Benefits, Tips and Tools
In this section we are going to go through the benefits of having a massage. The tips before and after having massage. what tools we use in massage and the benefits they have.
Benefits of Massage
Purpose of Massage
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Easing stiffness and pain in both muscles and joints
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Relaxing the whole body, promoting restful sleep and reducing mental stress
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Increasing flexibility in soft tissues structures such as muscles
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Improving mobility of joints
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Physiologically preparing muscles before exercise
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Helping the client in their recovery from physical exertion
Benefits of Massage
Massage therapy is extremely beneficial to people leading busy lifestyles and suffering from what is now commonly encountered as work-related stress. Massage will not only aid with mental relaxation but will work on physical symptoms of back and neck pain that come from sitting for an extended period at a desk or from physical labour.
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Muscular tension,
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Headaches and migraines,
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Work-related stress,
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Repetitive strain injury,
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Releases endorphins that are mood enhancers that fight depression.
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Improves blood flow.
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Lowers Blood pressure
Complementary to other therapies/treatments
Sports massage can also be used to support and complement other therapies and treatments in the following ways.
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Reducing physical, physiological and psychological tension before manipulative therapies such as:
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Chiropractic
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Osteotherapy
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Physiotherapy
Tips & Tools
TIPS
Tips to avoid fluid retention.
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Drink plently of water to help kidneys flush out (Aim for at least 6 glasses)
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include raw food in your diet
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regular massage will improve the circulation and drainage of toxins.
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avoid prolonged sitting or standin in one spot.
Tips for avoiding back pain
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improve your posture dont slump but sit straight, make sure your chair supports you.
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take regular, gentle exercise, such as swimming or yoga
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A firm mattress may help if you have back pain
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Bend from the hips and knees when lifting heavy objects
Tips for keyboard workers
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make sure your wrist is well supported. mouse mats are available with inbuilt wrist supports
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flex and rotate the fingers and wrists, to keep them supple and stop them from aching
Tools
Gua Sha
Its literal meaning, Gua Sha is defined as “scraping away illness”.
Gua sha practices are traced back to the Paleolithic Age where hands or stones were rubbed on various parts of the body in an effort to alleviate pain and/or symptoms when people felt sick
Reduce recovery time and soreness while helping to heal soft tissue damage.
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Improved tissue perfusion.
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Improved range of motion.
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Mobilization of the soft tissue.
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Loosening of adhesions in the connective tissue.
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Treatment of trigger points.
Guide How often to have a massage
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For Relaxation-As often as you like prevention is better than cure so for maximum benefits regular massage is recommended.
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For Pain relief-Leave at least 3 days between massages to allow muscles to recover. Weekly or fortnightly are best until pain subsides.
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For relief of knots-Weekly is advised for at least 4 weeks to fully work out the knots, thereafter fortnightly to monthly sessions to prevent them from recurring
Massage Table
Massage Chair
Tools
Massage Gun
Massage guns are electronic devices that are often used by massage therapists to relieve pain and improve blood circulation. They do this by producing vibrations that are applied to the skin with the help of a massage gun head.
But really, it’s not just vibrations with massage guns. Unlike the high-end foam rollers that have some sort of vibration therapy, massage guns offer something deeper than that.
These deeper vibrations is what is famously known as percussion therapy.
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Promotes Blood Flow
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Encourages Lymphatic Drainage
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Increases Muscle Flexibility
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Better Joint Mobility
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Increases Muscle Recovery
