MASSAGE
THERAPY
MASSAGE THERAPY INVOLVES
Massage therapy involves placing pressure on muscles, ligaments, tissues and tendons to help rehabilitate injuries and relieve tension and pain. Massage can be used as a complementary treatment to physiotherapy services, particularly for those with chronic pain and tension or those recovering from injuries.
At Kogarah Physiotherapy, our massage therapist incorporates massage techniques from a variety of styles to cater to each individual’s needs. Bookings are available online or please call 9587 9130 and our reception staff will find the best available spot for you!
Sports Massage
Sports massage is based on the individual nature of the injury and can be influenced by factors such as injury type, location, whether it is new or chronic and at what stage of training the individual is at if they are competing.
The aim of sports massage is to improve performance and muscle recovery by stretching tense muscles, activating inactive muscles and reducing tension in soft tissues. It can also assist in reducing the chance of injury when participating in physical activity.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is beneficial for muscle tension and relaxation. Swedish massage is slightly gentler compared to deep tissue or sports massage. This massage is great for improving circulation or for those who just need a little bit of rest and relaxation.
Remedial Massage
Remedial massage is helpful in reducing pain and discomfort from injuries and aiding the recovery process. During this type of massage, the massage therapist will review your injury history and use specific mobilisation techniques, massage and stretches to address the cause of the problem.
LYMPHATIC
DRAINAGE
Kogarah Physio also offers lymphatic drainage. This is the manual stimulation of the fluids found in between the tissues of the body, to return built-up wastes and excessive fluid to the blood so that the organs can deal with it. The technique itself is very light and very relaxing, comprising gentle strokes and pumps on the skin with some deeper work over the lymph nodes. Please call 9587 9130 to book in for this treatment.
Who can benefit
Most people can derive some benefit from lymphatic drainage. Those with lymphoedema can experience great reductions in swelling (particularly when combined with compression garments or bandaging) and also fibrosis in time.
As the lymphatic system also forms the basis of the immune system, the treatment can:
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Provide a welcome immune boost, especially for the immuno-suppressed or those who have been ill for long periods such as in glandular fever or tropical fevers.
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Aid in chronic acne and painful cellulite
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Reduce swelling after cosmetic surgery
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Alleviate pain associated with swelling and joint inflammation, such as arthritis and MS.
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Some hormonal and menstrual imbalances can improve with lymphatic drainage and pregnancy related swelling could also benefit.
Who can not be treated?
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Those with an active, untreated cancer or malignancy cannot be treated except on a doctor’s advice.
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Anyone with a current acute infection (viral or bacterial) or inflammation due to an allergic reaction.
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People with cardiac oedema, renal dysfunction / insufficiency or deep vein thrombosis.
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Those with a history of tuberculosis or who live with asthma or low blood pressure will need to have their treatment modified to suit.
What to expect?
The treatment itself is very light and relaxing, so during a treatment it is not uncommon to fall asleep, and for blood pressure to drop.
As the treatment returns fluid to the blood, an increase in urination is often noticed, which is a positive outcome.
The downside to this cleansing is that sometimes skin outbreaks are experienced, so it is best not to have a treatment before a big date or function. It is also possible to feel some nausea or headaches and discomfort as the liver copes with the increased load – a little like the morning after a big night. Afterwards though, you should feel a little lighter with a greater sense of well being.
Treatment times vary with a full body treatment lasting 90 minutes. When planning your first appointment, please let us know what issues you are coming for and we will give advice on how long the session should be.
How often should I have one?
In the case of oedema, a treatment plan will have to be worked out. In some instances, we will be guided by your treating specialist especially following cosmetic surgery. In some cases this may require daily treatment for the first two weeks, or twice weekly treatment for 4 weeks, until the area is suitably reduced and can be maintained with less treatment.