Massage is an effective treatment for pain and tension in muscles and subsequently aids in increasing stride length and increasing joint range of motion. Massage also aids in neurological conditions by stimulating nerve endings and their connections to the brain.
Effleurage massage is used as a warm-up stroke before other strokes or exercise, it leads to increased blood flow to the area improving blood, oxygen and nutrient delivery. This leads to a faster recovery rate and a decrease in pain. Pain is decreased as there is increased waste removal from the tissue due to the action of massage aiding lymphatic drainage similar to heat, cold, PEMF and H-wave.
Once warmed up other strokes can be used such as compression which produces an area of decreased blood flow momentarily so that when the compression is released new blood, oxygen and nutrients flood the area which leads to increased healing and decreased pain in muscles treated.
Friction massage is used to reduce scar tissue by realigning collagen fibres just like US and myofascial techniques such as wringing, squeezing and skin rolling are used to reduce any adhesions between the muscles and their surrounding fascia.
Percussive techniques such as clapping, hacking and cupping are primarily used before sporting events to increase blood flow and oxygen to the tissues to increase performance. Percussive techniques can also be used over the chest in patients that are unable to ambulate to prevent lung infections.
Massage is included in all physiotherapy sessions but can also be booked as individual massage sessions.
Massage can be used to keep competition animals in peak condition or to reduce stress and anxiety as well as for treatment of muscle pain and tension.
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