MASSAGE THERAPY
At The Physio Studio we understand that traditional physiotherapy treatments are very effective for many problems, but we also firmly believe that a massage can be as beneficial for keeping some pain and dysfunction at bay.
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Soft tissue injuries or ongoing tightness can underlie many of the problems that come through our doors. These need to be addressed to aid complete recovery and to avoid conditions reoccurring.
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We offer massage therapy to anyone who feels they will benefit, either as: ​
WHY MASSAGE?
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a one off relaxing treat
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to reduce tension in a particular area of your body
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as part of the preparation or recovery from a sporting activity
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a ongoing package of care
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an M.O.T for the body on a regular, monthly or weekly basis!
Once you are no longer required to see the physiotherapist, we have this alternative therapy to continue your care or it can be an integral part of your treatment on the road back to wellbeing.
TENSION RELIEVING SWEDISH MASSAGE
Tension relieving or Swedish massage helps to relieve muscle spasms caused by stress, postural problems and/or exercise.
This form of massage focuses on a specific area of the body. It uses various techniques with slower strokes and pressure.
Swedish Massage has a valuable role to play in helping the body recover from injury. It helps stimulate the self-repair process and circulation to facilitate the delivery of vital nutrients and removal of waste products.
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The techniques used include:
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Effleurage: smooth, gliding strokes to relax soft tissue.
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Petrissage: squeezing, rolling, or kneading.
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Friction: deep, circular movements to increase blood flow and break down scar tissue.
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Tapotement: fast tapping with cupped hands, fingers, or the edge of the hand.
Deep tissue/ trigger point massage can benefit everyone who finds they have tight muscles caused by over-use of particular muscle during sporting activities or from the un-helpful postural patterns we find ourselves using too much in our day to day lives. It is also be used on healthy athletes after a vigorous workout to promote recovery and reduce the tension created by tight muscles.
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Deep tissue massage increases the circulation, reduces scar tissue and trigger point lesions by relaxing the muscles to help speed their healing and improve recovery. Another benefit of quality massage is the prevention of injuries. The muscles become more supple and resilient with massage.​​
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Zina will ask you which particular area of the body you wish her to focus on. To get the best result, she may start with Swedish Massage techniques to warm the muscles up and make them supple then use a more focussed deeper tissue techniques on your problem areas, which you may find a little sore. Make sure you let Zina know what level of pressure you prefer or feel you need and feed this back to her during the massage if you wish. Be open with her at the start about your expectations so you can get the most benefit.
DEEP TISSUE / SPORT FOCUSSED MASSAGE
'MOT' / MAINTENANCE & FULL BODY MASSAGE
Do you frequently feel the effects of stress or have repetitive niggles, injuries or stiff joints or poor general flexibility?
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This can lead to:
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Tension
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Postural problems
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Acute or chronic pain in joints or muscles
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Massage is proven to:
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Releases muscle tension and pain
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Encourages relaxation and reduce the effects of stress on the body
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Loosens muscle fibres
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Breaks down scar tissue
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Increases circulation
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Improves posture and flexibility
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Tell Zina what you wish to benefit from in this massage so you gain the most out of this time to focus on restoring your body. She will use a combination of the Swedish massage and deep tissue techniques for any problem areas.
Many people come to Zina for regular 'MOT' type massage on a weekly or monthly basis to keep on top of any stiff or sore areas that occur due to the effects of the busyness our daily lives. Would you benefit from this kind of regular 'MOT' massage?
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WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE I COME
After booking your first appointment, we provide a massage health form via email or when waiting in the reception area on arrival at the clinic. You can use this form to indicate any areas you wish the massage therapist to focus on and please also tell her about any health issues she needs to be aware of or areas to avoid. It's important here to be open with Zina about what level of pressure you prefer.
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Depending upon the type of massage, Zina will step out of the room so you can get ready for your massage lying face down ready to have a towel draped over you whilst on the bench. For a full body massage, the usual expectation is that there will be a level of undress to underwear so she can massage the area requested. Zina will use towels to cover and maintain your comfort and modesty, then pulls these back to work on specific areas. Please let her know if you are not comfortable with any of this aspect and she can work around. For deep tissues massage on a particular area, it's up to you to decide what level of undress you need for the massage to be effective.
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Zina will use lotion which is nut free to use long strokes or pressure to release the muscles as described above.
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It is advised to drink lots of water after your massage and be aware that you may feel a little tired later in the day. Everybody responds to massage in different ways. There can be some mild muscle soreness during the next few days but this is usually an indication of the muscles changing due to the massage.
ZINA PARNA, our massage therapist and has been with us at The Physio Studio for many years and many people return again and again as part of keeping pain and injury away or as a weekly or occasional treat.
ZINA PARNA
Massage Therapist
