What is massage?

Massage combines a range of techniques to encourage blood flow to a targeted area of musculature, such as effleurage (stroking motion), petrissage (kneading motion), compression and many more.

There are a variety of different types of massage that you can opt for that is in line with your needs and goals. It aims to normalise issues that may be tender or tight due to stress, everyday life, work challenges or training.

Massage uses either fixed or moveable pressure, holding and/or moving a part of the body to create change within a target muscle or group of muscles.

What type of massage is suitable for you?

To ensure you receive the right type of massage for your health needs and goals here at Connective Chiropractic, we always ask new patients to fill out an Onboarding form. This enables us to understand your previous and current medical issues to ensure the best care for you. 

For our returning patients from either Chiropractic care or massage therapy we may be able to reduce some of the questions as we have access to your previous records. The onboarding process at Connective Chiropractic enables us to fulfil our commitment to providing only the best care for our new, current and returning patients and guests. 

We will always spend time with you at the beginning of your session to find out how you are and discuss a care plan for your needs and goals. Patch tests are carried out to find the best massage mediums to suit you, if you are unsure, and we have a range from which to choose. 

You may feel tender or stiff following your massage for 24-48 hours, and with this, we encourage you to take it easy and let your body recover, staying warm and hydrated. If appropriate, we can provide exercises to help you achieve your goals.

Pregnancy Massages at Connective Chiropractic.

Massage is not suitable for pregnant patients within the first trimester at our clinic and we recommend you wait until at least your second trimester for your pregnancy massage. This is because of the possible concerns about miscarriage during this more vulnerable stage of pregnancy. We believe it’s better to be safe than sorry. We will also discuss the risks and cautions before proceeding to ensure you are happy. We have a pregnancy pillow to offer, and we can work together to find the most comfortable position for you and your bump. Pam is the  pregnancy massage therapist here  at Connective Chiropractic and can tailor the treatment to suit your preferences best.

Therapeutic and deep tissue massage/ Swedish massage

Massages are often associated with spa like experiences and here at Connective Chiropractic, we can provide that experience for you. Swedish massage is the most common technique used for relaxation to help relieve muscle tension and improve the body’s range of motion. 

A full body massage offers a relaxation opportunity for you to zone out and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Full body massage focuses more on the whole body as a system rather than target problem areas, such as specifically in a sports massage that may focus on your upper or lower body. If you have a problem area that you would like more time spent on, we can do this in this time for you, which is 90 minutes. You can select your oil of choice, and we also have hot stones to use ready, which provide a warm and relaxing addition to your massage. 

Cupping at Connective Chiropractic.

Dr James, Pam and Rachael at are fully qualified to use the cupping method, which targets a section of the muscle using a suction cup on the skin to encourage blood flow to the area and can provide movement of the muscle in different ranges of motion, promoting a stretch to the tight spots. Cupping is used to decompress the tissue and is different from many other massage techniques as a result.  At Connective Chiropractic we are known for cupping that doesn’t tend to leave larger marks. We do not offer wet cupping at our clinic for health and safety reasons. Cups can be used as part of a massage session, rehabilitation or movement based session as well as an adjunct to other therapies such as Chiropractic. 

Techniques you may experience in your massage at Connective Chiropractic

We will talk to you about the range of techniques that we feel are suitable for you at our initial consultation session. You will be able to select from a range of different techniques or you can leave it to us. It is our goal to give you what you need to best help you reach your health care goals. 

Soft tissue releases

These release  a specific area of the muscle that is tight and tender and uses isolation of this area and incorporate movement to encourage a stretch to release. Your practitioner will find the area of tension within the muscle and then will ask you to resist or push against them in a movement plane and that will encourage that muscle to release and stretch further. 

Neuromuscular techniques

These techniques focus on a target area within the muscle that is tight or uncomfortable. Your practitioner may ask you to take a deep breath as they begin to apply pressure to the target area and hold for around 8-10 seconds. They will progress by either applying more pressure or easing off, depending on how the body responds. 

Muscle energy techniques

Encourage stretch and aim to increase your range of motion. Your practitioner will isolate the targeted muscle and then ask the patient to push against the practitioner to encourage stretch. The practitioner will hold this contact for 5-8 seconds, which will elongate the movement capabilities of the target muscle, encouraging the release of tension from the muscle and increasing flexibility.

Myofascial release technique

Myo means muscle, and facia means band. Fascia is a connective tissue of elastin and collagen fibres surrounded by fluid that surrounds, covers, infuses and protects every other tendon, muscle, bone, ligament and organ within the body. When forces are applied, they respond to dynamic forces inside and outside the body, therefore meeting resistance with tension to protect the structures they surround. By using indirect and direct myofascial techniques, we can help separate and release different areas of fascia to encourage tension with the target muscle. These techniques include Rolfing, where the practitioner may use their knuckle or forearm to glide along the fascia and help release that tension.

Compressions

Your practitioner may apply pressure using a large surface area, such as the palm of their hand to tight muscles or a group of muscles and will be held for around 8-10 seconds. This is to help encourage blood flow to the area before targeting individual tight spots.