I started by asking Sophie, what it is that she actually does (I mean, other than keep my legs moving!).
“A Soft Tissue Therapist treats individuals who have musculoskeletal injury, pain or dysfunction caused by any of life's stresses, as well as those who take part and compete in sport.”
Now we’ve got that out of the way, I asked Sophie a bunch more of the things that you may have always wanted to know about Soft Tissue Therapy:
Soft tissue relates to the soft tissues i.e. the muscles and fascia. Deep tissue relates to the pressure of a massage treatment.
Sports massage generally relates to those who are physically active for pre- and post-activity/competition treatment; to aid recovery; enhance performance; and to prevent injury.
Remedial massage often relates to using massage as a rehabilitation tool to a specific area to reduce pain and/or injury.
As you can see, they all have crossovers and it’s hard to define exactly where one technique/massage starts and the other ends.
This can vary from one client to the next… but traditionally, it aids recovery from injury and improves the soft tissue condition and joint mobility. However, as a therapist I take a biopsychosocial approach which means that once we start getting to know a client as a person rather than a set of sore muscles, this often can highlight that the area which ‘hurts’ isn’t necessarily the source of the problem and can be a manifestation of other factors such as stress or mental health.
Personally, for me, treating the person as a whole is the most important part of soft tissue therapy and where the biggest benefits are realised.
In general terms, a ‘relaxation massage’ would tend to treat the muscles superficially using effleurage, petrissage and tapotement massage strokes to aid relaxation. ‘Sports massage’ (depending on the qualification of the therapist) may also use the same massage strokes but alongside other techniques such as assisted stretching, neuromuscular techniques and muscle energy techniques.
Those who are looking for a ‘sports massage’ often present with a specific issue or goal to reduce pain in a specific area, however this isn’t always the case- it really depends on the therapist giving the treatment and the client’s expectations.
Yes- you don’t have to be ‘sporty’ to benefit from soft tissue therapy. Our clients really vary, we treat older children right through to the elderly, with one of our clients in their 90s! Occupation can have a big impact on issues we treat such as those who spend long hours at a desk or driving; versus those who do more physical jobs such a builders, plumbers, tree surgeons or hairdressers; or those with young families.
We also keep fellow therapists and instructors going!
But yes, we do treat ‘sporty’ people as well!
Lots of people have the mentality of ‘no pain, no gain’. This is a myth. The treatment can feel meaningful, but as a therapist it’s really important to work with the body and not against it, feeling the tissue and backing off if a technique gets too deep. It’s about teamwork between the client and therapist and establishing what feels good and where it is needed.
Drinking enough water each day is crucial for many reasons e.g. to regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells etc, so being hydrated after a treatment is part of your general well-being and may help to make sure your body can perform at its best.
In short, no. Science is now showing that this is more a myth then the truth.
Having annoyed Sophie with my questions, I then went on to pester my chiropractor, Lucy Schleibach. Now, I describe what Lucy does to me as witch-craft (jokingly…but I really don’t know why I feel better after). So, I asked her to explain to me what a chiropractor actually does.
“Chiropractic is a health-care profession that focuses on the spine and other joints of the body, and their connection to the nervous system. The word “chiropractic” means “to be done by hand.”
Chiropractors use adjustments to restore joint function and support the nervous system.
They are primary care doctors who specialize in spinal health and well-being. They focus on the prevention, diagnosis and conservative care of spine-related disorders and other painful joint issues.
In addition to adjustments, chiropractors may use a variety of techniques such as soft-tissue therapies, acupuncture, ultrasound, laser therapy, exercise & lifestyle recommendations and nutritional advice.”
Chiropractic is a safe, specific, controlled force applied to a joint to restore proper function and mobility. Accidents, falls, stress or overexertion can negatively impact your spine or other joints. These changes impact tissues, the nervous system and other areas of the body. Chiropractic adjustments reduce pain, increase movement and improve performance.
The popping sound when a joint is adjusted is called a cavitation. It’s due to bubbles of gas being released in the synovial fluid of the joint as a pressure change occurs during the adjustment.
To become a chiropractor, you need a degree in chiropractic, which takes 4 or 5 years, depending on whether the entry level is undergraduate or graduate. During this degree, students learn anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, neurology, orthopaedics, general diagnosis, clinical examination, biomechanics, radiography & radiology (how to take & read X-rays), chiropractic history and philosophy and chiropractic technique.
During their final year, students treat patients under supervision in a teaching clinic. On completing their chiropractic degree, graduates register with the General Chiropractic Council. In order to maintain their name on the register, chiropractors must complete 30 hours of further learning and continued professional development each year.
Chiropractors take a full medical history then perform a physical examination, during which they will use various tests to determine what the problem is. These tests include range of motion assessments, neurological tests such as muscle strength and reflexes to see how well nerves are working and orthopaedic tests to challenge joints as well as feeling the movement of the joints in the spine and palpating muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons.
They can then formulate a diagnosis and treatment plan. Chiropractors use scientific research, clinical experience, and patient preferences to provide the best care possible.
Back and neck pain can benefit from chiropractic care as can other joint pains such as knee and hip osteoarthritis, shoulder problems, ankle sprains, tennis elbow and headaches.
Chiropractors will continue to monitor your progress during treatment. They frequently collaborate with other health-care professionals and are trained to refer you to the appropriate specialist when necessary.
Where can I find Sophie and Lucy if I would like a treatment?
Lucy has a clinic at home and at Ashtead Chiropractic Clinic, KT21 1QL. You can contact her through the Ashtead clinic for both home and Ashtead appointments
Sophie also has her own clinic, SB Sport & Soft Tissue Therapy in Molesey.
