Massage Therapy Techniques in Sydney
Sydney has many massage salons providing a range of massage therapy techniques.
Some are for remedial purposes and others are for pampering. This article will discuss some of the types
of massages and massage techniques available for customers in Sydney Australia.
Massages for Pain Relief
In many ways the modern massage culture grew out of the health spas of previous ages such as the Roman baths, saunas, mineral springs and hot mud spa treatments. A specialised massage salon offers clients therapeutic massages to help with pain relief for joints and muscles.
Post Operative Pain Relief
A study in the USA has shown that a 20 minute evening back massage caused a more rapid decline in post-operative pain
more quickly as a result of the massages. This is based upon a study of veterans at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
in Michigan as reported in the journal "Archives of Surgery".
Massages after surgery are now standard practice in some US hospitals. To read more on this study see
the Bio-Medicine website
http://www.bio-medicine.org/medicine-news-1/Massage-Eases-Pain--Anxiety-After-Surgery--8399-1/
As massage reduces severe pain after surgery, it should also be useful for other forms of chronic pain.
Back Massage
Anyone who has had a massage knows how great a back massage feels. It is soothing and relaxing and the tension just oozes away.
But does it help with lower back pain? Many people suffer from back pain and it is constant problem.
Can regular treatments by a massage therapist provide a solution? In a comparison study reviewing traditional
Chinese medical acupuncture, therapeutic massage and self-care education for chronic low back pain, this was the conclusion:
"Therapeutic massage was effective for persistent low back pain, apparently providing long-lasting benefits.
Traditional Chinese Medical acupuncture was relatively ineffective.
Massage might be an effective alternative to conventional medical care for persistent back pain."
So if you have low back pain, it would appear worthwhile to give massage a go. It may take several visits
but these studies seem to indicate it is a viable treatment option.
Massage Therapy Types
There are many different types. We will look at Swedish and Chinese types. However, what are they exactly?
Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage is very popular and widely used. It employs five different movements:
Tapotement
Tapotement is a rhythmic percussion, often administered with the edge of the palm or the heel of the hand.
It is primarily used as a stimulating stroke. Increases blood flow along with a relaxing sensation.
Vibration
Vibration is the shaking of the muscles, similar to Tapotement, with the same benefits.
Effleurage
Effleurage is a series of long, gliding strokes. This is a relaxing stroke.
Petrisage
Petrisage is a kneading of the muscles. It softens the muscles, flushes out toxins, and allows the masseuse
to work deeply into the tissue.
Cross Fiber Friction
Cross Fiber Friction works against the grain of the muscles. This helps release scar tissue, and toxins.
Chinese Massage
Chinese Massage is designed to energise the body. A summary of the main types of Chinese Massage include:
Tui Na Massage
Tui Na massage is derived from the two Chinese words meaning "lift" and "press". It is done by deep and constant
movements over the body, repeated hundreds of times. This massage is purely based on traditional Chinese massage.
Tui Na massage has an ability to treat severe chronic pains, musculoskeletal problems and even some internal diseases.
It can treat joint pains and even internal problems like abdominal and digestive problems related to spleen and liver stagnation.
Arthritis pains, pulled muscles, lower back pains and sprains can also be helped with Tui Na massages.
An Mo Massage
An Mo massage is derived from "press" and "stroke". This massage type promotes health maintenance and restores lost vitality.
This balances the full body using Yang techniques for calming and relaxing the body. An Mo has a set of blueprints for
movements which the therapist follows and these movements should be adjusted to the patient's frequency and needs.
This discussion of the different types of massage is of a general nature only and is not professional advice.
You should discuss which type of massage suits your needs with the massage salons listed on ZimboPages.
Give Massage a Try for Pain Relief
It is clear from the medical articles referred to above that clinical studies show massage can help to relieve pain.
So if you have back or other pain, it should be worth your while to check out the massage therapies available.
You can discuss which type of massage suits your needs with any of the
massage salons listed on ZimboPages or those shown on this page.
|
