Therapeutic and Deep Tissue Massage
Advanced Clinical Therapeutic Massage and Deep Tissue Massage for chronic pain relief
THE JING METHOD
Potential benefits:
- Chronic or acute pain in the soft tissue such as:
Strains (injury to a muscle or a tendon) and sprains (injury to a ligament) - neck and shoulder pain
- stiff neck and shoulder
- Whiplash
- herniated disc
- headaches, migraines
- Tinnitus
- Temporo Mandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction
- Rotator Cuff Injury,
- Adhesive Capsulitis = frozen shoulder
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
- Tennis Elbow
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Low back pain
- Piriformis Syndrome = Sciatica
- Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome = lateral hip pain
- IT Band Friction Syndrome = Runner’s Knee
- Patella Tendinopathy = Jumper’s Knee
- knee pain
- Achilles Tendon injuries
- Plantar Fasciitis = Policeman’s heel
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Treating chronic pain
Chronic pain is a complex and multi-factorial phenomenon. Chronic pain conditions are often more complex than just tissue damage. The assessment and treatment will consider not only the aches and pains in the muscles such as trigger points and fascial adhesions but will also take into consideration emotional and social factors (stress, anxiety, depression) that may be involved in the pain pattern. The therapist will look at the history of the client’s previous
injuries, aches and pains, palpate areas of tightness, go through range of motion tests. The aim is to take the client out of pain and increase theri range of motion in the shortest time and in the most efficient way possible.
“Each technique ehances and reinforces the effects of the other”
Rachel Fairweather and Meghan Mari
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF ADVANCED CLINICAL MASSAGE THERAPY:
Professional background, holistic approach, thorough assessment: before and after the treatment, the use of Eastern and Western body work techniques: table Shiatsu, Acupressure Points, Stretching, working with client communication during the treatments, applying a listening touch where the client is always in control, treating the muscles not only on the front and the back of the body but also in side lying position, sport massage technique elements and self-care suggestions at the end of the treatments.
AMMA FUSION
It is an exciting blend of the most effective Eastern massage techniques such as acupressure, table shiatsu and tuina. Deep compression work is done over the drape which affects the whole body via “associated points” on the Bladder Meridian which relates directly to 12 organs. With gentle but firm movements the therapist takes the energy from the centre of the body to the extremities. Applying pressure to certain meridian points to unblock stagnant energy and increase health and vitality. The therapist uses their body weight to apply pressure rather than muscular strength. This preparatory technique helps to ease the body into a relaxed state before beginning any deeper tissue work.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE (MFR) TECHNIQUES
MFR techniques aim to restore mobility in the fascia and soften connective tissue that has become rigid. These techniques can be used to treat acute and chronic pain, emotional trauma. This technique requires traction on the skin as tissues are slowly and gently pulled, pushed and stretched and therefore no oil/wax is used. Fascial
restrictions can take time to release and so patience is required from therapist and client as well.
WHAT IS FASCIA?
The fascia of the body is tough connective tissue that holds us together. It envelops each and every part of the body. Fascia interpenetrates and surrounds all organs, muscles, bones and nerve fibres. The tiniest nerve has its own fascial sheath as does the largest bone. The fascia is a single system. We can travel from any one place on the body to any other place without ever leaving fascia. All body parts are interconnected by the fascial system. Fascia weaves and endless web around the body connecting everything together. But it also separates. Bundles of muscles are separated from other bundles of muscles. Fascia connects what needs to be connected and separates what should be kept apart
As fascia is an interconnected system, strain or tension in one part of the system may cause pain, lack of mobility elsewhere.
FOREARM & DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE, POWER EFFLEURAGE
Highly effective and powerful technique in both relaxation and clinical massage. The Jing approach to deep tissue work results in getting more effect for less effort. The therapist using their body weight and good body mechanics rather than muscular strength.can achieve depth and pressure to relieve chronic tension and pain from the muscles and tissue.
TRIGGER POINT THERAPY
Trigger points are points of tenderness, hardened nodules within a taut band of muscle. Blood supply is reduced to the area and toxins may accumulate. The spot is painful on compression and can evoke characteristic referred pain.
For example, the trigger points in the trapezius muscle can cause referred pain around the ear, “question mark headache”. Many headaches do not originate in the head but from trigger points in the trapezius, Sterncleidomastoid (SCM) or Sub Occipital muscles.
Research into trigger points shows that the pain we can experience is usually not the primary source. The therapist treats the full length of all the muscles around the affected joint for trigger points. Communication is absolutely key to finding and releasing the specific trigger points contributing to the client’s pain. Although this technique can be intense,
using a pain scale of 1-10 the therapist always works below the client’s pain threshold, using static compression to release trigger points. Some of them tend to be more stubborn than others. In some cases, when the pain has been there for months and years, more than one treatment is necessary.
If you are further interested in trigger points on the link below you can find out where they are and where they can refer pain.
http://www.triggerpoints.net/
Trigger points in the SCM can cause: ringing in the ears (Tinnitus), headaches, migraines, dizziness and jaw pain.
Trigger points in the Trapezius muscle can cause headaches, severe neck pain, “stiff neck”.
Trigger points in the Pririformis muscle can cause Sciatica type of pain.
ACUPRESSURE POINTS USED DURING THE ACMT TREATMENT:
Using relevant acupressure points can greatly enhance the treatment results. Accoding to Traditional Chinese Medicine, meridians are the energy highways of the body and acupressure points are where this energy can be accessed and influences. In Chinese medicine trigger points are seen as areas of local energy stagnation.
Acupressure points used in the ACMT:
Low Back pain: Bladder 31-34, Bladder 36, Bladder 60
Hip and Pelvis pain: Gall Bladder 29, Gall Bladder 30
Neck and Shoulder pain: Gall Bladder 20, Gall Bladder 21, Small Intestine 11, Large Intestine 16
Forearm, Wrist and Hand pain: Lung 5, Large intestine 4, Large Intestine 11
Leg, Knee and Foot pain: Kidney 1, Kidney 3, Spleen 6,
ADVANCED SPORT STRETCHING
Stretching increases flexibility, prevents injuries before sports performances and alleviates pain in the muscles. Stretching could be part of everyone’s regular self-care regime. In order to improve and sustain range of motion, mobility and flexibility of the muscles that have been previously treated, it is necessary to stretch these muscles. Different methods suit different goals, conditions, and clients. Static Stretching The client stretches the target muscle to the point at where they feel mild tension and hold the stretch for at least 10-30 seconds. (A yoga band can be used to bring the muscle to a full stretch.)
PASSIVE STRETCHING
The client makes no contribution or active muscle contraction. The therapist assists the muscle into its fullest range of motion and sustains this stretch for at least 15-30 seconds.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) The first stage of a PNF stretch is the same as passive stretching described above. From this point the client is required to engage the stretching muscle against the therapist’s resistance for approx. 5 seconds. The muscle is then
allowed to relax and is extended into a further stretch passively. From this new position the client repeats the process again for up to 5 repetitions.
Active Isolated Stretching (AIS)
This stretch combines strengthening the antagonist muscle, stretching the target muscle and a cardiac workout. The client is actively lengthening the target muscle to its maximum stretch. Then the therapist assists to take the stretch slightly further into a short stretch for 1-2 seconds. The client then
returns to the starting position, and the sequence is repeated 8-10 times.
SELF-CARE SUGGESTIONS
- teaching clients how to treat their own trigger points
- showing self-stretching
- teaching simple breathing (Pranayama), relaxation exercises, meditation techniques to help clients to release their stress
