I am a licensed masseur in Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria, providing the following services:

Sports Massage

The prime purpose of sports massage therapy is to help alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the body’s soft tissues during physical activity. Where minor injuries and lesions occur, due to overexertion and/or overuse, massage can break them down quickly and effectively. Above all, it can help prevent those niggling injuries that so often get in the way of performance and achievement, whether one is an athlete, ardent keep-fitter or a once a week jogger.

This treatment is not just for the sports person: anyone can benefit from sports massage, including people in physically demanding jobs and those not quite so obvious (occupational, emotional and postural stress may produce many similar characteristics to sports injuries).

Sports massage tends to be deeper and more intense. It is based on the various elements of Swedish massage and often incorporates a combination of other techniques involving stretching, compression, friction, toning, and trigger point response techniques similar to Acupressure and Shiatsu. The skilled therapist brings together this blend of techniques, knowledge and advice during treatment, to work effectively with the client to bring about optimum performance and to provide injury-free training and minimise post event injuries.

Benefits and Effects
There are three areas where sports massage is used to benefit athletes.

Maintenance Massage:
A regular massage treatment programme based on the therapist’s understanding of anatomy and of the muscles used in a given sport and which are likely candidates for trouble. By concentrating on particular muscle groups the therapist can help the athlete maintain or improve range of motion and muscle flexibility.

Event Massage:
Pre-event and post-event massage therapies are tailored for distinct purposes. Pre-event treatment is used as a supplement to an athlete’s warm-up to enhance circulation and reduce excess muscle and mental tension prior to competition. It is tailored to the needs of the athlete and his/her event and can be relaxing or stimulating as appropriate. Post-event massage, on the other hand, is geared towards reducing the muscle spasms and metabolic build-up that occur with rigorous exercise. Various sports massage techniques enhance the body’s own recovery process improving the athlete’s ability to return to training and competition, and reducing the risk of injury.

Rehabilitation:
Even with preventative maintenance, muscles cramp, tear, bruise, and ache. Sports massage can speed healing and reduce discomfort during the rehabilitation process.

• Soft tissue techniques employed by sports massage therapists are effective in the management of both acute and chronic injuries.
• Trigger point techniques reduce the spasm and pain that occur both in the injured and "compensation" muscles.
• Cross-fibre friction techniques can help with healing by improved formation of strong and flexible repair tissue, which is vital in maintaining full pain-free range of motion during rehabilitation.

Swedish and Therapeutic Massage

Massage can be defined as the systematic and manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissue for therapeutic purposes promoting health and well-being.

It is generally believed that the word massage derives from the Arabic ‘mass’ or ‘Mas’h’ meaning to press softly. As an art it must be about as old as man himself because to hold or rub an injured part is an instinctive reaction to pain or discomfort.

Massage has evolved from a combination of Eastern and Western traditions. By far the greatest advancement of therapeutic massage recorded in history was by a Swedish physiologist named Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839), who created a scientific system of massage movements and techniques known as Swedish Massage. This consists of five basic strokes: effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), friction, tapotement (percussion), and vibration, though all of these strokes are not used on every part of the body.

Today, massage is a multidimensional skill encompassing a wide variety of ever evolving techniques, many of which have their roots in the Swedish system. The general public is now very aware of the value of massage in combating the stresses and tensions of modern living. Athletes, sports people and dancers include massage in their training schedules to aid recovery and to prevent or treat soft tissue injuries.

Most massage therapists utilise Swedish Massage as the foundation for a treatment and blend in various techniques, depending upon training and experience, to address the specific needs of the client. In general, the manipulation of the body’s soft tissue (i.e. the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments and facia) using the hands is a gentle, flowing massage technique that uses varying degrees of pressure and stretching movements. It is most commonly used for relaxation and improving well-being.

A typical full-body massage session lasts for about one hour, many therapists will offer shorter sessions for treating specific areas such as backs, shoulders and necks or any areas giving discomfort, aches or pains. On the first visit clients are asked a number of questions concerning general well-being, injuries and medical conditions that the therapist should know about, in order to determine if there are any contra-indications (physical conditions that would prohibit or limit a massage treatment).

The client is asked to undress, to the client’s level of comfort/modesty, and to lie on the treatment couch under a sheet or large towel (draping). During the session, the therapist will utilise the draping to expose only those parts of the body to which treatment is being applied. No body part or area will be massaged without the client's permission.

Massage media include oils, lotions, creams and talc; oil is the most common. A good oil will nourish the skin and allow a free-flowing movement as it allows the hands to glide over the area. The therapist will sense responses but will also ask the client about the strength of their touch. Remember, "no pain, no gain" holds no truth in massage. If in discomfort or hurting, the client should feel free to ask the therapist to modify their treatment.

Environment is important to the massage experience. The room should be warm and peaceful. If the desired experience is to be relaxing then having low-level lighting, soft music and a pleasing aroma all add to the effect.

Indian Face and Head Massage

Indian Head Massage has been practised in India for over 1000 years. Traditionally the techniques were restricted to the head and hair, to improve scalp and hair condition of Indian women. Nowadays a system incorporating the upper back, shoulders, neck, upper arms and face, has evolved (developed by Norendra Mehta) in the belief that these are important energy centres in the body and by treating these the whole body can benefit.

Indian Head Massage is a safe, accessible, and convenient therapeutic treatment that can be performed either in the clinic or the workplace. Treatment can provide instant relief from tension and stress symptoms and induce a state of calm, peace and tranquillity and also promote high levels of alertness and concentration.

This simple yet effective therapy uses a variety of techniques to manipulate soft tissue. It is performed with the client in a seated position, usually through light clothing and without the use of oils. The therapist uses a range of different massage pressures and rhythms to stimulate the head, neck, and upper back and shoulder area. A typical massage will last between 15 and 20 minutes.

Benefits and Effects
Indian Head Massage provides relief from aches and pains, promotes a healthy scalp and hair, and helps induce relaxation and a feeling of well-being.

Other physical and psychological benefits include:

• General and specific relaxation of muscles, providing immediate relief.
• Fibrous adhesions (knots and nodules) can be broken down.
• Loosening of the scalp.
• Relaxation of the whole body.
• Dispersal of toxins from tense, knotted muscles
• Improved circulation of blood and increased oxygen uptake.
• Stimulation and improvement of the circulation of the lymphatic system.
• Help in the relief of eyestrain and tension headaches.
• Excellent for disturbed sleep and insomnia
• Help with mental tiredness and tension.
• Improved concentration.
• Relief from mental and emotional stress.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is a technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fibre's of the muscles, tendons and fascia. Also helps to break up and eliminate scar tissue.

Deep tissue massage usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some soreness during or right after the massage, but if it's done right the client should feel better than ever within a day or two.

The technique is often used in combination with other massage procedures such as those used in Remedial and Sports Massage. 

TO MAKE A RESERVATION

My studio is located in Playa del Ingles (Gran Canaria) and it is open BY RESERVATION ONLY.

I also offer hotel/home visits in the following places: San Fernando, Campo Internacional, Maspalomas, Meloneras, El Hornillo.

To make a reservation please call +34 636 903 009 and ask for Rob. 

Genuine enquiries only. This is a NON sexual service. Thank you.