Soft Tissue Therapy
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The Sports Massage Association (SMA) defines soft tissue therapy as:
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"The management, manipulation and rehabilitation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, tendons and ligaments. It is applicable not just to sports people but to anybody wishing to guard against or recover from a soft tissue injury."
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A soft tissue massage is a specific type of massage which has numerous physiological benefits to all the systems of the body:
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MUSCULAR SYSTEM​
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Helps to relieve muscle tension, stiffness and restrictions
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Decreases muscle spasms
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Improves the healing time of strained ligaments, tendons and muscular tissue
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Free up areas of scar tissue and adhesion
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Improves tissue quality and normalises the tissues
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Aids in relaxing muscles
SKELETAL SYSTEM​
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Improves range of motion, joint flexibility and muscle tone, reducing stress on the joints and bones
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Reduces the inflammation of joints
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Reduce adverse thickening of connective tissues
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM​
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Increases blood circulation and lymph flow
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Improves oxygen flow and nutrient uptake
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More efficient removal of toxins and waste products
​NERVOUS SYSTEM
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Stimulate or soothe sensory receptors
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Deactivation of trigger points
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Return of proprioceptive balance
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Increases endorphin production
OTHER SYSTEMS
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Strengthens the immune system
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Increases white blood cell count in the lymphatic system
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Digestion – Increased peristalsis
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Elimination – Increased fluid movement
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Respiratory – Increases oxygen uptake and breathing pattern efficiency
