The Techniques

During a treatment, various techniques are used, some of which are briefly explained below:

Effleurage and Petrissage

These two techniques will generally be used at the beginning of a treatment to spread the lubricant (if used), and give initial warmth and comfort. These techniques are also used throughout a treatment to enhance circulation and improve lymphatic flow.

Soft Tissue Release (STR)

Stretches muscles, breaks adhesions between individual muscle fibres and realigns them in the correct position.

Muscle Energy Technique (MET)

Stretches, strengthens and breaks down scar tissue and adhesions. This technique encourages a state or relaxation which allows the muscle to stretch beyond its current ability, however, it does not allow flexibility beyond normal range for that person.

Neuromuscular Technique (NMT)

Retrains the nervous system by nerve inhibition. This technique promotes a state of relaxation in the muscle fibres being treated, which has a knock on effect on the whole muscle. This reduces the level of muscle tension.

Connective Tissue Massage (CTM)

Breaks adhesions between the connective tissue (which surrounds every tissue structure in the body) and the tissue structures underlying, so that they move freely and independently of one another.