The primary aim of any treatment is to optimise your range of movement (ROM). Ultimately the more efficiently your body moves, the smaller the risk of developing overuse injuries or compensatory movement patterns.

Range of movement available at a joint is dictated by:

·        Mobility

·        Flexibility

·        Pain

In order to gain the greatest improvements in ROM, all three limitations need to be addressed. Whilst most soft tissue massage techniques will be beneficial, some will have a greater influence on troubling areas than others.

They are primarily designed to help increase ROM by removing physical restrictions (adhesions). Adhesions are where soft tissue adheres to its surrounding structures therefore restricting normal movement patterns which can cause pain or dysfunction. They most commonly occur after an injury or trauma but can also form through immobilisation or overuse of a specific movement.

By using soft tissue mobilisation techniques your therapist can break down the adhesions leading to increased mobility and improvements in the health and function of these tissues and their associated joints.

Depending on your injury or condition, your therapist may need to use a number of techniques to aid recovery these include effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, compressions, vibrations, connective tissue therapy (myofascial release), trigger point therapy, soft tissue release, muscle energy techniques (MET's) and corrective 'transverse' frictions (more about these  in the next blog). You may also be given some 'homework' in the form of exercises and stretches to do.

Your therapist’s goal will be to help you heal as quickly as possible.