Massage releases what has settled in
Classic massage techniques for tense neck, shoulder and back muscles – on their own or alongside physiotherapy exercises and manual therapy.
What a classical massage does
We work with the classical techniques of massage therapy and select them based on assessment – not according to a fixed scheme.
Effect on the muscles
Classical massage techniques work specifically on the muscles. Stroking movements (effleurage) prepare the tissue, kneading (petrissage) loosens deeper muscle layers, and friction and vibration can lower muscle tone. This can make adhered connective tissue more mobile again, and pressure-sensitive points can be addressed specifically.
Circulation and perception
The mechanical stimulation promotes local blood flow, which can support the removal of metabolic byproducts. Via the nervous system, a noticeable sense of relaxation often sets in. In practice, this frequently creates a better starting point for subsequent active exercises.
The techniques we work with
A session combines several techniques: it begins broadly and calmly, becomes deeper in the middle part, and ends again with stroking movements.
Stroking
Broad, even strokes along the muscle fibre. They open and close each session, warm the tissue and release the muscles' defensive tension.
Kneading
The tissue is lifted, rolled and released again. This allows us to reach deeper layers, such as the upper part of the trapezius muscle in cases of neck complaints.
Friction
Small, circular work with fingertip or thumb on individual pressure-sensitive points and at muscle attachments near the spine.
Vibration
Fine, rapid shaking applied to the muscles. This has more of a releasing than a strengthening effect and is used at the end of a treatment.
Heat as preparation
On prescription, a heat application can precede the massage. Warmed tissue can be worked more deeply and with less pressure.
All services at a glance
Massage is one of six services offered by the practice – from physiotherapy to home visits.
Treatment process
How your massage session proceeds
A massage with us usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes of actual treatment time, plus a period of rest afterwards. Please allow around 40 minutes.
We always work in the same order: first palpating, then releasing broadly, then working specifically on the tense area, and finally calming the tissue. This keeps the treatment easy to follow, and you'll notice for yourself which techniques do you good.
We ask about the location, type and course of your symptoms, as well as any pre-existing conditions and medications. We then palpate the affected area and mentally note the spots that feel hardened or are sensitive to pressure. This assessment determines the pressure intensity and duration.
You lie comfortably on the table, with your head supported for neck complaints or a knee roll for back complaints. Using broad stroking movements (effleurage), we stimulate blood flow to the skin and upper muscle layers and accustom the tissue to touch.
This is followed by kneading (petrissage): the muscle is lifted, shifted against the grain of the fibre and released again. This alternation of pressure and release lowers the baseline tension and is the actual main part of classic massage.
We treat hardened points, often called myogelosis, with friction techniques and sustained pressure. The rule here is: clearly noticeable, but not painful. Let us know if the pressure becomes too intense, we will ease it off immediately.
To finish, we calm the tissue with slow stroking movements and vibrations. You then rest briefly afterwards so your circulation can settle. Finally, you'll receive two to three tips for the coming days, such as on hydration, heat and gentle movement.
Typical cases
Common complaints and our approach
Most patients come to us with tension that has built up over weeks. Which techniques we choose depends on where the tension sits and what triggers it. We see five patterns particularly often — and we treat each one differently.
- Neck and shoulders after screen work: Tension in the trapezius muscle and around the shoulder blades. We work with you lying on your front or seated, first releasing the shoulder girdle, then the attachments at the back of the head, and show you two stretches for the workplace.
- Lower back from prolonged sitting or lifting: Usually the long back muscles next to the spine are affected. Positioning with a knee roll provides relief, followed by lengthwise kneading and friction work at the sacroiliac junction.
- Muscle soreness and tension after exercise: Here we work deliberately shallower and shorter, so as not to irritate the tissue further. The aim is circulation and loosening, not deep pressure.
- Guarding posture after surgery or injury: If one side of the body has been relieved of load for weeks, the other side tenses up. We treat both sides and coordinate our approach with your ongoing physiotherapy.
- Tension headache originating in the neck: Careful handling of the neck, back of the head and jaw muscles, with lighter pressure and longer pauses between grips.
When we don't give a massage
Before your appointment
Prescription, costs and preparation
You can receive a massage with a doctor's prescription or as a self-pay service. Both are possible with us, and the treatment itself doesn't differ. Only the number, duration and billing of appointments differ.
With a doctor's prescription
- Your doctor determines the type and number of treatments on the prescription.
- For statutory health insurance patients, billing runs directly through the insurer; the statutory co-payment remains.
- The start and intervals of appointments are bound to the prescription's deadlines.
- Please bring the prescription to your first appointment, otherwise we cannot bill for it.
As a self-pay service
- No doctor's visit needed, you book an appointment directly with us.
- You decide the duration and frequency together with us, including as a regular preventive appointment.
- You cover the costs yourself; we tell you the price in advance, with no surprises.
- Reimbursement by the health insurer is not provided for in this case.
- Bring your prescription, insurance card and, if available, previous findings
- No heavy meal in the two hours before your appointment
- Comfortable clothing that is easy to open; we provide towels
- Remove jewellery from your neck and wrists beforehand
- Drink enough afterwards and avoid lifting heavy loads
- Arrive around five minutes before your appointment so the post-treatment rest period is preserved
Questions answered
Frequently asked questions about massage
Book an appointment for your massage
Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm, appointments by arrangement. Just tell us over the phone where the tension is — then we'll plan the right treatment duration.