What is Massage?
Massage is a combination of techniques that address joints and their soft tissue attachments in order to create ease of movement & reduced pain. These techniques often consist of effleurage, petrissage, compression, vibration, and deep strokes. More advanced techniques include myofascial release, trigger point therapy, soft tissue release, lymphatic drainage, muscle energy technique and so on.
Who should have a massage?
Massage is often used in sport for performance and recovery. Whilst this is a good reason to have regular massage, the techniques used in massage can be applied to anybody irrelevant of age, gender, or fitness level.
What are the benefits?
Using a pick and mix of techniques, massage can aid in a number of areas. It can work to improve flexibility and joint range of motion, improve athletic performance, reduce pain, prevent injury, reduce stress and anxiety, provide a tranquil space to recover and improve fluid movement. Directly and indirectly massage will also impact multiple systems in the body, including the lymphatic, nervous, digestive and cardiovascular; aside from the more commonly aware skeletal and muscular.
Should I have massage if I am seeking treatment elsewhere?
Massage can often be complimentary alongside another form of therapy you might be undergoing. As long as your massage therapist is aware of any conditions you have, they will adjust their treatment approach suitable to your needs. If you have a complicated medical history, or are undergoing any current medical treatment, it would be wise to seek approval from your leading consultant before having treatment.
What should I wear to an appointment?
Most massage therapists will require access to your skin in order to perform their treatment. Wear clothes that are easy and quick to remove and not to tricky to put back on after. Loose shorts are easy to manoeuvre should you wish to leave on. If you’d prefer not to undress, there are numerous techniques that can be applied over clothing. Please discuss this with your therapist at the start of treatment.
Our Barnes Clinic
Our clinic is located in Barnes, South-West London and is easily accessible by public transport.
For more information including parking and other practicalities see our Barnes clinic page
Book an Appointment
Booking an appointment with one of our therapists is quick and easy. There is no long waiting time and you don’t need a referral from your GP.
