Deep tissue massage

Drift Away in Winchester specialises in providing deep tissue massage to help ease muscles, break down tension, increase mobility and flexibility.

Deep tissue massage can be a rather intense massage but the benefits are longer lasting and it's known to be very effective in targeting pain and taking away the muscle tension and discomfort that can plague people.

Deep tissue uses techniques to work deeper into the tissue structure of the muscle and fascia, working them to stretch and break down the muscle tension. Deep tissue is especially good at targeting and focusing upon problem areas and over a period of time being used to specifically release and help to remedy problems in specific areas which are holding on to chronic tension.

Pressure is applied using the fists, knuckles, forearms and elbows using slower methods and working for longer periods on affected areas.

According to the August 2005 issue of Consumer Reports magazine, 34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine and over-the-counter drugs.
Deep tissue massage also received a top ranking for fibromyalgia pain. People often notice improved range of motion immediately after a deep tissue massage.

At Drift Away massage the deep tissue massage used combines deep tissue techniques with a variety of other related remedial massage and advanced techniques to work more effectively into the muscles and to provide deeper more longer lasting benefits.

Drift Away uses soft tissue release to lock in the tension and then stretch it out releasing the tight fibres and getting a better stretch to the muscles.  Within the deep tissue massage muscle energy technqiues are also used as are mobilisation techniques in order to provide greater movement to the muscles and greater range of motion and increase flexibility.

Drift Away is regularly increasing their knowledge of deep tissue massage and these advanced skills to continue to provide a more comprehensive and specialist massage treatment.

Myofascial release

On April 15th i was fortunate to attend an excellent course on a subject i had become increasingly aware of and very intrigued by.  Having worked as a massage therapist including deep tissue for four years i had become aware of the feeling of the muscles pulling to one side or feeling very restricted and wanted to know more.  Through out attending various courses such as soft tissue release, muscle energy techniques and advanced deep tissue techniques, i had developed a deep understanding of the body and the different way that muscles move and how they can tend to pull to one side due to restrictions.

However it wasn't until the myofascial release course that i was able to put another piece of the jigsaw together and learn more about these restrictions and this tightening or pulling to the side.  I often describe massage as a game of Jenga, where you are having to work the muscles and each move you make can have a knock on effect on the next muscle, so the next peace of the jenga game!  The body is far more complex than most people realise and requires a variety of techniques to effectively work the muscles. The fascia of the body is like this and due to its connective nature the restriction of the fascia in one area can impact on the next area.

The myofascial release course has enabled me to add another skill to the toolbox and we have been seeing effective results when integrated with both deep tissue and Swedish massage.

So what is myofascial release?

The whole body is made up of this connective tissue called fascia, literally from head to toe, covering the whole body just like your skin.  As it covers the whole body you can see how restriction in one area can have a knock on effect on another area, when this fascia becomes tight it can cause restrictions.  In the normal healthy person, the fascia is relaxed and wavy around the body. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When we experience physical trauma, scarring, or inflammation, however, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted and a source of tension to the rest of the body.  When this fascia become tight and restricted it can affect the muscles ability to move and perform it's full role, this then has a knock on effect on other muscles, flexibility and movement.


 
The aim of myofascial release is to unwind and free up this fascia through soft tissue techniques, through gentle yet effective stretching techniques, in order to relieve pain and increase movement within the fascia.  The myofascial release is carried out without oil in order to allow the fascia to stretch and gradually move whilst still firmly holding it within the stretch.  The stretch is held for around two minutes in order to ensure that the stretch is effective and happens on a deeper level rather than as a temporary issue.

At Drift Away these techniques are incorporated within the massage, usually at the beginning before the use of oil in order to get the best stretch and ensure that the fascia is loose so work can begin on the rest of the muscles.

At times myofascial release can feel a little intense but often it feels like it is doing very little but the effects are very surprising.  Having had the treatment myself i was surprised by how loose i felt afterwards and a little achy despite feeling that not much had happened!

Away on holiday.....

I will be away from Tuesday 22nd May to Tuesday 29th May inclusive, so no appointment next week guys!

I will be back working from 30th May, the current availability for then is as follows;

Wed 30th: Appointments starting between 2.45pm and 5.30pm.
Thurs 31st: Appointment at 5pm.
Sat 2nd June: Appointments starting between 9.30am and 5pm.

Contact Dannie on 07534219199 or dannie@driftawaytherapies.co.uk

Current availability week beginning 14/05/12

I hope everyone has had a good weekend and enjoyed the sunshine.  This week's availability is a little limited but there is still plenty of space on Saturday. 

Tuesday: 11.30am
Wednesday: 12pm
Thursday: Am starting between 9.30am and 11am or at 3pm
Friday: 12.30pm
Saturday: Starting between 9am and 5pm.

There are no appointments available next week as i am on holiday from Tuesday 22nd May till Tuesday 29th May inclusive.

Have a good week everyone!

Current availability week beginning 07/05/12

I hope everyone has had a relax and enjoyable bank holiday weekend and enjoyed their three day break.  Here at Drift Away we were closed Sunday and Monday, giving us time to recharge our batteries and relax, so that were ready to get back to work again:-)

This week's availability

Wed starting between 9.30am and 11am, at 2.30pm or at 5pm.

Thurs starting between 9.30am and 4pm.

Friday starting between 9.30am and 11am or at 3.15pm

Contact me, Dannie on 07534219199 or at dannie@driftawaytherapies.co.uk

www.driftawaytherapies.co.uk