Unlocking the Benefits of Remedial Massage Therapy

Jo Boardman, JSRM Massage, 09/05/24

Discover the incredible advantages of incorporating remedial massage therapy into your wellness routine.

Understanding Remedial Massage Therapy

Remedial massage therapy is a form of therapeutic massage that focuses on treating musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.

It is a holistic approach that aims to identify the root cause of the problem and address it through targeted techniques.

The therapist uses a variety of manual techniques, such as deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release, to release tension, reduce pain, and improve overall function.

Understanding the principles and techniques of remedial massage therapy can help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being.

Health Benefits of Remedial Massage Therapy

Remedial massage therapy offers numerous health benefits for both the body and mind.

It can help relieve muscle tension, reduce pain and inflammation, improve blood circulation, and promote relaxation.

Regular sessions can also enhance joint mobility and flexibility, boost immune function, and promote overall well-being.

Additionally, remedial massage therapy can assist in managing stress, anxiety, and depression by promoting the release of endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers.

By incorporating remedial massage therapy into your wellness routine, you can experience improved physical and mental health.

Conditions Treated with Remedial Massage Therapy

Remedial massage therapy can effectively treat a wide range of conditions, including:

- Back pain and sciatica

- Neck and shoulder pain

- Headaches and migraines

- Sports injuries

- Postural imbalances

- Arthritis and joint pain

- Muscle strains and sprains

- Fibromyalgia

- Pregnancy-related discomfort

By addressing the underlying issues contributing to these conditions, remedial massage therapy can provide relief and promote healing.

Difference Between Remedial Massage and Relaxation Massage

While both remedial massage and relaxation massage offer therapeutic benefits, there are some key differences between the two techniques.

Remedial massage therapy is specifically targeted towards treating musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, while relaxation massage focuses on promoting relaxation and stress relief.

Remedial massage therapists undergo extensive training and have a deeper understanding of anatomy and physiology.

They use a combination of techniques to address specific issues, whereas relaxation massage primarily involves long, flowing strokes to induce a state of deep relaxation.

Incorporating Remedial Massage Therapy into Your Health Regimen

To incorporate remedial massage therapy into your health regimen, consider the following steps:

1. Consult with a qualified remedial massage therapist to discuss your specific needs and goals.

2. Schedule regular sessions based on your therapist's recommendations.

3. Communicate openly with your therapist about your comfort levels and any specific areas of concern.

4. Follow any self-care instructions provided by your therapist, such as stretches or exercises. This helps us to help you more and maximises the impact and effects of your sessions and treatments.

5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate rest.

By making remedial massage therapy a part of your health routine, you can optimize its benefits and support your overall well-being.

Maximising Wellness: Massage Therapy and Chiropractic Care

Jo Boardman, JSRM Massage, 09/05/2024

Discover the powerful combination of massage therapy and chiropractic care for maximizing wellness and overall health.

Understanding Massage Therapy and Chiropractic Care

Massage therapy and chiropractic care are both holistic approaches to healthcare that focus on promoting wellness and relieving pain.

Massage therapy involves the manipulation of soft tissues in the body, such as muscles and tendons, to improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and promote relaxation.

Chiropractic care, on the other hand, focuses on the musculoskeletal and nervous system, particularly the spine, to improve the body's alignment and function.

By combining these two therapies, individuals can experience enhanced physical and mental well-being.

Benefits of Integrating Massage Therapy with Chiropractic Care

There are several benefits to integrating massage therapy with chiropractic care:

- Enhanced pain relief: Massage therapy helps to relax muscles and reduce tension, which can complement the spinal adjustments performed in chiropractic care to provide potentially greater pain relief.

- Improved flexibility and range of motion: Massage therapy can help to increase flexibility and range of motion by loosening tight muscles and improving joint mobility. This can enhance and prolong the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments.

- Faster recovery from injuries: The combination of massage therapy and chiropractic care can accelerate the healing process by reducing inflammation, promoting circulation, and restoring proper alignment.

- Stress reduction: Both massage therapy and chiropractic care have been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can have a positive impact on overall health and well-being.

- Enhanced overall wellness: Integrating these two therapies can lead to improved overall wellness by addressing both physical and mental health concerns.

