Our massage facilities at Chatswood BJC Health
Massage therapists are trained in the art of massage. Massage is one of the most effective therapies for releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to the musculo-skeletal system.
Benefits of massage include relaxation, stress and tension relief (factors which are known to hinder healing), increasing flexibility and reduced muscle tension.
Treatments include:
Swedish/Relaxation Massage
Swedish massage, also called relaxation massage, is probably the style that comes to mind when most people think about massage.
It concentrates on the superficial layers of the muscles and connective tissues of the body for improved vascular and lymphatic circulation. It aims to relax, improve general wellbeing and reduce mental stress, reduce muscle toxins and general body tension. It is an excellent treatment for stress management.
Swedish massage can shorten recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. Ligaments and tendons are stretched keeping them supple and pliable. It also stimulates the skin and regulates the nervous system.
Swedish massage is comprised of seven basic strokes – effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), friction (rubbing), vibration, rocking and compression – applied with a systematic sequential flow towards the heart. Speed of delivery is slow and pressure is generally light to moderate.
Pregnancy/Prenatal Massage
Pregnancy massage, also called prenatal massage, has many benefits of a regular massage – reduction in muscular tension, improvement of vascular and lymphatic circulation, carrying energy producing nutrients to your cells, eliminating metabolic waste products that can cause fatigue, relieving edema or swelling, calming the nervous system, relaxing anxiety and promoting a better sleep.
In pregnancy/prenatal massage, Swedish and remedial massage techniques are specifically adjusted and tailored to address the physical and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy.
- pregnancy hormones relaxes ligaments, which can make your pelvic joints less stable, contributing to a tilt in your pelvis.
- a change in your centre of gravity as you carry a baby inside means stress on different parts of the body,
- the uterus expands and stretches to accommodate the growing baby, which is a common cause of cramping in pregnancy
- carrying extra weight as your baby grows
Consequently, many pregnant women experience low back pain, tiredness and fatigue, anxiety, headache, cramp, swelling of the hands and feet, insomnia and sciatic pain.
These and other discomforts associated with pregnancy can be effectively managed with pregnancy/prenatal massage.
BJC Health offers pregnancy/prenatal massage at our Chatswood location. Email us or give us a call on +61 2 9413 2979 (Chatswood BJC Health).
Sports Massage
Massage is recorded as one of the earliest forms of physical therapy and it is known that it was used by very different cultures over 3000 years ago. It is only in the much more recent past since travel and communications have enabled different civilisations to meet that so many forms of massage have been developed.
Aims of massage
In all types of massage, the therapist has specific aims in mind, and in sport we focus on the individual needs of the athlete. With the ever growing number of people taking part in sport, combined with the increasing competitiveness and intensity of physical exercise, the demand for sports massage is also increasing and becoming more and more recognised as a skill which may aid recovery and enhance performance.
Sports massage does have some aims in common with other forms of massage and it is especially important to have a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology, in particular the muscular and skeletal systems. By understanding these systems and the effects of exercise, we may also appreciate how massage may benefit the sports person thus becoming an integral part of the athlete’s training program.
Athletes who are looking to improve performance and increase their competitive edge do so by adopting a training schedule to enhance their skill, strength, stamina, suppleness and speed. The degree to which they develop and utilise these qualities will depend on other factors such as the level of competition, the sport played and possibly their position in a team. However, no matter which sport, the aim is nearly always to increase the level of training and thereby subject the body to gradual and controlled overuse.
It is this overuse that may often create problems and imbalances in the soft tissues. If these are ignored and allowed to become chronic, they will not only hinder the athlete’s rate of improvement but in many cases their performance may well suffer and ultimately the athlete may be susceptible to developing injuries or conditions that are serious.
Benefits of Sports Massage
Massage, applied skillfully, is the most effective therapy for releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to the musculo-skeletal system. Received regularly this may help athletes prevent injuries which might otherwise be caused by overuse. A constant build up of tension in the muscles from regular activity may lead to stresses on joints, ligaments, tendons as well as the muscles themselves.
These muscle imbalances may develop and often go undiagnosed until they are serious enough to cause the athlete discomfort or impede performance. The skilled massage therapist will be able to detect variations in the soft tissues and by using the correct techniques, help the sports person maintain a much healthier physical state.
It may therefore be reasonably claimed that one of the greatest benefits of sports massage is in helping prevent injury.
Deep Tissue Massage
What is deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness and sore shoulders. Some of the strokes are similar to those used in classic massage therapy but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.
How does deep tissue massage work?
When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement and inflammation. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles.
Will deep tissue massage hurt?
At certain points during the massage, most people find there is usually some discomfort and pain. It is important to tell the massage therapist when things hurt and if any soreness or pain you experience is outside your comfort range. There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage but it should subside within a day or so. The massage therapist may recommend applying ice to the area after the massage.
What conditions is deep tissue massage used for?
Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem such as:
- Chronic pain
- Limited mobility
- Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury)
- Repetitive strain injury such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Postural problems
- Ostearthritic pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Muscle tension or spasm
What can I expect during my visit?
Massage therapists may use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows and forearms during the deep tissue massage. You may be asked to breathe deeply as the massage therapist works on certain tense areas. It is important to drink plenty of water as you can after the massage to flush metabolic waste from the tissues.
Additional tips
Do not eat a heavy meal before the massage. If it is your first time at the clinic or spa, arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the necessary forms. Otherwise, arrive 5 minutes early so you can have a few minutes to rest and relax before starting the massage.
