Touch & palpation is used to locate areas of stiffness, pain or tension and then various techniques involving pressure, friction or stretching of the skin are used to promote circulation and release tension and stretch and reallign muscle fibres.. Oils or powder
may be used to enable smooth, flowing massage movements.
Massage is often used to alleviate stress and aid relaxation, to relieve pain and to facilitate healing from injury. It's a part of many cancer care programmes and is also used for premature babies, infants, young children and older people. It also plays an important part in sports therapy in the treatment and prevention of injuries.
Massage of the skin and underlying tissues increases circulation of blood and lymph fluids, which is thought to increase oxygenation of the tissues and aid the removal of waste products.
Massage is believed to stimulate skin receptors and the nervous system triggering the release of ‘feel-good’ chemicals, known as endorphins, that help us relax. It may also help ‘block’ pain signals. Associated techniques, such as hot packs or infra-red heat lamps, may also be used as part of the treatment.