Types of Massages That Complement Chiropractic Adjustments

There are several types of massages that complement chiropractic adjustments:

- Swedish massage: This gentle and relaxing massage technique can help to improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and promote overall relaxation, making it an ideal complement to chiropractic care.

- Deep tissue massage: This massage technique focuses on deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues to release chronic tension and alleviate pain. It can help to address musculoskeletal issues that may be contributing to spinal misalignments.

- Sports massage: Designed for athletes and individuals with active lifestyles, sports massage can help to prevent and treat injuries, improve flexibility, and enhance athletic performance. It can be beneficial for those receiving chiropractic care to support their physical activities.

- Trigger point therapy: This massage technique targets specific areas of muscle tightness and discomfort, known as trigger points, to release tension and alleviate pain. It can be effective in addressing muscle imbalances that may be affecting spinal alignment.

- Myofascial release: This technique focuses on releasing tension in the fascia, a connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs. By releasing fascial restrictions, myofascial release can improve mobility, reduce pain, and support chiropractic adjustments.

At JSRM Massage all these massage styles can be incorporated into a Sports or Remedial Massage Treatment to provide a tailored approach to meet your specific needs. 

Tips for Finding the Right Massage Therapist and Chiropractor for Your Wellness Needs

When seeking massage therapy and chiropractic care, it's important to find the right professionals who can meet your wellness needs. Here are some tips to consider:

-        Research qualifications and credentials: Look for licensed massage therapists and chiropractors who have the necessary qualifications and credentials. This ensures that you are receiving care from trained professionals. Both Ignite Chiropractic and JSRM Massage are well qualified and experienced professionals.

-        Read reviews and testimonials: Take the time to read reviews and testimonials from previous patients to get an idea of their experiences with the massage therapist and chiropractor. This can help you gauge their expertise and patient satisfaction.

-        Consider specialisation: If you have specific health concerns or conditions, consider seeking massage therapists or chiropractors who specialize in those areas. They may have a deeper understanding of your needs and be able to provide more targeted care. JSRM Massage specialises in all Musculoskeletal imbalances as well as special interest areas in Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease. Ignite Chiropractic has special interest in SOT techniques, along with shoulder pain and neck pain. You really are in great hands. 

-        Communication and rapport: It's important to feel comfortable and have good communication with your massage therapist and chiropractor. They should listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and explain the treatment plan in a way that you can understand.

-        Consultation: Schedule a consultation with the massage therapist and chiropractor to discuss your wellness goals and ask any questions you may have. This can help you determine if they are the right fit for your needs.

By following these tips, you can find the right massage therapist and chiropractor who can support your wellness journey. 

Call/Email us today to schedule an appointment. www.owc.co.nz

Can Massage Help with Injuries? Exploring the Healing Power of Massage Therapy

Injuries are a common occurrence in our daily lives, whether from sports activities, accidents, or repetitive strain. When faced with an injury, we often seek various forms of treatment to aid in recovery and alleviate discomfort. One such treatment option that has gained popularity for its potential therapeutic benefits is massage therapy. But does massage really help with injuries? Let's delve into the topic and explore the healing power of massage therapy.

Understanding Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a holistic healing practice that involves the manipulation of soft tissues in the body, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. It encompasses a variety of techniques, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and more, each tailored to address specific needs and goals.

How Massage Helps with Injuries

Massage therapy can play a significant role in the rehabilitation process and aid in the recovery from injuries in several ways:

1. Promotes Circulation and Healing: Massage increases blood flow to the injured area, facilitating the delivery of oxygen and nutrients essential for tissue repair and regeneration. This enhanced circulation can accelerate the body's natural healing process, leading to quicker recovery times.

2. Reduces Inflammation: Injuries often result in inflammation, causing pain, swelling, and discomfort. Massage techniques, such as effleurage and lymphatic drainage, can help reduce inflammation by stimulating the lymphatic system to remove excess fluid and toxins from the affected area, promoting a faster resolution of swelling and pain.

