Many clients often seek guidance when it comes to choosing the perfect massage to suit their needs. Questions like, ‘Which massage is the best for me?’ ‘How frequently should I have a massage?’ and ‘Can you help ease my back aches and pains?’ are common.
If you live in the Sandwich, Deal, or surrounding areas, or if you are willing to travel for an exceptional massage experience, then I’m your woman! Please allow me to introduce you to the variety of massage modalities available at Lorraine’s Treatment Room.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Swedish massage is a popular and relaxing form of therapeutic massage.
Swedish massage involves long, flowing strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, and gentle stretching to promote relaxation and relieve muscle tension. Using oil to facilitate smooth movements it is known for its ability to reduce stress, improve circulation, increase flexibility and enhance your overall well-being.
Swedish massage takes place on the massage couch. Depending which area is being massaged you are either in minimal clothing or in your underwear; you will be draped at all times.
This massage is an excellent choice for those seeking a calming and rejuvenating experience that promotes both physical and mental relaxation.
Aromatherapy massage combines the soothing power of massage with the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. A truly holistic massage working on mind, body, and soul this massage is great for people who would like emotional balancing as part of their massage.
As a qualified aromatherapist I am able to blend oils specifically to your requirements on the day you are being treated. However you hope to feel when you step off the couch ~ uplifted, relaxed, less in pain, or refreshed, there is an oil for that!
This luxurious treatment incorporates gentle strokes and kneading techniques to relax your tense muscles and promote overall well-being.
Aromatherapy massage offers an holistic approach to relaxation and healing, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and balanced.
Elevating your massage experience, this treatment is far more than a ‘hot stone massage’!
Combining heated and cool stones to create a deeply rejuvenating and therapeutic massage experience, perfect for relaxation and addressing various muscular and circulatory issues. Warmed stones boost blood flow and induce relaxation, while the cooler stones aid the removal of metabolic waste, ease inflammation, reduce swelling and provide gentle relief from aches and pains. This approach offers effective results without the intensity of deep tissue massage.Stones are treated as an extension of my hands and may also be placed on energy points during the treatment.
This massage is sometimes said to have the ‘power of 10’. One stroke with the stone is said to be worth ten of the hands with the stones work ten times more effectively and the effects lasting ten times as long.
Enhance your overall sense of well-being with this massage.
Deep tissue massage is a therapeutic technique that involves applying firm pressure and slow strokes to target the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It aims to release tension, alleviate chronic pain, and improve mobility by breaking down adhesions and knots in the muscles.
Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals with muscle injuries, chronic pain conditions, or those seeking relief from muscular tension and stress.
This massage can be intense and may cause slight temporary discomfort. However, the benefits include improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and an overall sense of relaxation and well-being.
Discover the gentle and transformative benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Massage.
This specialised therapy focuses on stimulating your lymphatic system, aiding in the removal of metaboolic waste and reducing swelling and edema. Precise, rhythmic hand movements encourage the natural flow of lymphatic fluid, promoting detoxification and enhancing your immune system.
MLD is particularly effective for post-surgery recovery, lymphedema management, and overall wellness. It offers a soothing and non-invasive experience, leaving you feeling lighter, refreshed, and rejuvenated.
Experience the healing touch of MLD and embark on a journey to promote your body’s natural cleansing and rejuvenating processes.
The G5 massage therapy system is a powerful tool for deep tissue and therapeutic massages.
G5 provides percussive vibrations to target muscle tension , assist in the elimination of lactic acid and improve blood circulation.
With multiple attachment options and adjustable intesity settings, your G5 massage can be tailored to your body’s needs. Additionally, the G5’s rapid and powerful movements stimulate circulation, promoting lymphatic drainage and reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Whether you’re seeking relief from muscle pain , rehabilitation or simply want a soothing massage, the G5 is a versatile and effective choice for all your massage needs.
Bamboo massage is a unique and rejuvenating treatment that combines traditional massage techniques with the use of heated bamboo sticks.
