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Massage Treatments in Brighton

What Is Massage?

Massage is an important part of physical therapy. It is a therapeutic hands-on treatment used to manipulate soft tissues in the body, including muscles, ligaments, joints, tendons, and connective tissue. Massage techniques are commonly applied with hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, feet or a device. The primary goal of massage therapy is to relax the patient, reduce stress and relieve pain through manipulation of muscles and tissues.

Types of Massage

There are different massage types with different methods and accompanying benefits. Some of the more popular types include:

  • Active release techniques (ART): This is a form of deep tissue manipulation in which specific techniques are used to release tension in soft tissues.
  • Acupressure: This involves the application of physical pressure to acupuncture points in order to clear blockages in those meridians. Studies have shown that it is effective in managing nausea, vomiting, headaches, stomach ache, back pain, and other issues.
  • Aquatic bodywork: It comprises of a diverse set of massage and bodywork forms performed in water. It involves normal massages which could be performed on land, and some specific forms which can only be performed in the water.
  • Ayurvedic massage: It stimulates the lymphatic system in order to provide pain relief, reduction of fatigue, improved immune system, and improved longevity.
  • Medical message: It is a general category of massage and osteopathic techniques which are used to work on various medical conditions. It is used in the treatment of lymphedema, breast cancer, pain management and palliative care.
  • Swedish massage: This is the most widely recognised and commonly used category of a massage. The techniques vary from light to vigorous and are helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis. It also reduces low back pain and is used in managing stress and improving mood.

Other types of massage include:

  • Thai massage
  • Trigger point therapy
  • Deep tissue massage
  • Structural integration
  • Shiatsu and Ashiatsu
  • Lymphatic drainage
  • Erotic massage
  • Craniosacral therapy
  • Biodynamic massage
  • Traditional Chinese massage
  • Biomechanical stimulation massage
  • Reflexology
  • Burmese massage
  • Myofascial release

What Are the Benefits of Massage Therapy?

Medical research has shown that massage therapy has a multitude of benefits with the most notable being the immediate release from localised pain and expedited recovery periods for muscle performance. Other benefits include:

  • Reduced blood pressure and heart rate
  • Reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms by increasing levels of endorphins, serotonin and dopamine to help stabilise the individual’s mood
  • Elimination of everyday discomfort and pain
  • Reduced neuromuscular excitability
  • Alleviation of chronic pain conditions
  • Elimination of joint pain caused by occupational stresses or intense workouts
  • Alteration of the biochemistry of the body thereby improving the immune system
  • Circulation improvement
  • Enhanced skeletal muscle regrowth and remodelling
  • Blocking nociception
  • Preventing fibrosis or scar tissue
  • Increasing the flow of lymph
  • Sleep improvement

Which Ailments and Conditions Can Be Treated with Massage?

Massage therapy offers an essential primary or complementary treatment option for certain physical and mental health issues. They include

  • Breast cancer and other cancers
  • Migraines
  • Tennis elbow
  • Insomnia
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Rotator cuff syndrome
  • Myofascial pain syndrome
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Sports injuries
  • Sciatica
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Hypertension
  • Recovery from major surgeries such as heart bypass surgery
  • Asthma and bronchitis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Muscle sprains and strains
  • Common cold and flu
  • Depression and anxiety

Who Needs a Massage?

Massage therapy is often the appropriate treatment if you need immediate relief for pain and discomfort. You may be in need of massage therapy if you:

  • Require muscle and joint pain relief
  • Are in need of relaxation due to high levels of stress
  • Want to improve your posture
  • Need to decompress tired and overworked muscles
  • Engage in intense work-outs and athletic exercises

Get a Massage Today

If you have a condition associated with chronic pain or undergo high levels of stress, getting massage therapy can help alleviate your pain and reduce your stress levels. Our expert massage therapists will help you achieve a healthier and more active, stress-free lifestyle. Contact us today.

FAQ’s

Does massage release toxins?
Massage causes chemicals to be released within the body, which brings toxins out of your muscles. This helps releases toxins through the lymphatic system while providing other health benefits.
How often should I get a massage?
If you are suffering from intense pain or are involved in sports, consider getting a massage a couple of times a week. For general wellness, once or twice a month is optimal.
What are the best types of massages?
There are a number of massage types such as aromatherapy, shiatsu, hot stone, sports, deep tissue and Swedish massage. Based on medical research, most people find Swedish massage to be most effective in pain management.

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