretch tight muscles, reducing pain, and reducing muscle soreness and discomfort caused by muscle tension.
- Improved circulation: a massage therapy session can increase blood flow to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which can help to bring oxygen and nutrients to the area and promote healing.
- Improved range of motion: a massage therapy session can help to improve flexibility and range of motion, which can help to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by restricted movement.
- Trigger point therapy: a massage therapy session can help to relieve pain caused by trigger points, which are areas of muscle tension that can refer pain to other parts of the body.
- Myofascial release: your professional massage therapist can help release adhesions in the fascia, a connective tissue that surrounds the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Other physical benefits of massage therapy
How does massage therapy help you mentally?
Massage therapy red flags
Massage is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. However, there are some risks and special considerations to be aware of before receiving a massage:
Medical treatment: You should see a doctor if you have any concerns or medical conditions that may be affected by massage therapy. These include:
Cancer
DVT
Burns
Wounds
Wounds
Some skin conditions
Hip pain
Muscle strains
Fractures
Inflammatory conditions
Knee pain
Tendon injuries
Nerve-related pain
Allergies: Some people may be allergic to the oils or lotions used during a massage, particularly in the case of essential oils. It is important to let the practitioner know about allergies before the massage.
It is important to discuss any concerns you have with your physiotherapist or massage therapist.
Styles of Massage at Pollinate Health
Remedial massage
Remedial massage is also referred to as deep tissue massage but they are slightly different.
While deep tissue massage treats your entire body, your remedial massage therapist will focus on the specific parts of your body that need the most attention.
Remedial treatment focuses on targeting muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues by using a variety of techniques to aid function and assist the body’s recovery and healing.
Both techniques offer the therapeutic benefit of firm pressure.
Sports massage
Pollinate Health sports massage therapists will help you prevent and recover from sports injuries by using techniques such as deep tissue work, muscle stretching and trigger point therapy.
Sports massage therapy can help relieve soft tissue pain and assist soft tissue injuries to heal. Your sports massage therapist will also help relieve muscle aches caused by competition or hard training.
Deep tissue massage
Pollinate Health sports massage therapists will help you prevent and recover from sports injuries by using techniques such as deep tissue work, muscle stretching and trigger point therapy.
Sports massage therapy can help relieve soft tissue pain and assist soft tissue injuries to heal. Your sports massage therapist will also help relieve muscle aches caused by competition or hard training.
Relaxation massage
A gentle massage that focuses on promoting relaxation and reducing stress. This massage technique uses flowing strokes and gentle pressure to soothe the muscles and calm the nervous system.
Therapeutic massage
The general term for massage therapy that aims to treat specific medical conditions, such as chronic pain, injury rehabilitation, or stress-related conditions, using various manual techniques.
Trigger point massage
This massage technique specific points on the body that are believed to be the source of pain or discomfort. This massage technique uses combination of pressure, stretching, and targeted strokes to relieve pain and improve mobility.
Myofascial release massage
A type of massage therapy that focuses on releasing tightness in the fascia, a connective tissue that covers the muscles, bones, and organs. Your massage therapist will use gentle, sustained pressure to release tension and improve mobility. (Myofascial release can sometimes be referred to as connective tissue massage).
Pregnancy massage
Pregnancy massage (also nows as prenatal massage) is a type of therapeutic massage specifically designed for women who are pregnant. The massage is performed while the client is in a comfortable, side-lying position and can help to alleviate some of the common discomforts associated with pregnancy, such as back pain, swelling, and muscle tension.
Massage therapists use gentle, nurturing techniques to soothe and relax the mother-to-be. Pregnancy massage can help promote circulation, improve sleep, reduce stress, and improve the mother’s overall physical and emotional state.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before undergoing a pregnancy massage to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for the individual’s specific needs.
What Does a Massage Treatment Involve at Pollinate Health?
A massage treatment typically involves the therapist using their hands to manipulate the body’s soft tissues, such as the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. The therapist may use different techniques to manipulate the tissue, such as kneading, stroking, rubbing, and tapping.
When you receive a massage with Pollinate Health, you’ll go through five key steps:
- Consultation: Before the massage, the therapist will typically conduct a consultation to discuss your health history, any current symptoms or conditions, and your goals for the massage.
- Positioning: You will be asked to lie on a massage table, usually face down or on your side, and covered by a sheet or towel. You can also request a chair massage, also known as seated massage.
- Massage: The massage therapist will use various techniques such as kneading, stroking, rubbing, and tapping to manipulate the tissue. The massage therapist may use lotions or oils to help reduce friction and improve the massage experience.
- Pressure: The massage therapist will use different pressures depending on the type of massage and your individual needs. Some massages are gentle and relaxing, while others may be more intense and focused on specific areas.
- Duration: A typical massage session can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or longer, depending on the type of massage and your needs.
Preparation and Aftercare
Preparing before your massage with Pollinate Health can help you get the most out of the treatment and promote relaxation.
- Wear comfortable clothing: It’s important to wear clothing you can easily change out of to ensure we can access the areas they need to work on.
- Avoid heavy meals or alcohol: Eating a heavy meal or drinking alcohol before a massage may make you feel uncomfortable or sluggish during the massage.
- Communicate any concerns or medical conditions: Before the massage, you should let the therapist know of any medical conditions or concerns you have.
- Arrive early: Arriving early to your appointment can allow you time to fill out any necessary paperwork and give you time to relax before the massage.
After the massage, we will provide you with instructions to ensure you get the best benefit from your treatment.
- Hydrate: Drinking water after your massage can help to flush out toxins from the body and help to rehydrate the muscles.
- Rest: Avoid strenuous activities for a short period after your massage to allow your body to relax and recover.
- Stretch: The practitioner may recommend specific stretching exercises after your massage to help improve flexibility and range of motion.
- Bruising or soreness: Massage therapy can cause bruising, soreness, or muscle aches, especially if deep pressure is used. This is usually not a cause for concern and should resolve within a few days.
Massage Frequency
The frequency of massage therapy depends on your needs, goals, and preferences.
Some people may benefit from regular massages, while others may only need a massage occasionally.
Speak to your Pollinate Health massage therapist to work out the schedule that is best for you.
FAQs
Read on to learn the answers to some commonly asked questions about massage therapy.
- Convenience: Massage guns and massage chairs can be used at home, which can be convenient for people who have difficulty getting to a massage therapist.
- Instant use: People can use these immediately as and when needed instead of waiting for an appointment with a massage therapist.
- Risk of injury: Massage guns and massage chairs can cause injury if not used properly, particularly if used at high speeds or on bony areas.
- Cost: They can be expensive, and the cost is not likely covered by insurance.
- May not be suitable for everyone: They may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions or pregnant people.
- One ‘size’ for all: Whereas a physiotherapist can work with you to create a bespoke treatment plan, massage guns and chairs tend to be limited.
It is important to consult with a qualified massage therapist or doctor before using a massage gun or massage chair to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs and medical history.
- Swedish massage
- Aromatherapy massage
- Hot stone massage therapy
- Thai massage therapy
- Shiatsu massage
- Cranial sacral therapy
- Manual lymphatic drainage
- Reflexology
- Neuromuscular therapy
- Myotherapy
Book your massage with Pollinate Health today
Massage therapy can provide many benefits for overall well-being and can help to alleviate pain and stress. Booking with Pollinate Health, our practitioners will give you an excellent massage anchored in a deep understanding of the human body.