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What is Massage
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What is it?
Swedish massage (also known as therapeutic massage) - a range of techniques applied to the skin using oils, including effleurage (stretching and relaxing superficial muscles), petrissage (kneading and squeezing deeper muscles and tissues), friction and compression (rubbing and 'holding' the tissues to break down scar tissue and relax muscles), tapotement (rhythmical movements and tapping performed with the edge of the hand or heel of the palm to increase blood circulation) and vibration (rhythmical movements for releasing tension and boosting circulation).
Massage involves different types of touch, pressure or flowing movements applied to the skin and underlying tissues to release muscular tension and pain, relax the body and enhance wellbeing.
What's it used for?
Massage is often used to alleviate stress and aid relaxation, to relieve pain and to facilitate healing from injury. It's a part of many cancer care programmes and is also used for premature babies, infants, young children and older people. It also plays an important part in sports therapy.
What does it involve?
Touch is used to locate areas of stiffness, pain or tension and then various techniques involving pressure, friction or stretching of the skin are used to promote circulation and release tension. Oils or powder may be used to enable smooth, flowing massage movements.
How does it work?
Massage of the skin and underlying tissues increases circulation of blood and lymph fluids, which is thought to increase oxygenation of the tissues and aid the removal of waste products.
Massage is believed to stimulate skin receptors and the nervous system triggering the release of 'feel-good' chemicals, known as endorphins, that help us relax. It may also help 'block' pain signals.
How many treatments will I need?
Daily treatments may be advised to treat pain or sports injuries. A weekly massage is often given for relaxation and the relief of stress and anxiety. These may last for a set number of weeks or be on an ongoing basis.
How much will it cost?
Massage can cost from £20 to £60 depending on the type of massage, the length of time taken and whether it's a full body or partial massage. Massage is not generally covered by private health insurance.
When should I not have a massage?
Massage is not suitable on broken, damaged, bruised, swollen or infected skin, burns, open cuts or wounds, over varicose or inflamed veins or when someone has deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a fever.
It's also not advised if someone has suspected broken bones, brittle bone disease (osteoporosis), advanced cancers or serious heart problems.
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