Therapeutic massage in Wanaka

Swedish Massage

Swedish, also known as classic massage has various strokes ranging from gentle to deeper.

This technique in most cases is used as a warm-up before going deeper. Swedish massage can have fairly firm pressure, however, it targets larger areas or even whole muscle rather than specific spots.

Swedish massage is flowing and soothing, it is a great choice when someone says they want a general full body massage, or they are very tired or very sore and deeper work is not really the best approach.

Manual lymphatic drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle, non-invasive yet effective manual therapy to improve lymph flow.

MLD is a beneficial treatment for fluid retention due to primary lymphoedema or after surgery/injury.

Deep tissue massage

Deep tissue massage is the best for giving attention to certain painful, stiff “trouble spots” in your body. It is effective for relieving chronic patterns of tension and helping with muscle injuries.

Deep tissue massage is applied only once the client is warmed up and the client accepts the use of a deeper touch.

Deep tissue massage can feel quite intense, so this technique is used with consideration and only within the comfort levels of the client.

Myofascial release

Myofascial Release is a dry (without massage balm) gentle skin pulling technique to work on fascia. Myofascial release is a slow and extremely soothing technique. And although technically being superficial, it works deep.

MFR can be the main technique for someone with fairly intense and recent pain when deep tissue massage would be too aggressive approach.

Myofascial release is particularly useful to work around scars, its’ both a diagnostic tool and a treatment.

Cross friction massage

Cross friction massage is used only on very specific areas of concern. It is similiar to deep tissue but more intense, always across the muscle or tendon fibers and works in a very small range.

Cross friction massage facilitates collagen healing by increasing circulation and decreasing
collagen cross-linking, so decreasing the formation of adhesions and scar tissue.

CFM also reduces pain through neurological mechanisms as well as through increased blood flow locally.

Neuromuscular release

Neuromuscular release is a technique combining manual therapy with movement to achieve a muscular release. It can be passive when the therapist moves arm or leg or active when the movement is performed by the client while the therapist applies pressure on a tender spot. This technique provides a very targeted stretch & effective release to the tight area.

Manual mobilisation

Mobilisation can be used to increase flexibility in muscles and joints that lack range of motion due to chronic injuries or lifestyle.

Kinesiology tape

Tape can be used in various techniques. Lymphatic application is a great way to reduce swelling after acute injuries. Kinesio tape can complelemt massage as a muscle and joint support.

Sports massage

Sports Massage is not a specific massage technique, moreover, it is a style of therapy that utilises a variety of massage techniques to achieve a specific sports goal. It is specifically designed to support an athlete’s training and competition program and will vary depending on whether it is being utilised pre- or post-event or for rehabilitation to assist in injury management and restoration. Generally sports massage is designed to enhance flexibility, full range of motion, prevent injuries and promote optimal performance, and is beneficial to anybody who is active.

Musculoskeletal assessment

Musculoskeletal assessment is assessment of joint range of motion, muscle length and strength as well as special tests depending on client. It is functional analysis of body to identify if there is a muscular disbalance, lack of strength or flexibility that may contribute to any aches and pains going on and provide effective treatment.

Postural analysis

Postural analysis includes analysis of static and dynamic posture, including common moves like squats, reaching up or bending, and client-specific activities. This is an essential part of the client assessment as it gives the most information about the activity that causes pain/discomfort or needs improvement.