Sports Massage
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Sports Massage can be particularly beneficial for people engaged in repetitive or strenuous activity, such as recreational or performance athletes and those with a physical occupation. Techniques include massage and stretching to promote optimal range of movement, muscle balance and alignment. It can be applied before a sports event or competition to stimulate and warm the tissues, increase flexibility and prepare the body for increased demand, after physical exertion to calm the tissues, aid recovery and encourage the removal of metabolic waste products, in between training sessions for peak performance and injury prevention, or as a rehabilitative therapy following tissue damage. The depth of pressure varies according to the timing of treatment and intended outcome and is always patient-guided. Sports Massage can be used as a stand-alone treatment or following a course of Osteopathic treatment.
Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage is a treatment which aids in the removal of excess fluid from the tissues, returning it to the circulation for redistribution or disposal.
It involves very light-touch, slow, rhythmical pumping techniques and is particularly useful to alleviate swelling associated with injuries, lymphoedema, venous insufficiency, pregnancy and post-surgery. It is also used where lymph nodes have been removed or compromised as part of cancer treatment.
As lymph returns to the circulation at the base of the neck, it is important to make sure that the drainage pathway is clear so it can cope with fluid load from the site of swelling. Treatment therefore has a whole-body approach, starting in the head and neck area and working backwards to the site of the problem.
The gentle nature of this treatment can make it an extremely relaxing therapeutic experience.
Cupping
Cupping is an age-old therapy dating back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures.
Vacuum cups are placed onto the skin, which lifts up due to the negative pressure inside. This increases local blood flow, bringing oxygen, nutrients and tissue repair factors into the area. They also stimulate venous and lymphatic capillary networks to enhance drainage and the removal of metabolic waste products. The degree of suction applied depends on the condition being treated, age, health-status and tolerance of the patient. The cups are either left in place or moved around as part of a massage treatment.
Cupping can be used as a stand-alone therapy or in combination with Acupuncture treatment. It should not be significantly painful, although stronger suction may leave dark circular marks on the skin for a few days, especially in fair-skinned individuals.
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