Massage
About
Massage
Here at Oakwell Health, our specially trained massage therapists offer a selection of massage techniques to suit your individual requirements. Please click on each section for more information on the types of treatments we can provide.
Sports Massage
This is a form of massage involving the manipulation of soft tissue to help those who often take part in regular physical activity. Sports massage is designed to correct problems and imbalances in soft tissue that are caused from repetitive and strenuous physical activity and trauma.
- Benefits those who lead an active lifestyle. Good to have prior to and after exercise as the results may enhance performance, aid recovery and prevent injury
- This treatment can be done either dressed or undressed, depending on the area of concern and depth of treatment
- Oils will often be used to help reduce friction. Your therapist will give their recommendations during a short consultation period before your treatment
Cupping Therapy Massage
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special glass cups on your skin to create suction. Cupping is used for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and general wellbeing. It can also be used as a form of deep tissue massage.
- Benefits those who lead an active lifestyle. Good to have prior to and after exercise as the results may enhance performance, aid recovery and prevent injury
- This treatment is done undressed due to needing clean access to the skin surface
- Oils will often be used to help reduce friction. Your therapist will give their recommendations during a short consultation period before your treatment
Cupping Therapy is provided in conjuction with Sports Massage.
Deep Tissue Massage
This type of massage therapy concentrates on the deeper layers of muscle and fascia in the body whilst using slow, firm massage techniques to reduce chronic pain, improve circulation and rehabilitate injured muscles. Despite the firm pressure and dedicated work into the areas of concern, the slow intentional movements reportedly cause a deeper sense of relaxation as you float off for a healing sleep. Science has proven just one treatment can also greatly reduce blood pressure.
- Benefits a stressful, energetic lifestyle, particularly post-exercise
This treatment can be done either dressed or undressed, depending on the area of concern and depth of treatment - Oils will often be used to help reduce friction. Your therapist will give their recommendations during a short consultation period before your treatment
Swedish Massage
This luxuriously treatment is adapted to your specific needs, using various massage techniques and your therapists’ awareness of the interrelationships of the body, mind and energy as they work with you as a whole. Your therapist can adapt your treatment to relax, revive or rehabilitate. Gentle to medium pressure is applied using stroking, gliding, kneading and rubbing massage techniques.
- Benefits a stressful lifestyle, or even just someone who wants pure relaxation
Undressed treatment where the body will be covered at all times, with towels folded back from only the area being worked on at each phase of the treatment - Oils will be used to reduce friction
Holistic Massage
Simply put, this is a pure relaxation massage, designed to help calm the nervous system and aid a restful, replenishing sleep.
- Benefits a stressful lifestyle, improving mental and physical fatigue
Undressed treatment where the body will be covered at all times, with towels folded back from only the area being worked on at each phase of the treatment - Oils will be used to reduce friction and encourage relaxation
Warm Bamboo Massage
This is essentially the same as deep tissue massage or Swedish massage, however rather than your therapist using their hands, they use smooth heated bamboo kneaded into the tissues with accurate gliding strokes. The heat from the bamboo allows for firm pressure to reach knots formed by lactic acid and other tension-causing wastes. The bamboo’s properties as a plant can also help to improve the skin whilst the deep heat penetrates to the deeper layers of connective tissues to reduce inflammation.
- Benefits anyone struggling with tight muscles, where a standard hands-on massage may not be enough!
- Undressed treatment where the body will be covered at all times, with towels folded back from only the area being worked on at each phase of the treatment
- Oils will be used to reduce friction
Indian Head Massage
Indian head massage stimulates the nerves within the head helping you to relax. This technique also increases circulation, as well as exfoliates the scalp and nourishes the hair if you opt to include oil in your treatment.
- Benefits a stressful lifestyle and is also good for those who may want a relaxing massage but do not feel comfortable having their body touched
You remain fully dressed throughout - Oils are not generally used with this treatment, but the option can be discussed with your therapist
Thai Yoga Massage
For Thai Yoga Massage, you remain fully clothed and lie foetal position on a very comfortable futon mat on the floor. Your therapist then begins from the feet up in giving a controlled pressured massage using her hands, arms and feet. You change over to your other side half way through and the therapist repeats the process again, resulting in a completely relaxed but very beneficial treatment.
- Benefits women during all stages of pregnancy and those just wanting pure relaxation
- You remain fully dressed throughout
- Oils are not used with this treatment
FAQ’s
Q: What should I expect during my first massage visit?
A: We will require you to fill out a consultation form before your treatment so it is best to arrive a few minutes early so you don’t risk losing time from your treatment. You will then be taken to your treatment room where the therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed, and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition and to see if you have any presenting complaints. Your therapist will then leave the room whilst you undress and get comfortable on the table covered in fresh towels. If your treatment does not require you to undress, your therapist will stay in the room as you position yourself on the table. Then all you need to do is relax and enjoy!
Q: What if I’m not entirely enjoying my treatment?
A: Remember, this is your session so if something isn’t to your liking, please speak up. We want you to have a memorable treatment for all the right reasons, so if you want anything changed, be it pressure, areas worked, position or if you are too hot or too cold please tell your therapist – they will not be offended as they also want you to have the best possible experience.
Q: Do I have to be completely undressed?
A: This depends on the treatment you are having, but ultimately you should undress to the level you are comfortable. For a full body massage, most leave their underwear on. The therapist will work around the clothes you left on as best as he/she can. Your therapist will always give you privacy to undress and get comfortable on the table. If you absolutely do not want to undress at all, we offer alternative massage options such as Thai Yoga massage and Indian Head massage which do not require you to remove any clothes at all.
Q: What do I do during a massage treatment?
A: Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she/he will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It’s up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.
Q: How will I feel after my massage treatment?
A: Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience a significant reduction in long-term aches and pains. You may also feel a little slowed down for a short period and then notice an increase of energy, heightened awareness and increased productivity which can last for days. If you received a deep massage, you may be slightly sore the next day. Sometimes a hot shower, or a soak in the tub can ease this soreness. After your session you should increase your water intake to help keep your body’s tissues hydrated and healthy, and flush out the toxins released from your treatment.
Q: When should I not get a massage?
A: You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection. There are some conditions in which your therapist may need to adapt his/her techniques (i.e. arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e. cuts or burns). With some conditions it is a good idea to get an approval from your doctor before you receive a massage (cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy). This doesn’t mean you can’t have a treatment, it is always better to err on the side of caution.
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