Frequently Asked Questions
- How soon after an injury can I get treatment?
After injury medical attention should always be sought first to rule out fractures, ruptures or other serious complications.
R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression, elevation) should always be applied.
48 hours after injury some treatment can aid recovery. Neuromuscular therapy covers a vast range of techniques; the appropriate technique will be matched to the injury. Only an experienced therapist can use deep tissue massage near or around the site of injury to reduce secondary spasm to facilitate proper healing.
After 2 to 3 weeks deep tissue massage can be used on the injured site to break down scar tissue, adhesions and to re-model injured muscle fibres.
- Can I have Deep tissue massage even if I’m not injured?
Yes, ‘Prevent the injury’ is our motto. Regular deep tissue treatment improves muscle function, promoting optimal performance and significantly reducing the risk of injury. Non-sports people also benefit from deep tissue massage as it works to free restrictions and knots, reducing tension and relieving pain. You may be advised to slow down a bit and relax or if in sport to modify training or technique.
- Is Deep Tissue Massage painful?
Not necessarily, most of the session can be relaxing with no pain or discomfort, but because it reaches the deep layers of muscles, if there is any deep seated tension or a trigger point then it can be sore while being worked on, generally the pain is described as “good pain”. This pain is bearable and feels like its doing good – easing tension and actually reducing pain.
-What is a trigger point?
A trigger point is described as a tender point in the skeletal muscle which is hyper-irritable and when compressed has a referred pain to some other part of the body it also has a taut band and a nodule, it can mimic any pain in the body for example a trigger point can mimic toothache, headache and even sciatica to mention few. Neuromuscular Therapy and Dry Needling work succefully for these problems.
-What is Dry Needling?
It is a relatively new and invasive technique, acupuncture needles are inserted deep into the belly of the muscle to find and deactivate a trigger point, conditions such as fibromyalgia hugely benefit from this technique
- So is it Acupuncture?
No, it just uses the same tools.
- Does it hurt?
The needle may give a little pinch when inserted then it doesn’t really hurt, when the needle hits a trigger point deep in the muscle there is usually a twitch response, that can be sore for few seconds, sometime there is a feeling of tissue gripping around the needle and almost immediately a sense of release, once the needle is removed there’s usually no more pain but some soreness may occur the next couple of days (Reactions may vary from person to person and to those mentioned).
- Do I need to be completely undressed for a massage?
No. You will be advised which items of clothing to remove. The therapist will then leave the room while you undress and give you an ample wrap. Your body will then be completely covered [in the case of a full body treatment you will be covered from neck to toes] with towels. During treatment only the part of your body being worked on will be uncovered to maintain your body temperature and allow you to feel relaxed. It is advisable to bring a comfortable pair of shorts.
- How often can I have a deep tissue massage?
Professional athletes are advised to have 2-3 treatments per week. For non-professional athletes 1 treatment per week is advised. For everyone else frequency of treatment is advised on an individual basis.
- Would regular deep tissue massage do any damage to my body?
Not at all - providing you go to an experienced and fully qualified therapist. Massage promotes good health and performance.