Heated bamboo sticks of varying sizes are rolled and glided over your body to release tension and promote relaxation. The warmth of the bamboo helps to ease muscle stiffness, while the pressure applied can be customised to suit your preferences.
This therapeutic massage not only offers deep tissue relief but also enhances blood circulation and reduces stress. Bamboo massage provides a soothing and holistic experience, leaving you feeling revitalised and balanced.
Prenatal massage is a specialised massage therapy designed to support you during the second and third trimesters of your pregnancy.
Using gentle techniques and customised positioning to accommodate your unique needs and any discomforts you may be experiencing during pregnancy.
This massage can help relieve common issues such as back pain, swelling, and muscle tension, promoting relaxation and overall well-being. Prenatal massage can also aid in reducing stress and improving sleep quality during your pregnancy.
Your safety and comfort are paramount, ensuring both you and baby benefit from this soothing and therapeutic experience, making it a valuable addition to your prenatal care.
Silicone cupping massage is a contemporary variation of traditional cupping therapy.
Soft, flexible silicone cups are used instead of the traditional glass or plastic cups. These cups create a vacuum when squeezed and applied to your skin, which helps improve blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate pain. Silicone cupping is also said to help promote relaxation and rejuvenation, making it a popular choice if you are looking for non-invasive and effective self-care techniques.
Silicone cupping is less intense than traditional methods, making it suitable if you are seeking a gentler approach to cupping therapy.
Indian head massage focuses on massaging your upper body, particularly your back, neck, head, and face.
This soothing massage involves various movements including kneading, tapping, and applying pressure. Together these techniques help to release muscle tension, improve circulation, ease headaches and alleviate stress.
Beyond physical benefits, Indian head massage is renowned for its relaxation benefits, promoting mental clarity, reducing anxiety and enhancing your overall well-being. It’s an holistic journey where your senses are awakened, and your energy is balanced.
This treatment is a convenient and accessible way to unwind and revitalise, especially if you have a busy lifestyle.
Foot reflexology is an holistic therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on your feet which correspond to different organs and systems in your body. Reflexology is based on the belief that these points, when stimulated, can promote relaxation, balance energy, and alleviate various health issues.
Foot reflexology is known for its stress-reduction benefits and its potential to improve overall well-being. It is often used as a complementary therapy to support relaxation and promote a sense of harmony and healing throughout the body.
National Massage Day occurs on the 1st October each year.
When was the last time you got a massage?
Imagine booking a massage right now and picture the experience that awaits you… tranquil treatment room, relaxing music playing gently in the background, the soothing aromas that calm your senses, imagine yourself sinking into the heated couch and feeling your stresses and strains melt away…
There are many massage modalities and numerous ways massage can benefit you.
Whether you are:
An aromatherapy lover
A traditionalist who enjoys a Swedish massage
Enjoy the geothermal aspect of a LaStone or Bamboo Massage treatment
Are suffering with a sluggish lymphatic system so would like lymphatic drainage
Want to give your stubborn areas a good jigging with G5 massage
Like a deep tissue or power massage
Are a keen sports person who would like some sports / remedial massage
Someone who prefers a head massage
A lover of a foot massage
A facial massage aficionado
Would like two or three hours on the couch being massaged from top to toe
I HAVE A MASSAGE FOR YOU!
Additionally, I am able to combine your favourite aspects from any of the massages to create a truly bespoke treatment just for you.
You can find all the massages available at Lorraine’s Treatment Room by clicking here.
