Deep Tissue and Relaxation

What is it?

Massage is defined as the systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for a curative effect. Soft tissues are made more pliable through massage to promote circulation and blood flow and bring about healing effects: physical and psychological changes for general wellbeing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What does it involve?

The system of massage treatment involves the therapist using their hands to apply pressure on your body. Therapists use various techniques to work on the body: stroking and gliding (effleurage), kneading the soft tissues (petrissage), or what is termed ‘percussion’ (tapotement).

What are the ‘real’ benefits?

Massage therapy is extremely beneficial to people leading busy lifestyles suffering from what is now commonly known as work related stress. Massage will not only aid with mental relaxation, but will work on physical symptoms of back and neck pain that comes from sitting for an extended period of time at a desk or from physical labour.

The importance of taking regular massage has increased recently as more people recognise how beneficial it is in counteracting the effects of sitting in front of a computer screen daily. Corporations are also beginning to realise these benefits for staff wellbeing, which leads to increased productivity and the possible downturn in sick or unplanned leave.

Many people wait until they are already in pain or suffering spinal injuries before turning to massage, but why let it get that bad? It is a good idea to take regular massage as a preventative measure so that such injuries do not occur. Regular massage maintenance will increase your overall sense of wellbeing for optimum physical and mental health, helping you to achieve your goals.

Massage is used to treat a wide range of disorders, such as:

1. Insomnia
2. Muscular tension
3. Headaches and migraines
4. Work related stress
5. Repetitive strain injury
6. Depression
7. Arthritis
8. Eating disorders and digestive dysfunction
9. Pre-natal pregnancy conditions
10. Fibrositis
11. Spondylitis
12. Frozen shoulder
13. Whiplash
14. Sports and dancing injuries

The power of healing in massage is the energy that flows through the therapist’s hands in touch to refresh, regenerate and revitalise.

What types of massage does The Velvet Ripple offer?

1. Deep Tissue Massage – focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It is designed to reach the deep sections of thick muscles, specifically the individual muscle fibres.
2. Swedish Massage – is a system of long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration and shaking motions that apply pressure between muscles and bones, rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. Swedish Massage feels good, is relaxing and invigorating.
3. Pregnancy Massage – Through a combined use of Swedish and Deep tissue techniques, Pregnancy massage assists with the tensions and pains experienced during pregnancy. These are often caused by the extra weight and shift in the centre of gravity. There are many physical benefits to Pregnancy Massage, in addition to the nurturing and emotional support provided by the practitioner.  Massage reduces peripheral swelling, soothes the nervous system, helps to prevent insomnia, muscle cramps and back pain.

Care must be taken during the first trimester but Pregnancy Massage is beneficial throughout the whole pregnancy.  Various techniques are used as the client progresses through the pregnancy and massage may be performed whilst she is lying on her side propped up with pillows or seated.  Once the pregnancy is advanced, clients are discouraged from lying on their back as this may cause pressure on deep blood vessels.

Regular massage throughout the pregnancy is also said to shorten labour time and the return to optimal fitness after birth.

What should I expect from a massage session?

Massage normally takes place in a private room or space. Clients are expected to partially undress, generally to underpants, and are given a towel to place over themselves. Most massage will take place on a massage table lying down, however, as not all clients are able to lie flat, seated massage is offered by using a specialist massage chair.  Pregnancy massage is also offered and very beneficial, particularly in the late stages of pregnancy to assist the back muscles in supporting the baby, and then after the birth of the baby, as the body has to adjust to the sudden change, a massage or two does help the body re-adjust to this change.

Adrienne’s qualifications

Adrienne completed her Certificate IV in Massage at the Australian College of Natural Medicine in Melbourne, 2006/07.  She has also been working with clients since starting her schooling in 2006 and for many years prior to that with family and friends.  Please feel free to read recommendations.