How Soft Tissue Therapy can be beneficial to reduce pain

Soft Tissue Therapy is the management, manipulation and rehabilitation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, ligaments and tendons. Also known as the musculoskeletal system it has a strong influence on our bodies other systems, including the nervous, immune, lymphatic and fascial system, to name a few. 

Soft Tissue Therapy is accessible to everyone. You do not have to be involved in sport to benefit.

Today, our work and lifestyle patterns put increased demands on our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing which in turn puts a strain on the body that can lead to dysfunction in movement patterns and associated pain.

Initially, a therapy session involves a subjective and objective assessment which will guide the most suitable approach and treatment plan to address any pain or movement dysfunction.

As well as traditional deep sports massage, your therapist may include other manipulative techniques to release tension and pressure in muscles and connective tissue. These techniques would include Soft Tissue and Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular and Muscle Energy Technique.

During and following your treatment, your therapist will then re-assess any movements that are restricted or painful to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. They will also discuss plans for continued treatment, supporting corrective exercises and if required, the involvement of the wider team.

Therapy outcomes will have a positive impact on your movement efficiency whether at work, at home or in sport. It is influential in supporting the management of any injuries, aches, pains and stresses that may be inhibiting this. 

Soft Tissue Therapy can have an optimal effect on:

• Occupational tightness, imbalances, stress or pain caused by long hours sitting or at a desk/​computer. 
• Preparing the body for the forces of your chosen weekend activity.
• Promoting effective physical and mental recovery from exercise or work.
• Reducing the risk of injury.
• As part of a rehabilitation programme to return to a daily active lifestyle.
• Restore soft tissue health by stimulating adaption and positive movement changes.

The “Weekend Warrior” works hard all week, squeezing in physical activity where possible but their main activity is consolidated to the weekends which stresses the body in terms of physical, mental and emotional load. Quite often activity levels will range from sitting all day at work, to quickly going out for a run or cycle with little or no physical preparation in between.

Implementing regular Soft Tissue Therapy including a series of routine exercises for mobility and strength and conditioning can help reduce the risk of injury and keep the body moving efficiently, pain-free.

As we lead busier, sometimes less active, and stressful lives, we take for granted the effect this has on our body and become accepting of aches, pains and dysfunction. Soft Tissue Therapy has been shown to be influential in helping manage this and reduce the impact this has on our physical and mental health. Improving mobility, body awareness, sleep, reducing stress and anxiety, improve physical and mental states so more time is dedicated to rest, revive and restore.