Massage Therapy
February 12, 2020
Fact: It is estimated that between 35-43% of the UK population is estimated to suffer from chronic pain, that’s 28 million people. It accounts for 40% of time off work and costs the NHS over £10 billion pounds a year.
Fact: It is estimated that 37% of the population of developed countries and 41% of developing countries, suffer from chronic pain.
It is one of the most common reasons why people visit Massage therapists and physiotherapy accounting for up to 40% of visits.
Other common reasons include rehabbing sports injuries, relief of pain from accidents or muscle strains, relief of stress and as a form of preventative health care.
And also, just that good old relaxation that can only come from human touch.
What is massage therapy, exactly?
People with specific massage therapy training will have gone to school for a minimum of 100 hours training and received skilled instruction in the manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissues, including muscles, connective tissues, tendons, and ligaments.
They are highly knowledgeable about anatomy and physiology and are skilled diagnosticians with regards to chronic pain and how to treat it.
The underlying idea behind massage therapy is that a relaxed and loose muscular structure promotes the flow of energy through the body, which enables the body to maintain health and heal itself, without resorting to drugs or surgery.
Here are some common massage therapy modalities that you may encounter, ranging from simple relaxation to treatment of complex pain issues and connective tissue realignment.
Swedish Massage
This is your standard relaxation massage. Swedish massage is very popular in spa settings.
As one of the most popular types of bodywork performed today, the overarching goal of Swedish massage is the ultimate relaxation of the entire body. It is exceptional at achieving this, easing tension while promoting the release of environmental toxins stored in the body’s fat and epidermis layers while simultaneously increasing the oxygen levels in the blood.
Swedish massage has also been shown to produce significant reductions in the stress hormone, cortisol.
Trigger Point Therapy and Myofascial Release
A trigger point is a small area of tightly bound and ‘knotted’ muscle that will produce referred pain into another part of the body when pressed upon. For example, a trigger point in the rhomboid muscle in the upper back can produce headache-like pain at the base of the skull.
Trigger points such as these are often misdiagnosed as migraines.
Trigger points range in severity from mildly annoying to completely debilitative. The affected muscle fibres are in a permanently shortened and tense state, and can even pinch nearby nerves, producing even more related symptoms, sometimes spiraling into full-blown fibromyalgia, a disorder of the connective tissues.
This is one area where massage therapy has a distinct advantage over every other form of treatment. Conventional medicine’s answer to trigger points is usually an injection of a local anesthetic or a corticosteroid injection. Both of which are temporary, unnatural treatments and in the case of the corticosteroid, actually damaging to the tissues.
Massage therapy treats these by the application of pressure directly to the trigger point, going over time from light to very deep, (usually within the same session) whereupon the trigger point will begin to release and relax.
Follow-up treatment is nearly always needed to retrain the muscle fibers to lengthen and “smooth” back out. A good massage therapist can often boast a near 100% success rate with trigger point therapy, even when other treatments have failed.
Myofascial release is a broader application of this type of therapy that seeks to restore mobility and function to the body’s underlying network of connective tissue that is present in every muscle in the body. It improves lymph circulation (keeping the blood clean) and enhances the muscle’s natural stretch reflex, keeping the body supple and strong.
It should be noted that these types of massage therapy are not the same as a relaxing Swedish massage and can sometimes be quite painful as the body relaxes, releases, and returns to normal homeostasis. It’s important to communicate to us during your treatment if you are uncomfortable at any time.
Sports Massage
As the name implies, sports massage is focused on the athlete. From the highest level of competition, to the casual weekend warrior, sports massage therapists can be found everywhere from weekend 5ks to professional locker rooms and Olympic fields.
Sports massage focuses on both pre- and post- event training and recovery.
Pre- event for example, may involve stimulating a stretch reflex in the quadriceps muscle of a runner to help lengthen her stride, with repeated treatments resulting in a faster runner who is less prone to injury.
Post-event can take the form of a light, relaxing massage to stimulate healing blood flow to an overused muscle group, enabling the athlete to recover safer and faster, and enable them to perform at the top of their game sooner than otherwise would be the case.
Rather than a specific technique as in trigger point or myofascial therapies, sport massage focuses on the dual goals of athletic performance and recovery and may borrow heavily on other modalities to achieve these ends.
The tip of the proverbial iceberg…
The above is by no means a comprehensive list of massage therapy modalities. There are literally dozens of different types of massage, used in everything from lymphatic drainage, body realignment, even neuromuscular therapy that seeks to balance the nervous system.
