Massage Therapy is the manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, to achieve a therapeutic response. It enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves the circulation of the blood and lymph, and relieves pain and stress. Massage techniques are designed to rehabilitate, maintain or improve physical function. The effects are mechanical, circulatory and neurological. Receiving regular massage therapy treatments will address issues early, prevent long term effects of imbalances, promote and maintain body health.
| Massage treatments can be used to target particular issues or for general relaxation and wellbeing. Assessment and identifying the areas requiring therapy will influence the time required for the session. Relaxation and wellbeing massages usually incorporate more areas and a longer session may be required. |  |
Deborah utilizes a number of massage modalities in order to achieve the most effective treatment for each individual. These modalities include:
Swedish Massage Therapy
Swedish massage techniques make up the classic manipulations used by a massage therapist. The techniques are modified in direction, pressure, rhythm, rate, duration and area depending on the required effects.
Myofascial release
The body is connected from the tip of your toes to the top of your head via the fascial system. Fascia, is the connective tissue in the body which surrounds, envelopes and infuses ALL structures of the body including, and not limited to, muscle fibers, muscle groups, bone, tendon, nerve sheaths, organs (viscera)
Fascia plays an important role in the support of our bodies, since it surrounds and attaches to all structures. In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When we experience physical trauma, scarring or inflammation, however, the fascia loses it’s pliability. It becomes tight, restricted and a source of tension to the rest of the body. Trauma (such as a fall), whiplash, surgery, repetitive stress injuries or just habitual poor posture over time have a cumulative effect. The changes they cause in the fascial system influence comfort and the functioning of our body.. The fascia can exert excessive pressure producing pain or restriction of motion. They affect our flexibility and stability, and are a determining factor in our ability to withstand stress and strain.
Myofascial release: is a very effective hands-on technique that provides gentle sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. This type of treatment requires little or no oil and can be superficial or deep.
Cupping Massage
Cupping has an ability to affect deeper tissue and remove fascial restriction. It is a technique whereby a vacuum is created in a cup, drawing the skin up into the cup and separating the layers of superficial fascia.
Cupping massage increases local circulation, releases fascial restrictions, stimulates lymph & blood flow, disperses stagnation & relieves inflammation.
It is used in conjunction with other massage techniques, and is particularly beneficial in release of adhesions to allow further massage interventions.
Lymphatic Drainage
The lymphatic system is important in drainage of fluids back into the circulatory system and in immune system function.
Lymphatic drainage techniques are rhythmical and gentle. They support and promote normal lymphatic drainage and are used to help reduce inflammation and oedema. They also have a calming effect.
Where there is damage to the lymphatic system (eg. post mastectomy, groin trauma – leading to lymphoedema, a specialized level of lymphatic drainage is required.
Tree Frog Therapy utilizes lymphatic drainage techniques to aid normal lymphatic drainage and promote immune function. Any lymphoedema or conditions requiring specialized lymphatic drainage can be referred to Specialist Massage Therapists.