MASSAGE

PRE-TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

• Try and relax before coming in for your pregnancy massage, you will feel better prepared.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and ask your therapist if you would like extra water in the treatment room.
• Arrive at least 15-minutes prior to your treatment to complete a consultation, ask any questions, use the bathroom.
• Tell your therapist how you feel comfortable laying on the treatment bed, if you prefer the left or right side, comfort pillows and if you would like the heated bed switched on or left off.
• Think about the areas of discomfort and let your therapist know, this can help us to customize your massage treatment.

 

POST TREATMENT ADVICE

Massage is an aid to the body’s natural mechanisms to release stresses, which have built up over a period of time. In order to gain maximum benefit from your Massage Treatment, it is advisable as part of your aftercare routine, that you follow these steps over the next 12 hours:

• Drink plenty of water and herbal infusions to help flush out toxins; massage aids the removal of toxins from the body.
• Avoid caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee.
• Don’t drink alcohol or smoke for the next 24 hours; massage aims to detoxify the body, alcohol and smoking are counter-productive as they increase the levels of toxins within the body.
• Avoid heavy meals.
• Do not shower or bath directly after a treatment for at least 6-8 hours. The essential oils used, need to penetrate the skin in order to be absorbed into the system to achieve optimum results.
• Also avoid sauna, hot tubs and steam rooms.
• Avoid direct exposure to direct sunlight and sun beds following the use of any massage or essential oils.
• You may experience a feeling of tiredness or fatigue following a massage. In some cases, headaches may follow.
• Be aware of your posture, do not do anything strenuous and try and relax.
• You may feel emotional. It’s quite natural to feel tearful.
• Increased urination or flu-like symptoms (runny nose, coughing) may be experienced, but these will be temporary as the body re-balances itself.
• It’s not uncommon to feel some muscle soreness after a massage. Massage triggers a release of lactic acid stored in tight muscles, which can create a temporary feeling of soreness. The good news? Many people enjoy post-massage heightened energy levels and an increased range of motion.
• With the appropriate pressure, massage can have a direct effect on the circulatory system, which helps reduce inflammation and helps relieve pain. You are encouraged to communicate with your therapist about your pain/comfort level at any time during your massage, you will be asked of your preferred pressure as the treatment commences.

 

MASSAGE TREATMENTS ON CLIENTS WITH CANCER

• We are fully insured to carry out massage treatments on clients with cancer. After carrying out an in-depth consultation we may avoid certain areas and we will avoid any deep tissue massage. The recommended massage is Aromatherapy as this is a lighter touch massage treatment.
• On your first visit, the therapist asks you some general questions about your health, lifestyle and medical history. They might ask you to contact your GP if they are concerned that massage could interfere with your health or any medicines you are taking. In general, it is rare that your doctor will say no.
• One of the main reasons people with cancer use massage is because it helps them feel good. It is a way they feel they can help themselves. Generally, massage therapy can help lift your mood, improve your sleep and enhance your wellbeing. There is some evidence to help support these benefits.
• Massage for people with cancer is promoted as a natural way to help you relax and cope with: stress, anxiety, headaches and pain.
• Some people worry that having a massage when you have cancer, may make the cancer cells travel to other parts of the body. But no research has proved this to be true.
• Always talk to your cancer doctor or specialist nurse before using any type of massage therapy. An adapted treatment offered from a therapist in a cancer care centre or hospice might be more appropriate for you.
• We will always avoid massaging any area of your body where you are having radiotherapy to. And don’t have massage to areas where your skin is broken, bleeding or bruised.
• You should avoid general massage therapy to your arms or legs if they are swollen because of lymphoedema. Lymphoedema is a build-up of fluid due to the lymphatic system not draining properly. This might be a result of surgery to remove the lymph nodes, or damage to the lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels from radiotherapy.

