This is one of the oldest forms of manipulative treatment, and has been proven in a number of muscular and skeletal problems. Massage is purely manipulative and treats soft tissue, muscle, ligaments, and joints using very deep specific pressure, stretching and isometrics. Massage not only relaxes and refreshes you, it can be used in the prevention of stress and injuries. Either mental or physical stress can tighten muscles which, in turn, will increase stress and so on. This can lead to bad joints, constricted blood supply, nerves becoming pinched, headaches, backache and so the list goes on.

Massage Works in Three Ways:

Mechanical Action

Physically moving the muscle, tendon, ligaments and joints, placing pressure on specific areas or stretching joints to relieve tension.

Reflex Action

As the body is made up of energy channels called meridians which are all connected, you get what is known as 'referred pain', where a part of your body is in pain because of a problem elsewhere. If the nerves are sensitive they can be calmed and if they are not working properly they can be stimulated.

Blood and Lymphatic Flow

One of the aims of massage is to increase blood flow to the damaged area. Increasing blood and lymphatic flow will also improve the condition of the skin.

The prime concern of the practitioner is to relieve pain, then correct the problem. Remember years of misuse, neglect or injury can not always be helped in one session.

What Happens in the Treatment Room?

All your personal details will be taken, such as job, hobbies, previous treatment, medication and of course details of the problem. You will then have an examination to assess things such as posture, range of movement of affected limbs and tests to identify injured muscles or joints. This will be recorded to monitor treatment.

Below are the most common forms of ailment and injury remedial massage has helped:

• Nagging backache
• Stiff neck and shoulders
• Sprains and strains
• Arthritis
• Insomnia
• High blood pressure
• Frozen shoulder
• Joint injuries
• Headache
• Irritability - nervousness
• Stress - tension
• Tennis/golfer's elbow
• Sports injuries
• Whiplash
• Fibrosis

Contact

Appointments can be made by telephoning Reception at the Health Hydro on 01793 465629.

For more information on the Remedial Massage service provided at the Hydro please click on the following link to visit their website

www.grahampritchard.co.uk