Massage

Many physiotherapists would balk at the thought of being called masseurs, however an integral part of our treatment involves various massage techniques. A massage can be defined as any technique involving the manipulation of soft tissue through external pressure and there are many benefits to be gained through these techniques. A physiotherapist will employ massage in a number of ways, whether as reduction of muscle spasm, breaking down of scar tissue, trigger point release, increasing blood flow to an area or aiding reduction of swelling, any muscle under strain or increased tension will benefit to some degree from a form of massage. The key is to guage the depth, duration and type of massage from thorough assessment beforehand. Conversley it is possible to cause damage and further trauma due to wrong use of techniques and this is why proper assessment of the problem being treated is essential. The most important thing to bear in mind is whether your masseur is properly qualified and registered with the relevant bodies. Physiotherapy is now a name protected profession and everyone calling themselves a physiotherapist has to be fully qualified and registered with the governing bodies CSP (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy) and HPC (Health Professions Council), if in any doubt about this you can check on the CSP website as all registered physiotherapists will be logged on this site. Many Private physiotherapists are also registered with the OCPPP (Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice) who also have a website. Prior to going for a massage it is an idea to have in your head an aim whether relaxation, sports massage or lymphatic drainage (swelling reduction) for example. This makes the massage technique selection much easier for the therapist. In this country massage is often seen as a luxury, however in asia and the middle east it is part of life and not unusual to find families who all perfom massage on each other as part of a daily routine. The stress relieving propereties cannot be overstated and in todays mad life stress relief is hard to come by!