Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is recognised as one of the oldest forms of medical treatment.
​
The practice of using touch as a healing method derives from techniques rooted in ancient history. For centuries massage therapy was used for many medical and psychiatric conditions; however, as breakthroughs in medical technology and pharmacology developed, massage decreased in popularity.
A revival of complementary medicine within the second half of the 20th century saw massage therapy become one of the most commonly used techniques. Massage therapy now stands alongside other professions as research continually supports its benefits.
Our highly qualified and professional therapists at Trainer Therapist have a wealth of experience working with patients with a variety of problems. Their expert hands are available to assist those of you with everyday strains and muscular tension to alleviate the discomfort felt from the workplace or home. Their experience working with athletes of all levels allows them to quickly identify and address the individual’s needs and expectations, adapting treatment accordingly.
The art of massage therapy involves a wide range of ‘hands-on’ therapeutic techniques that focus on the body’s muscular and soft tissue framework. To understand the benefits and effects of massage, it is important to consider how the body responds physiologically.
Massage involves two types of responses:
​
-
Mechanical responses as a result of pressure and movement as the soft tissue are manipulated.
-
Reflex responses in which the nerves respond to stimulation.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage has short-term and long-term benefits for both your physiological and psychological self.
In general, massage can:
-
Relieve muscle stiffness and fatigue
-
Relieve tired and stiff joints
-
Improve skin tone and colour by aiding desquamation (the process of removing dead skin cells)
-
Encourage better circulation
-
Aid lymph draining, reducing swelling
-
Sedate or stimulate the nervous system
-
Encourage deeper and more relaxed breathing
-
Speed up the process of digestion
-
Encourage sleep
-
Improve muscle suppleness
-
Improve circulation
-
Boost your immunity
-
Improve skin elasticity
-
Relieve insomnia
-
Lower high blood pressure
-
Balance the digestive system
-
​​​Did you know stress causes your digestive system to slow down considerably.
-
Deep Tissue Massage (DTM)
Deep tissue massage is not just for persons involved in sporting activities - everyone can benefit.
​
This type of massage addresses various complaints that can occur due to the everyday stresses of modern life, such as driving and computer use.
The techniques utilised during DTM focus on the deeper layers of muscle tissue using slow deep strokes and increased finger pressure, following or moving across the fibres of the muscles and associated soft tissues. Using a range of techniques, deep tissue massage can help to relieve stiffness, tightness, and tension, which develop due to overuse or incorrect use of the muscle tissues. Also, scar tissue, myofascial trigger points and adhesions can be manipulated to reduce discomfort within a particular area.
.png)
Soft Tissue Massage (STM)
Soft tissue massage is one of the most effective treatments to address common muscular problems reducing stresses and tensions associated with muscle conditions and injuries. Techniques used are similar to that of DTM; however, they use lighter pressure and soft tissue release techniques to treat areas of tension, stiffness and tightness that occur during everyday activities.
​
Treatment involves applying massage techniques to deep and superficial tissue, adapting each treatment to address the patient's particular needs and requirements.
Trigenics
Trigenics is a neurological treatment system which can rapidly relieve pain, accelerate healing and improve muscle strength and performance.
With Trigenics, your nervous system is treated to reset the way your brain communicates with your body. This range of motion and instant strengthening of muscles can improve not only athletic performance in minutes but also improve your training technique in the gym. It can be used in conjunction with a rehabilitation programme and is extremely beneficial when used in a training environment.
How does Trigenics work?
​
When muscles undergo stress or injury, their sensors stop sending proper nerve reflex signals to the brain. Due to the lack of signals these muscles then become 'neurologically' short or weak, causing improper joint movement.
When muscles are in this shortened or weak state, they will not stretch fully even with exercise, which can lead to dysfunction in muscles and, eventually, pain and/or injury.
​
With specific strength and flexibility tests, Trigenics can reset your nervous system so the brain can regain efficient communication with your body for correct muscular function.
​
History of Trigenics
​
The original essence of Trigencs began in the 1980s when Estonian Canadian Chiropractor Dr Allan Oolo Austin began experimenting with combining his knowledge of soft tissue rehabilitation, acupressure and breath therapy into one synergistic treatment.
The current treatment system of Trigenics originated in Los Angeles in 1994 when Dr Austin further developed the Trigenics concept by combining his original findings with more current advances in musculoskeletal exercise and rehabilitation neurophysiology. He then developed completely new and unique concepts of functional neurology, which he combined with other procedures to create a completely different, highly advanced form of neuro-manual full-body assessment and treatment.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is the management, manipulation and rehabilitation of soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons and ligaments. It applies to sports people and anybody wishing to guard against or recover from a soft tissue injury.
​
Pre-event sports massage is utilised as an adjunct to the warm-up and has been demonstrated to prepare muscles for activity and increase flexibility. These benefits reduce the risk of injury to the athlete during training and competition. Post-event sports massage aids in recovery from intense training and competition, reducing muscle tightness and soreness and re-establishing the optimal range of movement for the athlete.
​
Physiological benefits:
​
-
Can improve flexibility
-
Can help enhance performance
-
Reduces the risk of injury
-
Can reduce muscular tension
-
Aids recovery time
-
Reduces the risk of repetitive strains
-
Breaks down scar tissue
-
Improves circulation and lymphatic flow
-
Assists in the removal of metabolic waste
-
Can sedate or stimulate nerve endings
-
It can assist in mental preparation for a sporting event.