3. Relieves Pain and Discomfort: One of the primary benefits of massage therapy is its ability to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with injuries. Massage helps release muscle tension, reduce muscle spasms, and trigger the release of endorphins – the body's natural pain-relieving hormones, providing relief from acute and chronic pain.

4. Restores Range of Motion: Injuries often lead to stiffness and limited range of motion in the affected joints and muscles. Massage can help improve flexibility, mobility, and range of motion by loosening tight muscles, breaking down scar tissue, and promoting proper alignment of soft tissues, allowing for better movement and function.

5. Enhances Healing Response: Through its gentle yet effective touch, massage therapy stimulates the body's innate healing response, promoting tissue regeneration, remodeling, and rehabilitation. By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of injury recovery, massage therapy can facilitate a holistic healing process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, massage therapy can be a valuable adjunctive treatment modality in the management of injuries, offering numerous benefits for both physical and emotional well-being. From promoting circulation and healing to reducing inflammation and pain, massage therapy plays a crucial role in supporting the body's natural healing mechanisms and facilitating a faster and more complete recovery from injuries.

If you're dealing with an injury or seeking preventive care, consider incorporating massage therapy into your wellness routine. Consult with a qualified massage therapist to discuss your specific needs and goals, and experience the healing power of touch firsthand.

Remember, healing takes time, patience, and dedication. Alongside massage therapy, it's essential to follow appropriate self-care practices, adhere to any prescribed treatment plans, and listen to your body's cues for optimal recovery and long-term well-being.

Embark on your journey to healing and wellness with massage therapy – your body will thank you for it.

Contact JSRM for Your Massage Therapy Needs

Ready to experience the benefits of massage therapy for injury recovery and overall well-being? Contact JSRM Massage today to schedule your appointment with our experienced therapist, Jo Boardman. Let us support you on your path to healing and recovery.

Contact Information:

• Email: jo@jsrm.co.nz

• Phone: 022 150 7730

• Address: 278 Beach Road, Campbells Bay, Auckland 0630

Follow us on social media to stay updated on our latest news, special offers, and wellness tips. Your journey to healing starts here at JSRM Massage!

TLDR: Absolutely! Massage is a medically proven way to help you with certain injuries. Call up your local wellness center to learn more.

Focus: The Benefits of Sports Massage

Taking in the view with a stretch.

So, are you a keen athlete, a weekend warrior, a regular Park Runner, or somewhere in between? Sports Massage is tailored to your specific needs, irrespective of your sporting ability.

Sports massage is a therapeutic massage technique that can offer many benefits to athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to improve their physical performance and well-being. Here are some of the key benefits of sports massage:

• Relieves muscle tension: Sports massage can help relieve muscle tension and soreness, especially after intense workouts or training sessions.

• Improves range of motion: By targeting muscle groups and joints, sports massage can improve flexibility and range of motion, which can help prevent injuries and enhance performance.

• Enhances recovery: Sports massage can stimulate blood flow, which can help speed up the recovery process after an injury or intense physical activity.

• Reduces the risk of injury: Regular sports massage can help reduce the risk of injury by improving muscle flexibility, joint mobility, and reducing muscle imbalances.

• Boosts immune system: Sports massage can boost the immune system by promoting the release of endorphins, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

• Enhances mental focus: Sports massage can help enhance mental focus and concentration, which can be beneficial for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

• Reduces stress and anxiety: Sports massage can promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a positive impact on physical and mental health.

Overall, sports massage can help athletes and fitness enthusiasts improve their physical performance, prevent injuries, and enhance their overall well-being.

So the next time your muscles are feeling a bit fatigued, or you are training for a big event, consider the benefits of sports massage and get in touch to book an appointment or just for more info.

Book an appointment today.

Choosing the right massage therapy session for me

How do I know what kind of massage therapy is right for me?

So here’s the thing. I consider myself to be a good massage therapist to my clients. I listen to their concerns, issues and ask them a whole list of really important questions about their health, stress, lifestyle and what their main goal is for our session. I check in with my clients on pressure - a lot, and I aim to offer a great tailored service that helps my clientele to feel better, good and great about themselves.

I’m British, I’m female and I am confident in my knowledge and skills. I enjoy nothing more than sharing my anatomical and physiological knowledge with my clients to help them understand what is happening within them. Sharing how they can help themselves in small ways to achieve their goals for functional improvement. I consider my service standards to be high and I take pride in my clinic space.

