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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Sports Therapy Cupping Shiatsu
click on the therapy above to find out more
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR SPORTS THERAPY
WHAT IS SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY?
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A SPORTS THERAPIST?
CAN I HAVE OTHER COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY?
HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER TREATMENT?
• WHAT IS SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY?
The main purpose of Sports massage is to alleviate stress & tension, which can build up in the body's soft tissues whilst performing physical activities. The powerful benefit of this massage style is it's preventative capacity in allowing the practitioner the chance to monitor any negative changes in the performer's tissues & to counteract this situation using advanced techniques of body massage, not just the usual rubdown. The speedy recovery of the body from exercise reduces the late onset soreness that can occur particularly if stretching is not performed adequately after sports activities.
• WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A SPORTS THERAPIST?
The scope of work is varied & it is valuable for the public to have easy access to a sports massage practitioner. Most Chiropractors, Osteopaths & Physiotherapists rarely have time to offer full massage work, most injuries seen by the medical profession benefit greatly once the acute nature of the injury has been assesed & treated. Rehabilitation & preventative care take over.
• Relieves stress & tension throughout the body
• Identifies potential problems early on, before a minor oveuse injury develops into more serious problems
• Provides integrated treatment with other therapists (physio,doctor)
• Can give basic advice on training, stretching, self-help or indicate when changes of routine are required to prevent or enhance the problem via client's own coach, personal trainer ect if outside the scope of practitioner.
• Detects postural defects developing causing compensatory or referred pain occurring eg.spinal & pelvic twists, poor walking gait
• Pre & Post event massage for optimum competition
• Keep the body in a state of fine tuning
• Deal with effects of fatigue
• Treat minor soft tissue conditions strains, sprains
• Look closely at postural & occupational stress on the body from fascial pulls to chronic shortening of major muscles
• Loosening restricted joints
• Toning muscles
• Reducing swelling & pain
• Aiding orthopaedic & arthritic conditions for general well-being & coping strategy
• Breaking down & preventing scar tissue forming
• Improving mobility & encouraging the natural healing process via chemical activity
• CONNECTIVE TISSUE MASSAGE (aimed at muscle fascia, improving the flow of intersitial fluid, addressing restrictions & adeshions)
• MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUES (stretching & toning carried out within the pain free range, reducing the need for deep painful massage)
• NEURO-MUSCULAR MASSAGE (working on trigger points eg acupressure & shiatsu)
• STRAIN-COUNTERSTRAIN ( a subtle & painless way to reduce spasm)
• SOFT TISSUE RELEASE (combining stretch pressure)
• AROMATHERAPY OILS (used to work on a deeper level emotionally effecting the lymbic system of smell & association, enhancing the massage effects by the individual benefits of the oil chosen)
• LYMPH DRAINAGE (using gentle work in relieving lymph oedema & improving fluid reabsorption)
All medication should be supplied to your practitioner due to some being a contra-indication to deep remedial work eg thrombosis, any blood thinning medicine taken bruising can occur, blood clots moved. Diabetes need reduced pressure due to bruising also. Heat, cold sensations maybe reduced. Hot & cold work via stones, packs or spray on liniments may need to be avoided. High/low blood pressure, epilepsey, heart conditions most can be treated but adaptations have to be applied.
• CAN I HAVE OTHER COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY?
Yes in most cases. Homeopathy is sometimes effected by some essential oil usage, these can be avoided if undergoing treatment. Some gap between treatments maybe required to allow the body to gain the most benefit of each therapy.
• HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER A SPORTS MASSAGE?
The body should feel pleasantly relaxed & more supple. There maybe some tenderness in places if deep work has occurred. The next morning stiffness may occur & more tenderness can result over a 24 -48 hour period, this is a natural response to deep massage work as tissues remodel & start to repair in most cases if the injury or tension was mild no side effects occur. Mild headaches can affect some individuals if very sensitive to changes in the body. Due to increased waste levels being excreated into the blood system. More water to flush the system out & a good brisk walk in the fresh air usually produces a good response. More static pain developing or severe headaches normally are associated with nerve compression or blood stasis problems & more investigation treatment maybe required with referral necessary.