If you’d like to go into greater detail on these and other modalities, and to get the latest, most cutting-edge information on the art and science of massage therapy, pain relief and injury prevention, then please click this link http://bit.ly/35TC9Je
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Tennis elbow—clinically known as lateral epicondylitis—is a common condition that affects thousands of people each year, not just tennis players. It’s caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm, particularly where they attach to the outside of the elbow. At Weaver Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic in Northwich, Cheshire, we specialise in treating tennis elbow with evidence-based physiotherapy to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence. If you’re struggling with persistent elbow pain, weakness, or difficulty with daily tasks like lifting a kettle or gripping objects, you may be dealing with tennis elbow. The good news? With the right treatment and guidance, it’s highly treatable—and that’s where we come in. ⸻ What Is Tennis Elbow? Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that leads to pain and inflammation of the tendons joining the forearm muscles to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outside of your elbow). The condition is commonly linked to repetitive wrist and arm movements—not just from racquet sports, but also from tasks such as: • Typing or mouse use • DIY or gardening • Lifting heavy objects • Repeated gripping or twisting motions Despite its name, most people who get tennis elbow don’t play tennis. ⸻ Symptoms of Tennis Elbow The most common symptoms of tennis elbow include: • Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow • Discomfort when lifting or gripping objects • Wrist weakness, especially when trying to extend the wrist • Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest Left untreated, tennis elbow can become a chronic condition, interfering with work, sport, and day-to-day life. ⸻ What Causes Tennis Elbow? Tennis elbow is typically caused by repetitive stress and overloading of the extensor tendons of the forearm—especially the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon. Repeated strain leads to tiny microtears in the tendon, causing pain, inflammation, and a breakdown of tissue over time. Risk factors include: • Poor technique in sports or activities • Weak grip or forearm strength • Inadequate warm-up or recovery • Age (most common in adults aged 35–55) ⸻ Physiotherapy for Tennis Elbow in Northwich At Weaver Physio, our experienced team provides tailored physiotherapy for tennis elbow to address not just the pain but the root cause of the problem. Here’s how we help: 1. Comprehensive Assessment We start with a detailed assessment of your symptoms, medical history, posture, biomechanics, and activity levels. This helps us confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions such as golfer’s elbow or nerve entrapment. 2. Hands-On Treatment Manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue release, trigger point therapy, and joint mobilisation help reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote healing in the affected tissues. 3. Exercise Rehabilitation Rehabilitation is key. We design a progressive exercise program focused on: • Eccentric strengthening of the forearm muscles • Improving grip strength • Enhancing flexibility and mobility of the wrist, elbow, and shoulder • Gradual return to normal activities and sport 4. Shockwave Therapy We’re proud to offer Shockwave Therapy in Northwich—an advanced, non-invasive treatment that stimulates the body’s natural healing response and promotes tendon repair. It’s ideal for chronic or stubborn tennis elbow and has high success rates in clinical studies. 5. Ergonomic and Activity Advice We’ll help you identify and modify any aggravating activities—whether it’s your desk setup, gardening tools, or gym form. By reducing repetitive strain, we can fast-track your recovery. ⸻ How Long Does It Take to Recover? With the right physiotherapy treatment, most people recover from tennis elbow in 6–12 weeks, although chronic cases may take longer. The key is early intervention. The sooner you start treatment, the faster and more complete your recovery is likely to be. ⸻ When to Seek Help If you’ve had elbow pain for more than a few weeks, or if it’s impacting your daily life, it’s time to get it assessed by a physiotherapist. You should especially seek help if: • Your grip feels weak • You’re avoiding activities you enjoy • The pain is worsening or not improving • You’ve already tried rest, ice, or anti-inflammatories without relief At Weaver Physiotherapy in Northwich, you don’t need a GP referral to start treatment. We offer direct access and can usually book you in the same week. ⸻ Preventing Tennis Elbow Prevention is always better than cure. Whether you’re returning to sport, starting a new job, or just want to avoid future flare-ups, here are some tips: • Warm up and stretch before activities • Use proper technique and ergonomic tools • Strengthen your forearm muscles • Avoid overloading or sudden increases in activity • Listen to your body—rest if symptoms start Our physios can guide you through preventive strategies tailored to your lifestyle and goals. ⸻ Why Choose Weaver Physio? At Weaver Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, we’re trusted by clients across Cheshire for expert treatment, clear advice, and personalised care. ✔️ Experienced MSK physiotherapists with sports injury expertise ✔️ On-site Shockwave Therapy for stubborn tendon problems ✔️ Individualised rehab plans—not one-size-fits-all sheets ✔️ Friendly clinic environment in the heart of Northwich ✔️ Same-week appointments and no long NHS waitlists Whether you’re a busy parent, an active runner, or someone who types all day at a desk, we’ll help you recover quickly and get back to doing what you love—pain-free. ⸻ Book Your Tennis Elbow Assessment Today Don’t let tennis elbow keep you from your favourite activities. Get expert help at Weaver Physio and start your recovery journey today. 📞 Call 01606 227484 📍 Visit us in Northwich, Cheshire 🌐 Book online at http://weaverphysio.com ⸻ #TennisElbow #ElbowPain #WeaverPhysio #NorthwichPhysiotherapy #ShockwaveTherapy #SportsInjuryClinic #CheshirePhysio #ManualTherapy #TendonPain #RehabForTennisElbow #PainRelief #PhysiotherapyWorks #SportsPhysioNorthwich #ForearmPain #ElbowTreatmentCheshire #WorkplaceInjury #OveruseInjury #TennisElbowTreatment #HandsOnPhysio #WeaverPhysiotherap