The American Massage Therapy Association lists 25 reasons why you should get a massage, they reference the studies carried out, highlighting the positive results for each condition and the study size. Top benefits include:
Relieve stress
Relieve postoperative pain
Reduce anxiety
Manage low-back pain
Help fibromyalgia pain
Reduce muscle tension
Enhance exercise performance
Relieve tension headaches
Sleep better
Ease symptoms of depression
Improve cardiovascular health
Reduce pain of osteoarthritis
Decrease stress in cancer patients
Improve balance in older adults
Decrease rheumatoid arthritis pain
Temper effects of dementia
Promote relaxation
Lower blood pressure
Decrease symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Help chronic neck pain
Lower joint replacement pain
Increase range of motion
Decrease migraine frequency
Improve quality of life in hospice care
Reduce chemotherapy-related nausea
Looking at the number one & three benefits of relieving stress and anxiety, Psychology Today tell us that
The anxiety-reducing and mood-enhancing benefits of massage are probably related to changes in EEG activity, decreased levels of cortisol, and increased activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which acts automatically to calm the body and brain during stress.
Additionally, numerous studies have been carried out on massage pressure and show that moderate massage is the most effective for reducing pain associated with medical issues and carries the additional benefits of improving attention and enhancing your body’s immune response.
Brain imaging studies support this evidence by showing the changes that take place in areas of the brain that are involved in regulating stress responses and emotions such as the amygdala and hypothalamus.
I have some phenomenal treats and offers for National Massage Day that will be sent out to all members on my mailing list….I’ve even devised a couple of new treatments just for the occasion!If you are not a member of the mailing list and would like to be, you can join by clicking here.
1st October also marks the start of Pro-Touch Awareness month – a month that promotes the importance of consensual and positive human touch and connection to everyone. Just think about how comforting a hand can be when you are in need. Now, imagine someone who is deprived of human contact, what joy could a simple touch, or hug, bring to them?
Pro-Touch Awareness realises that, following the pandemic, we are presently in a touch-starved world so as well as raising awareness of the benefits of touch, they are encouraging touching the lives of others with acts of kindness.
What kindness could you bring to someone’s life today?
This blog specifically details incorporating manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) into your post-surgery recovery plan.For more information about manual lymphatic drainage and your lymphatic system, please see my MLD post by clicking here.
Lymphatic Drainage Post-Surgery
Most surgeons recommend lymph drainage to assist with your recovery, ensuring you achieve the best results possible from your surgery and to speed up your recovery time.
If you have had liposuction / body-contouring / lipoplasty, the cannula used to remove the fat not only causes trauma but can leave channels where it has been. These channels can fill with fluid and your tissues can become bruised resulting in an accumulation of blood cells.
Lymphatic drainage will help dissipate the blood cells and also gently guide the excess fluid – lymph – to your lymphatic vessels thereby preventing a permanent hardening of the tissues, known as fibrosis, or pockets of blood from forming.
If you are having or have undergone a cosmetic procedure such as abdominoplasty / tummy-tuck, Brazilian butt-lift, arm-reduction / brachioplasty, thigh-lift surgery, breast augmentation or reduction or even a mummy-makeover then your consultant will almost definitely recommend lymphatic massage.
During your surgery your lymphatic vessels are disturbed and it can take about three months for new connections to be made.
Lymphatic massage can also be carried out before your procedure to prepare your tissue, filtering out waste products and toxins, eliminating excess fluid, viruses or bacteria. As you will have read above, MLD also increases the production of white blood cells which help heal cuts and damaged tissue.
Booking a series of lymphatic drainage massages for after your op is believed to benefit your recovery and can help prevent infection. Infection is more of a risk where there is lymphatic congestion which in turn can put pressure on your incision lines causing healing issues.
In fact, anyone having an operation would benefit from MLD. One study by Ebert, Jay R. et al. demonstrated that MLD used postoperatively in total knee replacement patients showed an increase in knee flexion compared to patients who didn’t receive MLD. This study also indicated that MLD helped to reduce pain.
Some surgeons also recommend lymph drainage following surgery to the face, such as rhytidectomy, neck lift, eye lift or surgery for sagging jowls. MLD has been shown to reduce recovery time for those having face/facial lift or other facial enhancements.
