MASSAGE AND MOBILISATION
There are many treatment techniques we use as chiropractors to help you feel your best. Soft tissue massage and joint mobilisation are two common techniques we use to treat patients. Read on to learn more about massage, mobilisation, and the benefits of each.
What is massage?
Massage is a form of manual therapy that includes rubbing and applying pressure to manipulate muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is one of the oldest healing traditions and has been used for centuries in ancient cultures.
Some of the common types of massage you may read about include:
- Remedial: targeted to treat pain and injuries related to muscles, ligaments, or tendons.
- Deep tissue: uses firm pressure to release deep muscle tension and enhance recovery.
- Sports: specific to sports injuries, it is used to enhance recovery and performance.
- Trigger point: targeting knots or areas of tenderness in the muscle to reduce pain locally or in other parts of the body.
When is massage used and what are the benefits?
Massage improves blood flow and relaxes soft tissues. It can be used to alleviate muscle pain and tension. If you are experiencing secondary muscle tightness because of an injury, massage therapy may be used to promote blood flow and release tension.
By releasing areas surrounding the spine through massage, we improve mobility and flexibility, which helps to relieve pain, restore damaged tissue, and enhance recovery from injury.
You don’t have to wait until you have an injury or are experiencing back or neck pain, massage is a form of preventative care.
Some other great benefits of massage include:
- Future injury prevention
- Managing chronic pain
- Improving athletic performance
- Releasing endorphins and improving mood
- Reduction in stress and anxiety
- Increased energy and overall well-being
What is joint mobilisation?
Joint mobilisation is a manual therapy technique that is used to improve range of motion and reduce pain. Mobilisation is a slow and gentle method of freeing up a joint that does not take a joint outside of its normal range of movement.
Joint mobilisation differs from a chiropractic adjustment, or spinal manipulation, which is the action of applying a controlled and specific force or thrust in a precise direction to a joint in the spine.
What is joint mobilisation and what are the benefits?
Joint mobilisation can be performed on all joints including the knee, hip, shoulder, and spinal joints. It’s used to treat injuries and conditions like arthritis.
Joint mobilisation improves the range of motion, enhances blood flow in the affected area which provides pain relief during the healing process. Mobilisation also keeps muscles and joints active and limber, helping to prevent injuries from occurring.
Massage and joint manipulation are two of the many treatment techniques we use. Depending on your symptoms, medical history and any current medical conditions you are experiencing, we may use both techniques as part of your treatment plan.
If your body is feeling tight and stiff or if you’re experiencing any niggles or pain and simply want to feel your best, give us a call on (02) 9523 9940 or email info@baysidechiropractic.com.au to make an appointment.
