Massage:
Types and benefits:
Have you wondered if massage therapy might complement your chiropractic care? Or felt curious about what massage is or what it does, and how it might help?
Massage therapy involves manipulating the body’s soft tissues, including the muscles, fascia, fibrous tissues, ligaments, and tendons. Examples include: myofascial release, myotherapy, remedial massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, traditional Chinese massage, and relaxation massage. Understanding the different types can help you make solid therapeutic decisions.
Myofascial release has a specific meaning; ‘myo’ refers to muscle, and fascia to fascia, the thin layer that covers tissues, including muscle. Think of fascia like the body’s cling wrap; if it becomes thickened and sticky, the tissue beneath can struggle to work well. So, myofascial release aims to smooth and free troublesome muscle and fascia.
Myotherapy, according to the Australian Natural Therapists Association, is a “physical therapy designed to prevent, treat and manage musculoskeletal pain and associated pathologies.”
Remedial massage, remedial means to remedy or rectify − so it’s used to treat damaged, immobile, or tight muscles.
Deep tissue massage emphasises slow, firm, and targeted strokes to unlock deeper tissue layers.
Sports massage focuses on people who exercise, especially athletes. This approach aims to improve flexibility, avoid damage, and aid healing following injury.
Traditional Chinese massage uses physical techniques with a view to sparking improved blood vessel and nerve function, and whole body health.
Relaxation massage is, as its name suggests, relaxing. The other approaches centre on working tissues toward better function, but relaxation massage shifts
the focus from body to mind. With flowing strokes, kneading, and pain-free motions, it soothes stress and promotes mental ease. While this is pleasant and beneficial, it likely won’t be sufficient to treat a physical problem.
Still curious? Ask us whether massage therapy is right for you. If it is, we can provide advice about the right type to best suit your needs.
How to find joy amid
difficult times
Has COVID-19 taken a toll on your mental
health? Do you feel sad or anxious, or worry
about the future? Have changes in your
work, social life, or finances caused you
stress? You’re not alone. A recent study by
the Black Dog Institute found that just over
three quarters of Australians surveyed felt
their mental health had worsened since the
pandemic began. But there is good news.
There are simple steps that can bring joy
back into your life.
Firstly, remember to be kind to yourself.
These times are unprecedented and
there’s no rule book. Listen to what your
body and mind need. Take time to rest and
get sufficient sleep. Dedicate moments
to simple pleasures and delight in your
favourite hobbies.
Move often. Catch the sun and bathe in
nature. Enjoy long and short walks. Hit the
gym for a healthy dose of happy hormones.
Swim at the beach or in your local pool.
Take yoga, Pilates, or Tai Chi classes − join
a group or try online tutorials. A focus on
your fitness will also help to lower the risk of
physical pain that often rears its head when
under stress.
Eat well. Nutrition nourishes your brain.
Choose a rainbow diet, one filled with a
variety of colours. This provides the vitamins,
minerals, and fats needed for brain function
and mental wellbeing. But don’t be rigid or
harsh; savour that piece of chocolate cake!
Engage the 80/20 rule − eat well 80% of the
time − remember food can, and should be,
therapeutic and delicious.
Reduce your stress. Ongoing tension wears
us down. This past couple of years has
provided little respite. One negative event
has followed another. Even when we’re not
fully aware of it, harmful stress can exist.
So…
Catch up with loved ones and plan regular
social catch-ups; whether it’s in-person
or online, keeping in contact with people
is very important for your mental health.
Keep a daily journal. Practice slow, deep
and rhythmic breathing. Be mindful, fully
in the present moment. Meditate, dance,
sing, bake, cuddle animals, volunteer.
Read an inspiring book. Watch the sun
rise or set. Plan and take a holiday. Find
those things that bring you calm and
schedule them, regularly.
There is much you can do to protect your
mental health and find joy, but if you need
expert help, reach out. We can put you in
touch with the right health professional.