Sonja CIBTAC qualified, BABTAC registered, Massage Therapist

In addition to massage therapy we also provide Sports Therapy and Indian Head Massage.

What are the benefits of a massage?

Muscles
The alternate pressure and relaxation massage produces on each fibre causes an increase in circulation. This improved blood supply increases nutrition to the muscles, brings fresh oxygen and removes waste products (lactic acid) via the lymphatic system.

Massage will also help to improve muscle tone. This improvement in tone causes an increase in elasticity and extensibility. Tense short muscles can be relaxed and stretched, this factor can be made use of when correcting postural faults.

Bones and Joints
Pressure against the periosteum stimulates the blood flow to the bones.

This feeds and nourishes the bone itself and also the joints in the neighbouring area. Massage also increases joint mobility when applied regularly.

Circulatory and Lymphatic Systems
The improvement in blood flow in the veins encourages waste products (toxins and carbon dioxide) to be carried away efficiently and quickly into the blood stream. Oxygen and nutrients are therefore brought back by way of the arteries.

Effleurage and kneading accelerates the lymphatic circulation, helping to absorb products of fatigue and ‘wear and tear’ in the area.

Lungs
Manipulation such as percussion will have a direct effect on the lung tissue. The increased nutrition to the lung tissue and increased gaseous exchange rids the body of carbon dioxide and replenishes it with oxygen.

Skin
The texture of the skin is improved as the dead skin cells are desquamated from the surface.

Nerves
Massage will have either a soothing or stimulating effect on sensory nerve endings depending on the type of manipulation used.

What happens when I go for treatment?

On the first visit, the massage therapist will have a preliminary talk with you to determine your medical history and general health.

You will be asked to remove clothing but this is done with discretion.

A treatment session usually lasts between 1 and 1 1/2 hours. A course of treatment may be recommended depending on your body’s needs.

After treatments your body may respond in a very definite way. Most people note a sense of well-being and relaxation; sometimes people report feeling lethargic, but this is transitory and is a part of the healing process. This is vital information to feed back to the massage therapist as it shows how your body is responding to treatment.

There are some contra-indicators for body massage such as skin disorders, severe heart disorders.

Please contact the Sandgate Clinic if you have any concerns.