What is massage therapy?
Using touch to soothe a painful area of the body is likely the oldest form of natural therapy used by humans. Practiced worldwide, massage has been a part of human history since ancient times. More specifically, massage therapy is a structured approach that uses massage as a therapeutic tool. Beyond just a moment of relaxation, massage helps to reduce stress and alleviate physical discomforts caused by stress, such as back pain, lack of energy, and insomnia. It is preventive, relaxing, and healing.
Benefits of massage therapy
Massages have positive effects on:
- The structure and posture of the body, making muscles more flexible and helping to relieve tension.
- The senses, as it increases body awareness and awakens the sense of touch.
- Psychological and emotional aspects, contributing to stronger resistance to stress.
Massage therapy benefits the overall functioning of the body by providing calm and relief, alleviating pain, improving sleep, promoting good blood and lymphatic circulation, aiding in the elimination of toxins, supporting the proper functioning of vital organs, and potentially increasing respiratory capacity.
Who is massage therapy for?
Massage therapy is beneficial for people of all age groups (children, adults, elderly), pregnant women, and individuals with various and/or special health conditions. The massage therapist will adapt their technique to the condition and needs of each individual.
Massage therapy session
A massage therapy session lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the client’s request. Before the massage, the massage therapist will use a detailed health questionnaire to understand the client’s specific needs and will discuss their expectations and requirements. Throughout the massage, the therapist will encourage the client to express any discomfort they may feel.
It should be noted that, if desired, the client can keep their underwear on during the massage. Only the area being massaged is uncovered to ensure the client’s comfort and privacy; the rest of the body remains covered with a sheet. If necessary, the massage therapist may use various positioning cushions, heating pads, oils, creams, and warm blankets to tailor the massage to the client’s specific needs and maximize the experience. Additionally, the massage is performed in a room designed for relaxation, featuring soft lighting, relaxing music, and more.
Our massage therapy team
At Clinique de réadaptation physique Roussillon, our massage therapists are skilled in providing both relaxing and therapeutic massages. Working within a multidisciplinary team trained to treat injured and/or suffering clients, our massage therapists are particularly well-equipped to assist this type of clientele.
Why consult?
Among other things, massage therapy can:
- Relieve musculoskeletal pain: back, neck, elbows, shoulders, knees, etc.
- Have a positive effect in the treatment of chronic fatigue
- Decrease stress and anxiety levels
- Reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines
- Soothe chronic pain
- Alleviate discomfort caused by inflammation
- Help patients with depression
Approaches offered in massage therapy
Different approaches are offered in massage therapy at the Roussillon Physical Rehabilitation Clinics. Here are some of them:
Lymphatic drainage
Lymphatic drainage is a massage technique designed to stimulate lymph circulation, detoxify the body, and strengthen the immune system.
Trigger points
Trigger points are congested spots in muscle tissue that can cause pain in other areas. The trigger point technique involves applying pressure to a reflex point to prompt the nervous system to release tension in a particular region. This technique can be combined with other approaches.
Massage for pregnant women
These massages are adapted to the specific needs of pregnant women, primarily aiming to reduce muscular tension caused by changes in posture and to stimulate circulation.
Therapeutic massages
This type of massage can relieve pain caused by various conditions and/or prevent muscle and joint problems by targeting fascia, muscles, tension, and spasms. Physiotherapy may be integrated into this approach.
Hand reflexology
Reflexology is based on stimulating specific reflex points to relieve pain, address ailments, and promote the body’s self-healing potential.
Relaxation massages
Relaxation massage immerses the body in a state of deep relaxation and comfort, helping to reduce the effects of stress and restore energy. Several techniques can be used during a relaxation massage, including the Swedish massage, which is undoubtedly the most well-known.
