Some types of massage may have more extensive health benefits. For example, there are claims that reflexology can heal other parts of the body by targeting the hands and feet. Whilst there is no conclusive evidence to support these claims, many report having had positive results from reflexology and massage generally. Massage also has the psychological
benefit of human contact and from the myriad of benefits of relaxation and stress relief, including the possibility of improved mental health and improved immune function.
A hot stone massage can help treat muscle injuries. This technique involves the use of heated stones, usually comprising basalt. Basalt is a type of volcanic rock with a high iron content, which allows it to hold in heat well. Your massage therapist will heat the stones in hot water before placing them on different areas of the body. They may also hold the stones while performing a variety of other massage techniques.
Hot stone massage provides heat to the body's muscles. This can help treat muscle injuries, as it relaxes them and increases blood flow to the area. This, in turn, can help reduce stiffness and discomfort.
Deep tissue massage aims to reach deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Your massage therapist will slowly press their fingers into the skin with pressure. They will use slow, firm strokes to target deep tissues. They may specifically target knots in the muscles. Muscle knots, or myofascial trigger points, are specific areas of tension within the muscle fibre. The exact cause of these knots is still unclear, but they can develop from muscle overuse, such as from playing a sport, stress or poor posture. Because these knots can be sore, deep tissue massage aims to relieve them and provide pain relief.
The purpose of a sports massage is to improve the health of the soft tissue in the bodies of people who play sports or exercise regularly. It involves the manipulation of soft tissues, including the skin, muscle, tendons, ligaments and fascia and can include some deep tissue massage. Playing sports and regularly exercising can put excessive strain on the muscles and other soft tissues. By targeting all of these soft tissues, a sports massage therapist aims to prevent or relieve injuries, enhance muscle performance, and correct muscle imbalances.
There is evidence to suggest that sports massage can aid recovery from repetitive muscle injuries. There is also some evidence to suggest that sports massage may improve muscle performance, but it is less conclusive.
Your therapist will use less pressure during a Swedish massage compared with other types of massage, such as deep tissue or sports massage. They will combine shorter, tapping strokes and longer, deeper strokes using light to moderate pressure. They may also move your limbs around during the massage. Swedish massage can help relieve pain, stress, and muscle problems. A systematic review from 2017 found that Swedish massage has a range of benefits, including reducing lower back pain.
However, this technique may not be helpful for everyone. For example, one study found that Swedish massage therapy did not help those with fibromyalgia when compared with other types of massage. Speak to a consultant at The Works to best understand the massage likely to help you most,
Our facials will leave you feeling relaxed and respired as well as help your skin look brighter, hydrated, and glowing with new life. Our therapists will tailor your chosen facial to meet your specific objectives, leaving you free to lie back and relax as you receive a bespoke treatment to leave you glowing both inside and out.
A therapeutic massage technique attracting increasing popularity is Lymph draining massage. This technique involves a gentle massage that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body. The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from the bodily tissues. Some health conditions can cause lymph fluid to build up. Lymphatic drainage massages can benefit people with lymphedema, fibromyalgia, and other conditions.
Lymphatic massage can improve circulation and reduce swelling. While the heart continuously pumps blood through the blood vessels, the lymphatic system relies on the movement of smooth muscles to transport fluid through the lymph vessels. Health conditions can interrupt the normal flow of lymph, causing lymph fluid to build up in a particular area of the body, often in the arms or legs, where it can causing swelling. This condition is called
lymphedema. People can develop lymphedema as a result of infections, cancer treatments that involve the removal of lymph nodes, and any condition that damages the lymphatic system. Lymphatic massage can reduce swelling and improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system.
Lymphatic drainage massage is particularly beneficial for people who are experiencing:
Lymphatic massage is not advised for anyone with congestive heart failure, blood clots, kidney problems, infections, or circulation problems. Anyone with a diagnosed medical condition should speak to their medical advisor before booking a lymphatic massage.
Indian head massage is a beautifully traditional practice that is now immensely popular amongst Western cultures due to its simplicity. Practitioners will treat the head, shoulders, neck and face using circular movements along acupressure points, strokes and stretches to improve hair and scalp condition.
This extremely effective technique originates from an Indian alternative medicine system called Ayerveda (translated as the ‘science of life’), whereby it is believed that the mind and body are intricately connected and thus can influence one another. Through this theory, is is understood that Indian head massage can not only reduce headaches and improve physical well-being, but it can also improve mental and emotional wellness too. It is most often practiced through light clothing and promotes the following benefits:
Aromatherapy massage is Swedish massage therapy using massage oil or lotion that contains essential oils (highly concentrated plant oils). During an aromatherapy massage, as well as feeling the benefits of the manage itself, you will inhale the beautifully fragranced essential oil or absorb it through your skin. The addition of the oils to the massage therapy promotes beneficial changes in your mind and body by affecting the limbic system, a region of the brain known to influence the nervous system. Your therapist will discuss which oils to use with you before your treatment, based upon whether you seek to be relaxed or energised by the treatment.
At ALTR Life, we can make recommendations for the specific massage type that might benefit you most, depending upon your specific need.
We advise a bespoke programme of treatment at The Works for anyone who:
Anyone with a diagnosed medical condition may wish to consult a doctor before having a massage.
There are many different types of massage. Some aim to relieve muscle problems and injuries, such as sports and deep tissue massages, while others aim to promote relaxation, such as reflexology. These types of massage are popular in sports and occupational health. Swedish massage is a more common form of massage that is suitable for a range of different purposes.