PRE EVENT
Normally takes 20 mins to an hour before an event, lasting 5-15 mins not merely a warm-up but part of it.Aiding psycological benefit to the player. The session is strong, brisk & invigorating. No oil, creams or powders are normally used.
• ENHANCES WARM-UP ROUTINE
• INCREASES CIRCULATION
• WARMS MUSCLES & JOINTS
• IMPROVES THE NEUROMUSCULAR RESPONSE
• MENTAL PREPARATION, REDUCES ANXIETY
POST EVENT
Half to 2 hours after activity, cooldown must be applied, generally more relaxing, deeper & searching of the muscle for pain, trigger points, minor injuries or spasm. Careful application prevents aggravating any acute problems that may have arisen.
• ENHANCES COOLDOWN
• DIVERTING BLOOD OUT TO TISSUES
• AIDS RECOVERY FROM EXERTION, SLOWING HEART RATE
• RELAXES & CALMS THE ATHLETE
• REDUCES THE PAIN OF MUSCLE SORENESS DEVELOPING
A postural assesment looks closely at the distortions in the body that develop from tight or weak muscle. Leading to hip twists, leg length deviations ect. this study can be included prior to treatment as an indepth view of why the body is having aches & pains if caused by these problems. By being aware of any deviations from the norm a few gentle techniques can be performed to encourage the body back into balance, helping to eleviate long term aches & pains.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR CUPPING
Cupping has been in use for many years practised in one form or another even in England. Dr William Marsden of the Marsden Hospital employed cupping therapy extensively in the 1830's. There are many methods from weak/light cupping giving a gentle toning effect over an area this being safely used on anyone who maybe debilitated or frail & even on the young. (where very small cups would be used) or as facial cups on adult patients.. The larger cups are used for strong cupping sensations producing a more draining technique. Working on stubborn & stagnant conditions maybe long term & chronic.
Moving cupping is the strongest method, where the cups are actively moved over the surface of the skin massaging the client. This normally applied along the deep & tense spinal muscles. Cupping does not hurt even on very sensitive individuals who cannot withstand touch e.g. when the tissues have become hypersensitive such as in fibromalgia. Due to the strong pulling sensation on the skin a slight bruising will result this being the aim of treatment in drawing out excess heat or stagnation in the blood & in some cases cold & damp. Particularly as we are so effected by climate in this country. Predisposd to these elements.
By moving the qi (energy) the blood will start to flow better, flushing out toxins & activating areas to life.The oil applied can be seen to change colour as toxins are drawn to the surface of the skin, the cups being warm when applied also increasing the sweating out of impurities & relaxing the area treated.
Treatment is normally done as a single separate session of 20-30 mins or within a treatment massage / shiatsu for 10-15 mins approx.
• CHEST INFECTIONS/ FREQUENT USE OF ANTIBIOTICS
• ASTHMA CONDITIONS
• PAIN/ SWELLING OF JOINTS
• MUSCLE SPASMS/ LIGAMENT IMBALANCE
• UNUSUAL WEIGHT GAIN fluid retention
• SPINAL IMBLANCES fibromalgia, pressure on nerves
• ARTHRITIS
• HEADACHES/ CONSTIPATION/ IBS
• REPRODUCTIVE ISSUES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR SHIATSU
WHEN SHOULD SHIATSU BE AVOIDED?
WHAT HAPPENS IN A SHIATSU SESSION?
CAN I HAVE OTHER COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY
Shiatsu is an ancient form of oriental bodywork. A traditional Japanese healing art, translating as fingerpressure. Based on CHINESE MEDICINE PRINCIPLES. A full diagnosis of the clients symptoms can be explored via examination of the tongue, facial hue, emotional outlook, physical signs, posture & personality traits. Each session individually designed for that client. Used primarily as a preventative medicine helping to maintain an individuals health, vitality & stamina. It's increasing popularity in the west is testament to it's wide success, continuing to be an exciting fusion of old & new approaches to massage work.
Anyone can enjoy the theraputic effect of shiatsu, you do not need to be unwell to come for a session & many people who have come for specific ailments continue due to the ongoing benefits. Shiatsu can be of particular benefit if you are
• STRESSED
• FEEL LOW IN ENERGY
• HAVE MUSCULO-SKELETAL DISCOMFORT
Designed to balance the body on a physical & emotional level being deeply relaxing or invigorating depending on what the body requires.
