What is Acupressure Massage Therapy?
Acupressure Massage Therapy is an advanced type of sports massage. It addresses musculoskeletal problems or sports injuries, and brings the body back into a state of balance. It relaxes tense muscles, helps to relieve pain and balances the mind. It’s a great alternative to our orthopaedic acupuncture for those who don’t like needles.
How does Acupressure Massage work?
Simply put, the fascial tissue that connects muscles, ligaments, tendons and so forth, along with the nervous system that supports them, forms the basis of what TCM calls the meridians. The meridians act as channels allowing our vital qi energy to flow throughout the body. When our muscles are tense, or when the tissues are injured, the dysfunction causes the qi energy to stagnate, impeding the flow of blood. We can notice symptoms like pain, swelling and difficulty mobilising. Until this stagnation is released, muscles can remain tense and painful, sometimes chronically, and tissues cannot properly heal.
Your practitioner is skilled in using palpation to diagnose these functional problems within the meridians and musculoskeletal system. A combination of massage and energy strokes, with acupressure and meridian stretching is applied creating a signal to muscles, fascia and the nervous system. This allows tense muscles to relax and restores the flow of vital substances, enabling surrounding tissues and structures to begin to heal.
Your practitioner will discuss with you issues relating to posture, and any incorrect use of muscles, that may have been contributing to your musculoskeletal problem.
How long does an Acupressure Massage Treatment take?
Your practitioner will need to do an initial consultation with you to gather information relevant to your presenting condition. You may be asked to complete some forms to provide in advance or bring with you to your appointment. This initial appointment will take approximately 90 mins and includes your first Acupressure Massage treatment. Subsequent treatments will take approximately 60 minutes. Your practitioner will advise you of how many treatments your condition will be likely to need and may provide you with home treatment advice for you to follow between treatments.
Is there anything I should do before my treatment?
Yes, it’s important to eat within 2 hours before coming for treatment (although its wise not to eat a really heavy meal). Please take any medication as usual.
For details of services offered and pricing please see What We Offer.