 

MASSAGE TREATMENTS DURING PREGNANCY

• You can have a massage when you are pregnant but not during the first trimester (12-weeks) We must have a letter from your General Practitioner or Midwife giving consent to the treatment during your second and third trimester.
• We are unable to massage over the abdomen during any pregnancy massage treatment. We have specific Pregnancy massage treatments that are customised with comfort pillows and bean bag cushions for your comfort. You will be required to lay on your side, switching from left to right during the massage.
• Pregnancy massage helps to reduce stress hormones within a pregnant woman’s body. It also increases the levels of hormones which tend to be low in women who are depressed. It leads to a reduction in anxiety and free-floating concerns. There is often an improvement in general mood following a massage.
• Pregnant women often find a massage rejuvenates their energy because it gives them an opportunity to rest and completely relax.
• For some pregnant women, massage can relieve nausea and heartburn. In others, it can make these worse.
• Pregnancy massage relieves the everyday discomforts of pregnancy such as an aching neck, sore back, and heaviness in the pelvic bones, leg cramps, swelling of the ankles and feet and oedema (fluid retention).
• Pregnancy massage leads to muscle relaxation and relief of joint pain. Pregnancy massage can be particularly helpful for women who experience sciatic nerve pain.
• It helps build a sense of connection with another person as well as building a rapport. Many pregnant women experience a change in their intimate relationship with their partner and suffer from being “touch deprived”.
• Pregnancy massage may improve the progression of labour with better health outcomes for both the mother and her baby. More relaxed mothers may have a lower risk of interventions during labour and birth.
• You’ll get improved sleep due to feeling less muscle tension and generally less uncomfortable.

 

WHEN TO AVOID HAVING A PREGNANCY MASSAGE

• If your maternity care provider has advised you against it.
• We have a strict insurance policy of not performing pregnancy massages within the first trimester of a woman’s pregnancy. This is because of the increased risk for miscarriage in the first 12 weeks of gestation.
• If you are in a high-risk pregnancy category or have previously had a premature labour.
• If you have Pregnancy Induced Hypertension e.g. high blood pressure.
• If you have pre-eclampsia, or sudden swelling with retention of fluid. If you experience severe headaches.
• If having a pregnancy massage causes you to feel sick, lightheaded, gives you a headache or you don’t enjoy the experience. Don’t feel as if you have to do it just because others feel it’s a good idea. Some women genuinely don’t like being touched and find massages an intrusion of their privacy. Choose a facial or pedicure as an alternative treatment.

What are the benefits of Massage therapy?
Massage therapy is a recognized health care option that positively contributes to one’s general health and wellness, it also works the body’s soft tissue to help relieve pain and stiffness associated with stress, tension, injury and other conditions. It brings many benefits to our muscles, connective tissues, tendons and ligaments in terms of managing, pain, injury, stress and tension levels.

Is Massage just for relaxation?
While it is great way to promote relaxation, massage therapy is so much more. Massage helps manage pain, reduce stress, improve circulation, decrease muscle tension, ease breathing difficulties, lower blood pressure, reduce headaches, improve mobility, promote sleep, manage anxiety & depression and helps improve your overall wellness.

Why do I need Massage therapy?
Regular massage therapy provides amazing benefits. Massage therapy from a Qualified Massage Therapist can help with everything from injury, muscle tension, chronic pain and stress, to posture, high blood pressure and sleep issues, as well as providing an hour of blissful relaxation. Massage therapy is a great way to help enhance both your mental and physical well-being as well as positively contribute to your general health and wellness.

How often should I get a Massage?
Depending on your preventative and maintenance needs, one massage per month is the recommended frequency. If your specific condition or needs demand it, your therapist will design a customized treatment plan which may involve more or less frequent massages.

Can I get a Massage if I am already in pain?
With the appropriate pressure, massage can have a direct effect on the circulatory system, which helps reduce inflammation and helps relieve pain. You are encouraged to communicate with your therapist about your pain/comfort level at any time during your massage, you will be asked of your preferred pressure as the treatment commences.

How will I feel after the Massage?
It’s not uncommon to feel some muscle soreness after a massage. Massage triggers a release of lactic acid stored in tight muscles, which can create a temporary feeling of soreness. The good news? Many people enjoy post-massage heightened energy levels and an increased range of motion.

Can I have a Massage if I have cancer?
Yes. We are fully insured to carry out massage treatments on clients with cancer. After carrying out an in-depth consultation we may avoid certain areas and we will avoid any deep tissue massage. The recommended massage is Aromatherapy as this is a lighter touch massage treatment.

