Frequently Asked Questions

What is Holistic Massage?

Holistic massage is a traditional form of massage which uses a number of techniques to either relax or to stimulate the body, depending on the desired affect. The techniques used include; effleurage, petrissage, frictions, tapotement, vibrations, joint manipulation and holding.

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What is Sports Massage?

Sports Massage uses a mix of Holistic / Swedish massage techniques, combined with deep tissue massage. The deep tissues massage techniques are designed to improve the suppleness and flexibility of muscles, the underlying tissues and the joints. Sports massage usually applied prior to activity (pre event) or after activity (post event).

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What is Remedial Massage?

Remedial massage is typically used in the treatment of specific injuries, which may have been caused through work, an accident or a sporting activity, such as a strain or sprain. Treatment of the injury usually involves a mix of deep and superficial massage strokes and the techniques are aimed at relieving symptoms, pain and restoring normal muscle and soft tissue function.

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Is Massage likely to hurt?

Many massage techniques will not prove to be painful provided that the tissues have been warmed up properly and the techniques are performed correctly. However, deep tissue massage techniques can sometimes cause considerable pain, though this pain is tolerable and patients often refer to this pain as “good pain”. Correctly used deep tissue techniques should not cause any actual tissue damage, though they will tear apart fibrous adhesions within the affected tissues. It is necessary to tear apart the fibrous adhesions in order for the tissues to heal correctly and for the tissues to return to a normal functioning state.

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Are there any reasons why I should not have a massage?

• Open wound, fractures or dislocations.
• Myositis Ossifications.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT.)
• Varicose Veins (Local contraindication).
• Infectious skin diseases (bacterial, fungal, viral, herpes and lymphangitis).
• Severe Sunburn.
• Pregnant and within the first trimester of pregnancy.
• Tumors.
• Cancers.
• Haemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
• Acute soft tissue inflammation (muscles, tendons, ligaments, organs and other underlying structures). Acute soft tissue inflammation is typically treated using R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) as a means of reducing inflammation and which is usually applied at the time of the initial injury.

This list is not exhaustive and other conditions can contraindicate a patient for massage. Massage may still be suitable for a patient even if it is contraindicated, however, GP approval will be required prior to any treatment being given.

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Are there any side effects of massage?

One may experience some mild side effects as a result of a massage, which is perfectly normal. Not everybody is affected, but for those people that are side effects can last up to 48hrs and are a result of stimulating the bodies natural healing processes. One may or may not experience one or more of the following:-

• Aches, soreness or tenderness.
• Emotional changes.
• Headaches.
• Feelings of relaxation or of being invigorated.
• Changes in sleep patterns.
• Dizziness or nausea.
• Spots.
• Altered bowel movements.
• Changes in urine output, colour or frequency.
• Body temperature changes.

Side effects can often be minimized by following the aftercare and home care instructions provided by the therapist at the end of a treatment.

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Can you treat children?

Yes. If the child is under the age of 16 then written permission is required from either a parent of guardian, prior to any treatment being given. Also, a responsible adult should attend and be present whilst the patient is being treated.

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Can I have treatment if another therapist or professional is already treating me?

Yes. However, you should speak with you're existing therapist or professional before seeing further treatment, which is partially out of courtesy. The main reason to speak with your existing therapist or professional is to ensure that the work that they perform does not become adversely affected by the work the massage therapist is going to perform, which is in the best interests of the patient.

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