Remedial Massage

Remedial massage therapy is both a preventative method of caring for one's body and a natural medicine to treat musculo-skeletal disorders.

The physical and psychological benefit of massage has been known for thousands of years. It was practiced by the Chinese, the Romans and the ancient Greeks. The father of western medicine, Hippocrates, prescribed 'a massage a day' for health and well being.

Remedial massage therapists require a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, in order to provide an effective treatment.

The treatment involves focused massage of the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the body. This relieves chronic muscle tension through deeper more direct pressure or friction applied across the fibres of the muscle, not along the fibres. This helps break up scar tissue, loosen muscle tissue, release any build up of toxins, increase blood flow to promote tissue repair and is hence a remedy to many painful conditions.

This is then followed by mobilisation of the joints which relaxes the body's musculo-skeletal system and opens up the joints to allow greater freedom of movement. Any stretches deemed suitable will also be used.

Many people have a regular massage to keep well and cope with the increasing stress of modern living.

Treatment Benefits

• Back pain

• Sciatica

• Arthritis

• Stiff neck

• Frozen shoulder

• Muscle pain

• Whiplash

• Lumbago

Massage therapy should not be used in place of conventional medical care. In conjunction with current guidelines, always consult your GP or a health professional for medical attention and advice. Please see the NICE guidelines on the effects of manual therapy on back pain: NICE Guidelines: Low back pain: early management of persistent non-specific low back pain (www.nice.org.uk/CG88)