On your first visit, the therapist asks you some general questions about your health, lifestyle and medical history. They might ask to speak to your GP if they are concerned that massage could interfere with your health or any medicines you are taking. In general, it is rare that your doctor will say no.

One of the main reasons people with cancer use massage is because it helps them feel good. It is a way they feel they can help themselves. Generally, massage therapy can help lift your mood, improve your sleep and enhance your wellbeing. There is some evidence to help support these benefits.

Massage for people with cancer is promoted as a natural way to help you relax and cope with:

• stress
• anxiety
• headaches
• pain

Some people worry that having a massage when you have cancer, may make the cancer cells travel to other parts of the body. But no research has proved this to be true.

Sometimes massage techniques might need to be adapted if you:

• are having cancer treatment
• are very weak
• have bone fractures
• have heart problems
• suffer from arthritis
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Always talk to your cancer doctor or specialist nurse before using any type of massage therapy. An adapted treatment offered from a therapist in a cancer care centre or hospice might be more appropriate for you.

Avoid massaging any area of your body where you are having radiotherapy to. And don’t have massage to areas where your skin is broken, bleeding or bruised.

You should avoid general massage therapy to your arms or legs if they are swollen because of lymphoedema. Lymphoedema is a build-up of fluid due to the lymphatic system not draining properly. This might be a result of surgery to remove the lymph nodes, or damage to the lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels from radiotherapy

Can I have a Massage if I am pregnant?

Yes. You can have a massage when you are pregnant but not during the first trimester (12-weeks)

We must have a letter from your General practitioner or Midwife giving consent to the treatment during your second and third trimester.

We are unable to massage over the abdomen during any pregnancy massage treatment. We have specific Pregnancy Massage treatments that are customised with comfort pillows and bean bag cushions for your comfort. You will be required to lay on your side, switching from left to right during the massage.

What are the benefits of pregnancy Massage?

• Pregnancy Massage helps to reduce stress hormones within a pregnant woman’s body. It also increases the levels of hormones which tend to be low in women who are depressed.
• It leads to a reduction in anxiety and free-floating concerns. There is often an improvement in general mood following a massage.
• Pregnant women often find a massage rejuvenates their energy because it gives them an opportunity to rest and completely relax.
• For some pregnant women, massage can relieve nausea and heartburn. In others, it can make these worse.
• Relieves the everyday discomforts of pregnancy such as an aching neck, sore back, and heaviness in the pelvic bones, leg cramps, swelling of the ankles and feet and oedema (fluid retention).
• Leads to muscle relaxation and relief of joint pain. Pregnancy massage can be particularly helpful for women who experience sciatic nerve pain.
• Builds a sense of connection with another person as well as building a rapport. Many pregnant women experience a change in their intimate relationship with their partner and suffer from being “touch deprived”.
• Pregnancy massage may improve the progression of labour with better health outcomes for both the mother and her baby. More relaxed mothers may have a lower risk of interventions during labour and birth.
• Improved sleep due to feeling less muscle tension and generally less uncomfortable.

 

When to avoid having a pregnancy massage:

• If your maternity care provider has advised you against it.
• We have a strict insurance policy of not doing pregnancy massages within the first trimester of a woman’s pregnancy. This is because of the increased risk for miscarriage in the first 12 weeks of gestation.
• If you are in a high-risk pregnancy category or have previously had a premature labour.
• If you have Pregnancy Induced Hypertension e.g. high blood pressure.
• If you have pre-eclampsia, or sudden swelling with retention of fluid. If you experience severe headaches.
• If having a pregnancy massage causes you to feel sick, lightheaded, gives you a headache or you don’t enjoy the experience. Don’t feel as if you have to do it just because others feel it’s a good idea. Some women genuinely don’t like being touched and find massages an intrusion of their privacy.
• If you feel the massage therapist is being too vigorous you need to say so. Ask them to be a little gentler and keep the lines of communication open between you both. This is what is termed a therapeutic relationship and it needs to be working for you both in order to gain maximum benefit.