Massage and Soft Tissue Therapy

Massage and Soft Tissue Therapy

One definition of Soft Tissue Therapy is the management, manipulation and rehabilitation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, ligaments and tendons. Also known as the musculoskeletal system it has a strong influence on other systems, including the nervous system, immune system, lymphatic system and fascial system.

Athletes frequently use  STT to help them recover from injuries or intensive training, however, STT can help even if you don’t exercise regularly. Perhaps you’re worried about muscle tension due to stress, desk work or a bad posture. Those tense muscles also hold on to waste products such as lactic acid, SST will help get the fluids and nutrients flowing and will help the body to release its own natural endorphins.

Not just a massage! We will undertake an in depth discussion and movement assessment. This will guide the most appropriate approach and treatment plan to address any pain or movement dysfunction. As well as massage, your therapist may include other techniques including soft tissue release (STR), Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM), Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Myofascial Release (MFR), which all come under the umbrella of Soft Tissue Therapy or they may refer onto another member of the team ie Physiotherapist if it is appropriate.

STT has been shown to be influential in helping manage our physical and mental health, improving mobility, body awareness, sleep, reducing stress and anxiety, mitigating risk of injury, are just a few benefits. The specialist techniques will encourage the body to release its own mood-enhancing chemicals, dopamine and serotonin. This helps to increase calmness and focus – and to reduce anxiety.

Frequency and duration of treatment, depends on the individual but it can relate to how long you have had the issue, how your body responds and the environment that maybe driving the problem.