• CONDITIONS SHIATSU HAS HELPED
• BACKPAIN
• MIGRAINES & HEADACHES
• WHIPLASH INJURIES & NECK STIFFNESS
• JOINT PAIN & REDUCED MOBILITY
• DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS
• MENSTRAL PROBLEMS
• ASTHMATIC SYMPTOMS
• PREGNACY & CHILDBIRTH
• SPORTS INJURIES
• DEPRESSION
• WHEN SHOULD SHIATSU BE AVOIDED?
Shiatsu is a very safe therapy but should be avoided if the client has
• AN INFECTIOUS DISEASE
• SUFFERING FROM ACUTE FEVERISH ILLNESS
• HAD A MAJOR OPERATION DURING LAST 3 MONTHS
• HAD INTERNAL BLEEDING OR BLOOD CLOTS
Your therapist should be made aware of any past operations, accidents or injuries you have suffered from. All will have a bearing on the treatment, even if this was many years ago.
• WHAT HAPPENS IN A SHIATSU SESSION?
A first session begins with a case history of your lifestyle & medical history along with what you want to achieve from your treatment energy or relaxation.An insight into your diet, sleep pattern, exercise routine, emotions, digestion & bowel activity all this information is linked together to give an overall view of how the body 's responding to life in general.
Oriental medicine views the body in terms of energy called QI by palpating specific areas of the body (abdomen or back) an assesment of the qi is made corresponding to the various organs in the body helping to determine which meridians will be effective to treat.
The practitioner applies pressure using their hands, elbows & knees to various TSUBOS (acupuncture points) & merdians ( energy pathways) over the body. The session should not be uncomfortable. If pain is felt the client should make the therapist aware but most work very intuitively picking up if the body is sensitive at all.
The session may include stretches to improve flexibility & manipulations to aid correct posture ( not chiropractic or osteopathic). At the end of treatment a demonstration of simple self-healing exercises may be shown for home use to continue & enhance the client's health. Sessions last overall 20mins consultation with 45 -1hr treatment time. Further sessions a deep consultation is not required.
You should wear LOOSE COTTON CLOTHING (a long sleeved t-shirt, trousers & socks) to allow movement & comfort. Shiatsu is performed on a futon at floor level. Any physical disabilities would be taken account of for total comfort. Avoid jeans or skirts. Leave some time between eating & having your treatment.
Aftercare involves resting for a couple of hours or at least not engage in strenuous or stressful activities. Effects may be felt immediately or later on. If strong reactions are experienced old or new symptoms do not hesitate to contact your practitioner who will explain the yin & yang principle of healing & will make suggestions to help move this process on. All holistic therapies can have this effect on the body being a natural process of findng equilibrium. Most people feel very deeply relaxed, calm & collected others may feel energetic & alive depending on how the energy has been effected.
Some conditions maybe resolved normally within 3 sessions with a week between each one to allow a slow rebalancing of the body. If a chronic long standing problem is to be addressed more or less frequent sessions maybe required on a longer term basis. However this is not always the case & changes can happen rapidly. If the condition is outside the scope of Shiatsu other therapies will be reccommended.
Shiatsu will not interfere with any medication. It will complement any medical treatment by strengthening overall & improving blood & lymph circulation with reduction of stress levels. Normally the practitioner will consult with your doctor if you are under going any major treatment.
• CAN I HAVE OTHER COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY?
Yes but it is best to leave a few days between treatments to allow effects & healing of each therapy to settle & assess results.
All Shiatsu therapists in the UK should be registered with the Shiatsu Society to be a member the practitioner has studied for at least 2 yrs & attained a high standard in theory & practical. Style & diagnosis are varied to which school from ZEN, MASANAGA, FIVE ELEMENTS to TCM (traditional chinese medicine).
All members of the register agree to abide by a code of ethics & help promote Shiatsu as a benefit to health & vitality. Some members choose to take the society's own exam & use MRSS in advertising.
For more information the Shiatsu Society can be contacted on 0845 1304560.