To summarise, having lymph massage post surgery can:
Reduce your swelling
Reduction in bruising and faster healing time
Minimise scar tissue
Prevent fibrosis
Help with pain management
Prevent infection
Aid with the elimination of waste from the area/s of surgery
Help circulate white blood cells to improve the healing process
Improve your wellbeing and help with stress relief
Is particularly effective when combined with other elements of CDT – complete decongestive therapy. The combined components of CDT have been shown to achieve a 45-70% reduction in lymphedema volume.
How many sessions of MLD will I need after surgery?
You should be guided by your surgeon.
Most surgeons recommend between 5-12 sessions of lymph massage, although this will also be dependent upon your body’s healing response and the procedure you have had. Someone undergoing multiple procedures such as a mummy makeover is likely to need more sessions than someone having a single procedure.
How soon after my op can I start MLD?
Again, be guided by your surgeon. Most commonly recommended is 24 hours after your procedure, although a few surgeons suggest waiting two weeks before you start.
You can have MLD daily however, it is best to go by your doctor’s recommendations for your post-operative recovery plan and your availability to schedule appointments.
The usual frequency is daily for the first week, alternate days on the second week post op and then monthly maintenance for 5 months.
Please click here, or carry out a search for more information about how MLD can assist after surgery.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage is a gentle, rhythmic massage with a soft touch that lightly stimulates your skin in the direction of your lymphatic flow.
This massage assists your lymphatic system in maintaining your body’s fluid balance, immune system and circulatory system; it also assists in reducing toxins in your body.
Developed by Dr Emil Vodder and his wife Estrid in the 1930s as a treatment for lymphedema, this treatment stimulates lymphatic fluid, encouraging the lymph to move more freely around your body assisting in the reduction of swollen lymph nodes; it also has a powerfully relaxing and calming effect on your nervous system.
WOAH! Let’s start with my lymphatic system……what’s that?
Your lymphatic system is part of your body’s immune system helping to defend you against infection and cancer. It transports lymph – a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells – throughout your body via a network of vessels, nodes, ducts and some of your glands (tonsils, adenoids, spleen, and thymus).
Amongst other functions, your lymphatic system is key for immunity, blood pressure regulation and digestion.
Blood plasma leaks out of small capillaries into your body’s tissues. This extracellular fluid, lymph, is made up of excess fluid, fats, proteins, bacteria and other substances and collected from the tissues by lymph capillaries. These lymph capillaries link with your larger lymph vessels and the lymph is carried through these until it reaches your lymph nodes.
The job of the lymph nodes is to filter out and excrete any unwanted particles, such as bacterial and viral pathogens and cancerous cells, before returning the cleaned lymph to your circulatory system at the subclavian vein.
As well as filtering, excretion and recycling, your lymphatic system also helps create and circulate vital disease fighting cells such as lymphocytes, monocytes and antibodies.
The lymphatic system has no pump and it is the pressure from your circulatory system and movement from your muscles that create lymphatic flow.
Your lymphatic system
So, if my lymphatic system functions without me doing anything, why do I need lymphatic drainage massage?
Unfortunately, there can be many factors that might contribute towards a clogged lymphatic system and it is believed that a lymphatic system that is not functioning optimally can cause many health problems. Lymphatic drainage massage assists in moving fluid out of damaged areas to where the body is functioning normally.
Lymphatic drainage massage is also considered beneficial to skincare and well-being and it is remarkably detoxifying and relaxing.
In fact, many people have MLD after illness or injury, after a stressful period, or with the changing seasons as they find it very purifying, revitalising their energy so they are ready to face the world and new challenges.
How does manual lymphatic drainage work?
MLD is a unique massage that uses a variety of specialised skin-stretching movements to gently stimulate the lymphatic fluid under your skin. This promotes the movement of the lymphatic fluid, encouraging it to flow freely around your lymphatic system.
Where there are blockages (areas of lymph build up) the advanced techniques of this massage help stimulate the lymph nodes and increase the rhythmic contractions of the lymphatic vessels encouraging them to find new pathways that enable the lymph to drain away from the swollen area.
Free-flowing lymph and an optimally working lymphatic system helps renew, nourish, strengthen and regenerate the cells of your body whilst also assisting with the removal of excess fluid from the system and waste products.
