The practice of massage therapy involves more than applying massage techniques. Massage therapy as a health care approach sits within the wellness model and aims to support clients in balancing mental, emotional, and physical needs. The principle goal of a massage session may include: relaxation massage; clinical/remedial/therapeutic massage; movement re-education, and energy work. Massage techniques may include, for example, Swedish massage, where the therapist uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration, and tapping; deep tissue massage; myofascial release; neuromuscular therapy and trigger point therapy. The New Zealand massage therapy industry is unregulated, and therefore not all Massage Therapists are qualified or hold appropriate qualifications. Wonder Physiotherapy provides professional and safe practices from New Zealand graduated and qualified practitioners. If you have a medical condition and are unsure whether massage therapy would be appropriate for you, please discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider.
Some of the findings show massage may be useful for chronic low-back pain, chronic neck pain, and may help with pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee. Numerous systematic reviews (large scale reviews of many research studies) and clinical studies have suggested that at least for the short term, massage therapy for cancer patients may reduce pain, promote relaxation, and boost mood. Some evidence suggests massage therapy may help to reduce depression and may help temporarily reduce pain, fatigue, and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.