What Is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a long-term, chronic condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness throughout the body. Unlike injuries such as sprains or bruises, fibromyalgia pain doesn’t stem from any visible damage. Instead, it’s believed to involve how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals—making the nervous system more sensitive to even mild stimuli. At Weaver Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic in Northwich, we see many patients who describe the pain as a persistent, dull ache that affects both sides of the body and areas above and below the waist. But fibromyalgia isn’t just about pain—it’s also deeply associated with extreme fatigue, which often feels like the all-encompassing exhaustion experienced during the flu. This isn’t tiredness that improves with rest; it’s a draining, lingering fatigue that makes even everyday tasks feel overwhelming. In addition to pain and fatigue, fibromyalgia can cause symptoms such as: • Fibro fog – problems with memory, concentration, and focus • Mental haze, difficulty processing tasks, or forgetting simple things • Overlapping symptoms often confused with arthritis or chronic fatigue syndrome Because fibromyalgia mimics many other conditions, diagnosis can be difficult. This makes it essential to seek assessment from qualified professionals like our team at Weaver Physio, where we understand the nuances of complex pain conditions. Though the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unclear, research suggests a combination of genetics, infections, trauma, and long-term stress may be involved. The positive news? With the right physiotherapy, education, and support, many people lead active, fulfilling lives. ⸻ History and Prevalence of Fibromyalgia Though the symptoms of fibromyalgia have been noted for centuries in medical history, the condition was only formally named in the 1970s, combining Latin and Greek words to describe fibrous tissue and muscle pain. Since then, awareness and understanding of fibromyalgia have evolved. Once thought to be solely about tender points, it’s now recognised as a complex chronic pain syndrome affecting the nervous system, muscles, mood, and energy levels. Today, fibromyalgia is one of the most common chronic pain disorders, affecting an estimated 1 in 25 people. It can impact anyone, but it is most frequently diagnosed in women aged 30 to 60. This widespread prevalence highlights the need for increased awareness, better access to treatment, and professional guidance from trusted providers like Weaver Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic in Northwich. ⸻ How Fibromyalgia Affects the Body Fibromyalgia isn’t limited to pain—it influences many body systems and daily functioning. Here’s a breakdown of how fibromyalgia may impact those living with it: ✅ Widespread Pain This is the hallmark of fibromyalgia. The pain is often described as deep, aching, burning, or throbbing and may vary in intensity day to day. It can be aggravated by stress, activity, or even changes in weather. ✅ Debilitating Fatigue Unlike ordinary tiredness, fibromyalgia-related fatigue doesn’t resolve with sleep. It can make simple daily activities—like walking, cooking, or working—feel exhausting. ✅ Sleep Disturbances Despite feeling tired, many sufferers struggle with falling or staying asleep. Sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome or sleep apnoea are also common, making recovery from fatigue difficult. ✅ Cognitive Fog (“Fibro Fog”) A frustrating symptom for many, this involves trouble concentrating, organising thoughts, and remembering details. It can feel like a mental cloud interfering with daily productivity. ✅ Digestive Upset Fibromyalgia is frequently linked with gastrointestinal issues, such as bloating, constipation, gas, or even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). ✅ Sensory Sensitivities Many patients report being unusually sensitive to light, sound, temperature changes, or touch. Even normal sensations can feel overwhelming. ✅ Mood Disorders Living with chronic pain can affect mental health. Anxiety, mood swings, and depression are common among those managing fibromyalgia, due to both neurological and emotional impacts. ✅ Morning Stiffness Like arthritis, fibromyalgia can cause stiffness on waking, making it difficult to get moving in the mornings. This may last from several minutes to several hours. ⸻ We’re Here to Help at Weaver Physio Understanding how fibromyalgia affects the body is essential for both patients and their families. At Weaver Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, we treat more than just symptoms—we treat the whole person. We provide: • Targeted hands-on therapy to ease soft tissue tension • Graded exercise programs designed for fatigue-sensitive conditions • Education and lifestyle support to help you manage pain and pacing • Expert diagnosis and referrals for comprehensive care If you or someone you know is dealing with fibromyalgia symptoms, you are not alone. Our Northwich team is here to provide understanding, expert care, and a structured plan to help you regain control of your health and movement. 📞 Contact us today at 01606 227484 🌐 Visit http://www.weaverphysio.com to learn more ⸻ #FibromyalgiaSupport #ChronicPainRelief #FibroFog #WeaverPhysio #NorthwichPhysio #FibromyalgiaTreatment #FibromyalgiaAwareness #WidespreadPain #FatigueRelief #SleepSupport #FibroRecovery #MoveBetterLiveBetter #CheshirePhysiotherapy