However, I am sure that I am not everyone’s ideal therapist. Massage therapy is very subjective, and what may work exceptionally well for one person, may be disappointing or unremarkable to another.

It may take a little bit of experimentation with a few different massage therapists, to find one that really works well with you, and that’s ok. But please, make sure you choose a good therapist. Make sure you know how to discern from an average/poor therapist and make sure that you are getting value for money.

How do I choose a good therapist and how do I know I have chosen well?

Just like going to see a Physio, Doctor or Vet or any other professional, you should expect that your Massage Therapist has the qualifications to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology of the Musculoskeletal system and a standard of service and professionalism in delivering massage therapy.

However, currently in New Zealand there is no regulation as to who can offer massage therapy. Anyone can start up a business tomorrow. Anyone may also be quite good at it. But what if they aren’t and instead cause injury or pain, and that injury or pain is unwittingly inflicted on you? Please don’t ever be shy to tell your therapist that they are hurting you. This is not okay and is something I hear about often.

The choice is always yours on which therapist you see, but to ensure you are in safe hands, I would always recommend that you ask your therapist what qualifications they hold, what experience they have, or what types of massage they have studied. Make an informed decision on whether they are appropriate for you to see. Don’t be embarrassed to walk away.

Massage therapy in New Zealand does have a self-regulating body. This is Massage New Zealand (MNZ).

Website: www.massagenewzealand.org.nz

Therapists that consider themselves as professionals, having undertaken specific training and continuous professional development, pay annually to be part of this formal association, working to a strict code of ethics, and standards that are prescribed. I would suggest that all of the therapists that are members of this association are reputable and safe therapists and better still, you can search for therapists near you and know that they are reputable.

It must be said that not all professionally trained massage therapists are part of this association, but are still great at what they do - and qualified. A quick ask of your therapists qualifications will demonstrate their skills and expertise to reassure you that you are in good hands.

A good therapist will take the time to review your client intake information. They will want to ensure that your medical history and any medications that you take, are not contra-indicators for massage therapy. The therapist will want to understand what your goals are for the session and understand your expectations. A good therapist will check in with you, on how their pressure is, whether it is too much, not enough or just right and will work with you instead of against you (tensing up muscles). please be honest with your therapist, don’t let them apply too much pressure. You will just leave the session sore.

The end of your session should include a rundown of the session from your point of view and the massage therapists’, to ensure a good result was achieved and if not what needs to be done differently.

In summary, make sure that the massage therapy session you are booking is suitable for your needs, if you require specific treatment, (Remedial/Sports/Deep Tissue) ensure that the therapist you choose is qualified and capable of delivering that service. Check the therapist is qualified and has knowledge of anatomy and physiology, so they don’t hurt you.

And above all, enjoy your session!

Can massage help you lose weight?

The million-dollar question.⁠

Can massage help you lose weight?⁠

⁠

Deep tissue massage encourages circulation, which aids in detoxification.

But, the only way we can lose weight, is to use up, or burn more calories than we consume.

Having a massage, or attending the gym twice a week, won’t necessarily help us lose weight, unless our diet is healthy and our calorie intake is balanced (or less than) with our calorie usage.

Food for thought.

Start feeling yourself again.

Do your neck and shoulders ache every time you take a break from your pc? Or do your hamstrings scream every time you run up a hill?

We get it. At JSRM we are here to help. Our massage is designed to be different from a Spa massage because it is a massage with a specific goal. In your case, to stretch and get some pain relief through those tight shoulders and neck. We love working with clients like you that need to find their way back to a pain-free form.

Our sessions would focus on lengthening tight muscles and working on relieving pain in the overstretched, out of whack, sore muscles. A full intake assessment is performed to pinpoint the cause of your irritation and to allow you and me, the therapist, to work together to create a treatment plan that is perfect for you.

You can fill out our client intake form online before you arrive so that we don't waste your precious time during your appointment, needing to work through this together once you arrive. Why not give us a try and make a booking today.

It's time to start feeling like yourself again.

www.jsrm.co.nz