There are so many benefits of massage but should you get a massage if there isn’t anything wrong? Is it worth booking in even if you’re not in pain or injured? The answer is YES! As with all health, prevention is better than cure so the more you look after your body, the better it will function and you’ll be more likely to avoid injury or pain in the future.
Who is regular massage good for?
Active Bodies
If you’re exercising regularly then your body will love you if you treat it to a regular massage. If you do one type of exercise a lot, then the likelihood is you’ll be suffering from some kind of muscular tension from repetitive motion. For example, runners are often tight through the glutes and legs, surfers through the back body, swimmers through the shoulders. A remedial massage will focus on key areas to alleviate tension and improve mobility – this will avoid over-stressing muscle groups, will bring you better range of motion, and in turn, overall better function and performance. By having regular maintenance massage (e.g. monthly – depending on your level of activity) you’ll be keeping your body in the best possible shape which will support your exercise and fitness regime.
Desk-Based Workers
Our bodies were not designed to sit still, in one position, for long periods of time. With so many jobs being desk-based, and in today’s world with so many people working from home with make-shift set-ups, the risk or poor posture and alignment from extended sitting is high. It is very common in desk-based workers to see rounded shoulders, forward head posture, lower back pain and headaches. Massage can help to open up areas of tension, realign postural imbalances and help prevent headaches and lower back pain. But the most important thing if you are sitting for an extended period of time is to get up regularly, move around, stretch and get some fresh air. As well as treating you for massage we will also give you some simple and relevant stretches or exercises to do at home to support you.
Busy Parents
As any parent will know, it’s so important to take some time out and recharge your batteries. After all, if you aren’t feeling your best, how can you give your best to your family? Use massage as a way to de-stress and relax, as well as treating any muscular issues. Sore through the shoulders from carrying a heavy toddler around? Tired from a sleepless night? Just need some time to yourself? Use massage as a way to take some of that well deserved me time.
Pregnant Mums
Pregnancy brings about so many changes – both physically and mentally. The physical changes can bring new areas of muscular pain or tension, difficulty sleeping (especially later on in pregnancy) and fluid retention. Massage can help to ease these issues and keep you in the best possible shape for birth and beyond. Along with that, expectant mums may be dealing with the emotional rollercoaster of hormones, the idea of bringing a new life into the world and any possibly any anxiety associated with this. Massage works effectively on the body’s nervous system and increases the body’s levels of oxytocin and serotonin, which results in lowered stress levels. It can also lower your blood pressure and uplift your mood.
Things you may not think about…
As well as muscular issues, massage (in particular Manual Lymphatic Drainage), can also help with a whole range of other conditions you may not have thought of. A very gentle treatment, Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a therapy which supports and stimulates the body’s lymphatic system, putting the system under load to get it working harder and more effectively. It’s effective with results long lasting – for days, not just during the treatment. Conditions it can help with include:
- – Headaches or migraines
- – Sinusitus
- – Fluid retention
- – Digestion and bowel issues such as constipation
- – Surgery (orthopaedic or cosmetic)
- – Sports injuries (e.g. ACL tear, sprained ankle)
- – Bursitis or tendonitis (to include epicondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis and so on)
- – Respiratory conditions – especially good for people recovering from bronchitis.
- – TMJ
- – Frozen shoulder
- – Respiratory clearance if you’re giving up smoking
- – Management of swelling in the legs from vein removal
- – And many more…
At pH Clinic we offer remedial massage (which includes sports massage, deep tissue, trigger point and myofascial release), lymphatic drainage, relaxation and pregnancy massage. Our therapists are fully qualified and trained to the highest standards and each treatment is tailored to your individual needs. They will be able to recommend the best approach for you, plus offer support and aftercare following your treatment.
We offer massage on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, if you have any questions or need advice on which treatment is right for you, please call us on 0420 644 852. You can also book online.