What causes swelling/blockages in my body?
A sluggish, compromised or blocked lymphatic system is most commonly a side-effect of surgery, infection, trauma or certain diseases (such as autoimmune disorders or cancer).
When the lymph builds up in a particular area of the body, such as the arms or the legs, this is known as lymphedema.
Lymphedema symptoms can include swelling, skin discoloration, pain, weakness and feelings of heaviness in the affected arm or leg.
Peripheral oedema does not occur as a result of a poorly functioning lymphatic system, however, this kind of swelling of the tissues of the arm or legs does respond well to lymphatic drainage treatment.
How would a lymphatic drainage massage help me?
MLD is extremely relaxing, is a great boost to your body’s immune system and can enhance your well-being.
MLD is preventative, remedial, relaxing and can enhance your well being. Furthermore, MLD:
Is deeply relaxing.
Promotes the healing of fractures, torn ligaments, sprains and lessens pain.
Can improve many chronic conditions: sinusitis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, acne and other skin conditions.
May strengthen the immune system as part of “detox” treatment.
Relieves fluid congestion: swollen ankles, tired puffy eyes and swollen legs due to pregnancy.
Is an effective component of the treatment and control of lymphoedema and assists in conditions arising from venous insufficiency.
Promotes healing of wounds and burns and improves the appearance of old scars.
Minimises or reduces stretch marks.
Recommended as a pre-surgery treatment to prepare your body and tissue for the upcoming procedure and after surgery (especially cosmetic procedures) to speed recovery. Please see my blog on MLD for surgical procedures.
What Conditions can Manual Lymphatic Drainage Help With?
Manual lymphatic drainage may help with:
Lymphedema
Fibromyalgia – in fact authors of a 2015 systematic review concluded that MLD might be more effective that regular massage in relieving symptoms of stiffness and depressing in FM sufferers
Oedema (swelling)
Skin disorders
Fatigue
Insomnia
Stress
Digestive issues
Arthritis
Migraines & headaches
Sinus issues
Excess weight
Post trauma oedema
Post surgery – please see my MLD during surgery blog
Palliative care – please also see my article on Oncology massage
Lymphedema – primary and secondary
Lipedema
Chronic venous insufficiency
Reducing intracranial pressure in severe cerebral diseases.
I’m healthy and feel fine, should I have MLD?
This gentle, soothing massage is suitable for everyone. Considered an MOT for your body, it is a great treatment to have when you are feeling a little ‘meh’, or with the changing of the seasons.
A 2014 study showed that MLD had a soothing effect on the sympathetic nervous system reducing anxiety and pain.
So, is MLD suitable for everyone?
As with most therapeutic treatments and complementary therapies, there are a few conditions that prevent lymphatic massage.
If you have any of the following conditions, you will not be able to receive a lymphatic drainage massage unless you have your medical professional’s written permission. However, if you are suffering from any of the following and would like to receive a treatment, please do contact me so we can discuss suitable alternatives.
The conditions that prevent MLD include:
Congestive heart failure
Blood clots / DVT
Kidney problems / renal failure
Infections
Circulatory problems
I’d love a massage, how can I book?
Please book your lymphatic massage by clicking here.
Any lymphatic self-care top-tips?
Indeed!
Water – drinking the recommended 2L of water a day will help flush out your system
Activity – even gentle activity will help encourage a healthy flow of lymph – the movement of your muscles applies pressure on the lymphatic vessels to help keep them moving
Body brushing – using circular movements over your skin with a bristle brush
Hot and cold showers – alternate dilating and constricting of your blood vessels helps the body eliminate toxic fluids
Avoiding tight clothes that may restrict your lymphatic flow
Deep breathing – this will help the lymphatic system transport lymph to your liver for filtration
Eating foods that support and promote a healthy lymphatic system
Avoiding foods that are believed to block the lymphatic system
Herbal teas – some herbal teas promote lymph health
