Massage
Massage is an ancient treatment and is used to increase blood flow to muscles to promote healing. Massage can be used as a preventative treatment, for example, sports massage before exercise can facilitate blood flow, warm up the muscles and increase flexibility thereby helping to prevent injury. Sports massage after exercise can help rid the muscle of lactic acid which accumulates during exercise and can lead to muscle soreness. Different techniques are used depending on the circumstances. Massage can also be used as a preventative treatment, for example in chronic back pain where there is a build up of muscle spasm.
Therapeutic massage is used to promote the healing of damaged tissue; muscle, tendon, ligaments or cartilage. Deep frictions can be used to prevent the build up of scar tissue and help the body to heal in the correct way. Effleurage can be used to help remove swelling and increase circulation. Deep trigger pointing can release tension spots in muscles which are in spasm. At Riverside we use massage in conjunction with other therapeutic techniques to aid recovery and relieve pain.