Welcome in!
This is my first blog post and I’m excited for you to join me on this journey, which I hope will be useful!
Have you ever felt like the tension in your body was too much and booked a massage to relieve it? Maybe you ended up booking a “sports” or “deep tissue” massage without knowing too well what you were getting into. I did that years ago, too… and I couldn’t sit comfortably for a few days because the soreness after the massage was almost worse than the tension before I went in. By the end of the experience, I decided I wouldn’t get a deep tissue massage ever again. It was painful!
So when, years later, I resolved to do a massage course, I obviously didn’t choose a sports or deep tissue one, and instead took a holistic approach. Working with amazing therapists later, though, I rediscovered sports massage: they are more than just pressure and pain. Ironically, I delved deeper and discovered “remedial soft tissue therapy”.
According to one of my mentors, Susan Findlay, “most people understand the term Sports Massage but very few know about remedial soft tissue work”, which is defined by the Sports Massage Association as “the management, manipulation, and rehabilitation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, tendons, and ligaments”.
I like to think of it as the umbrella that brings together different approaches in a more holistic, personalised way. Let’s break it down a bit more:
Is it just a massage?
Not exactly. Massage is a big part of it, but soft tissue therapy goes deeper (literally and figuratively). To address your unique needs, I’ll combine different methods and techniques such as:
- Myofascial Release
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Neuromuscular Techniques
- Stretching & Mobilisation
- Rehab-Based Exercises
What if you’re not an athlete?
It is for everybody and EVERY BODY, not just athletes. We all have muscles, tendons and ligaments that we use/overuse/underuse in our lives. No matter what sports, jobs or daily activities you do, your body will almost always benefit from massage therapy. I will tell you when it won’t and what to do instead
Does it hurt?
It shouldn’t, unless it’s good pain or pain that feels like it’s needed. We will discuss what this looks like for you as any effect we’re hoping to have on the tissues relies on a whole body approach where the nervous system is regulated. This allows us to create optimal conditions for tissue healing to happen.
It sounds very clinical, will I enjoy it?
That’s the idea! My sessions blend positive touch, breathwork, flow, and rhythm, which help activate your parasympathetic nervous system (the part that helps you rest, digest, and heal).
I combine elements of sports, deep tissue and relaxing massage, creating a treatment that not only addresses specific issues, but can also feel soothing and restorative if that’s what you want. It’s a fusion of effective technique and mindful connection, because your body deserves both.
Do you still have any questions that I haven’t answered? Email me to arrange a phone consultation if you want to chat through what you’re experiencing and see if soft tissue therapy feels like the right fit for you.
chelicoriscomassagetherapy @ gmail.com
Cheli
