Therapeutic Massage Techniques
Our Massage Therapists utilize therapeutic massage. This therapy aids in patients’ rehabilitation by focusing on manipulating and realigning the deepest layer of muscles and connective tissue. It is the most beneficial therapy to release chronic muscle spasms. At Superior Spine Care we provide specific massage and muscular therapy tailored to meet the patient’s condition and injury. The benefits of massage therapy may include increasing blood circulation, reducing swelling, relaxing muscles, relieving muscle pain and spasms, and aid in recovery and range of motion.
When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation. Deep-tissue massage is a specific type of therapeutic massage that breaks down adhesions by concentrating on the deep layers of muscle and fascia in the body. By using deep pressure and slow, firm strokes, deep tissue massage breaks down adhesions and restores normal movement. Multiple techniques and methods within the practice of massage therapy are used to treat a variety of physical ailments such as Muscle Tension and Postural problems. Below are brief descriptions of the methods Dianna is likely to use as a licensed massage therapist. Use the link in each brief description to learn more:
Longitudinal Gliding
Longitudinal gliding is a basic but effective massage technique administered in the direction of the blood flow. It aids the fluid dispersion from the injury site, and thus helps reduce inflammation and swelling. It is also very useful in relaxing tight muscles.
Read More about Longitudinal Gliding
Kneading
Kneading can be performed in different ways and is described by the part of a hand used to accomplish the massage, eg thumb kneading and palm kneading. The pressure used must vary according to the purpose of the massage and the bulk of the tissues under treatment. The rhythm and rate of the movement are equally important as the pressure is applied intermittently.
Read more about Kneading Massage.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is a bodywork technique that involves the applying of pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body. Trigger points are active centers of muscular hyperactivity, which often cross-over with acupuncture points. You will also find that your muscular “knots” are commonly trigger points.
Read more about Trigger Point Therapy.
Deep Transverse Frictions
Transverse friction is a transverse connective tissue therapy applied directly by the fingers. This technique is used mainly on tendon or ligament injuries to help break down thickened, pain-producing scar tissue to reduce the likelihood of causing further irritation.
Read more about Transverse Friction Massage
Compression Massage
Rhythmic compression into muscles used to create a deep hyperemia and softening effect in the tissues. It is generally used as a warm-up for deeper, more specific massage work. Sports massage utilizes compression massage.
Read more about Compression Massage
Cross-Fiber Massage
Cross-fiber friction is excellent in relieving muscular restrictions that result from scar tissue. Cross-fiber friction is applied transversely across the muscle, tendon, or ligament fibers.
