Massage Physiotherapy

Massage is a technique that involves physical manipulation of various body parts, muscles, tissues, ligaments, tendons to achieve mainly relaxation, pain relief and blood circulation. It consists of physical hands and fingers to apply the right amount of pressure and speed in achieving the desired effect. Those who perform massages are professionally known as a masseur.

A massage is entirely harmless and anyone, medically ill or not, can choose to go through a regular massage session as it only involves positive outcomes. It involves various techniques and their combinations that masseurs are experts in and can be used in cases of:

Effleurage: The word Effleurage is derived from a French word that means 'to skim'. This uses stroking and spreading the hands in the direction of the heart to improve circulation. It uses the palms and wide areas of the hands and fingers.

In stroking, relaxed hands and fingers are applied in the client's body in a rhythm and appropriate pressure.

In spreading, hands and fingers are extended and moved on the body with the right pressure and speed to achieve relaxation and lymph drainage.

Petrissage

This involves kneading in which the targeted body areas compressed, picked up, squeezed and released alternatively. It is used for a more significant effect and generally improves circulation.
The techniques petrissage includes are

Picking up: Deep body tissues are picked up, squeezed and released.

Wringing: Picked up tissues and twisted to improve the effect.

Shaking and Vibration: Gentle shakes and vibrations of the body.

Other techniques are:

Hacking: It involves the use of the forearm to strike the body.

Friction: Thumb and hand fingers are used in targeted areas with gentle to high pressure.

Clapping: Cupped hands are used to give strokes on the body.