Massage at active^x clinics

What to expect from your first massage appointment
Your first massage appointment will involve a massage therapist taking a detailed medical history. This is to make sure that there are no underlying medical conditions that would indicate massage is not suitable. If this is the case, the therapist will refer you to your GP or suitable health practitioner. If you and the therapist are satisfied with the consultation, the massage will go ahead. The therapist can be present or if you prefer can leave the room while you undress. Please note that during a Remedial & Sports Massage Treatment, you will be assessed in your underwear.

Once on the couch the therapist will drape you in towels for your comfort. Some techniques used during a Remedial & Sports massage may be uncomfortable but should not be painful. Please tell the therapist if the pressure is too deep or at all painful. The massage should be a pleasant experience. Also ask the therapist to go deeper if you feel it is too light. Please drink water after the treatment; this will allow the body to flush out toxins from the muscle that the therapist has been working on.

The following is a list of massage therapies/techniques we have on offer:

Swedish (Therapeutic) Massage
Swedish massage can be helpful in reducing pain, relieving tension in the muscles, stimulating circulation and also relaxes the client. This massage is performed in a smooth, slow structured pattern so that the body remembers the effect. Thus each time it is performed the relaxed state is established sooner, allowing the client to enter a state of calm and healing.

Remedial and Sports Massage
This is a type of deep tissue massage, used by all ages that pursue an active lifestyle, whether in sports or other leisure pursuits. It can be used to enhance performance in a sport or just help you to feel better by improving flexibility, increasing a joint's range of motion and reducing injury time via rehabilitation. Techniques used are; range of movement assessments, posture analysis, muscle energy, neuromuscular re-education and myofascial release techniques.

Please note you will be assessed in your underwear. Feel free to bring shorts to the session.

Active Isolated Stretching (AIS)
This is a specific stretching technique for all muscles of the body. It was pioneered by Aaron L. Mattes to improve flexibility and can assist in rehabilitation by increasing range of motion of a specific joint and neuromuscular re-education. The therapist can use it on you to enhance healing in your muscle by re-aligning the muscle fibres. Plus it can be used to enhance your performance in your chosen activity. The therapist may use this as part of a remedial & sports massage treatment or you can choose to have just an AIS session.

Scar Tissue Release therapy
Scars - whether from injury or surgery - can have a life long effect on the body, restrict movement and cause discomfort. For example appendix scars can affect the lower back’s flexibility. Also scars from falls and car accidents etc. can restrict body movement. The therapist can palpate the scar and apply firm techniques to release tissues that are sticking together. Thus allowing greater range of movement and a reduction in pain at a joint or an organ. N.B The scar can only be treated 3 months after the injury due to the tissue healing period. Massage can be done but not on the scar area.

Kinesiology Taping
This can be used in rehabilitation of a muscle or joint to support an area while client is exercising. The difference with traditional taping with zinc oxide and the flexible kinesiology tape is that the joint can freely move through its range of motion and the muscles are supported to strengthen the joint. Thus reduces the time taken to heal plus less time away from your chosen activity or sport.

Pregnancy Massage
After the 1st trimester, Pregnancy Massage can be very helpful in reducing swelling in the joints, easing back pain and helping you and your baby to relax, sleep better and enjoy your pregnancy. The massage therapist can be a great contribution to the team looking after you while you are pregnant, and after childbirth. This massage focuses on the needs of the expectant mum.

The therapist will ask detailed questions about your medical history so that they can tailor the massage to your specific needs. During the massage you can chat with the therapist or enjoy the relaxation. You will be required to undress to your underwear and the therapist will drape you in towels. The therapist will position you side-lying for optimal comfort for you and your baby.

Pregnancy massage aims to alleviate the following and have a positive effect on the unborn child:

• Reduce swelling in ankles, legs and arms.
• Alleviate stiff joints and muscle aches due to increase in weight
• Improve blood and lymphatic circulation
• Reduce stress hormones and promotes relaxation
• Improve sleep patterns
• Helps maintain skin tone and elasticity

Not sure which massage is best for you? Don’t worry - you can discuss this with your therapist on the day.