“One who works with the hands is a labourer. One who works with the hands and the head is a craftsman. One who works with the hands and the head and the heart is an artist.” St Francis of Assisi.
Ever wanted the technical know-how of an osteo / physio / chiro, but for the treatment to actually feel like a “treat”? Advanced Clinical Massage (ACM) does just that, by straddling the bridge between art and science.
Let’s face it, massage therapy has a bit of a brand problem.
Most people come in for a massage to relax and unwind—not expecting a full consultation, stretching, and a treatment plan for pain relief. Some even hop on the table before you can say hello! While massage is often seen as a go-to for stress relief, there's still a lot to share about how Advanced Clinical Massage (ACM) can effectively address chronic musculoskeletal pain.
The need for relaxation and relief that draws people to restorative massage is just as vital when tackling chronic pain. Advanced Clinical Massage (ACM) bridges this gap by blending scientific, evidence-based techniques with the “Biopsychosocial Model” to offer a truly holistic, results-driven treatment.
In this post we’ll be exploring what makes Advanced Clinical Massage (ACM) Therapy unique compared to other body work disciplines, such as physiotherapy and sports massage.
So, what is Advanced Clinical Massage (ACM)?
ACM uses an original, outcome based system to address chronic musculoskeletal pain through a tried and tested fusion of advanced, soft tissue and massage techniques.
To be clear, the methodology described alongside ACM as the Jing Method™ is a guide that’s taught in Year 1 of an ACM therapist’s training and is not the same as the qualification earned after 3 years of study, practice and research.
The approach used in ACM is a fusion of East and West resulting in an effective treatment specific to each person. Now we have the foundations, let’s dive into the specifics.
Philosophy of Advanced Clinical Massage Therapy
ACM is all about the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain.
The philosophy that underpins ACM therapy is that of the “Biopsychosocial Model”. The belief is that all pain is a combination of not just “issues with the tissues”, but also psychological and social factors. So an ACM therapist will look at the whole person and all their needs – not just what is happening at the site of the musculoskeletal condition.
The primary focus and philosophy of an ACM therapist is to provide a therapeutic and evidence-based approach to pain management and musculoskeletal dysfunction. Unlike traditional or relaxation massage, ACM therapy specifically targets chronic pain, injury recovery, and rehabilitation through a series of specialised, adaptable techniques.
Key aspects of the approach include:
Pain Reduction and Functional Improvement:
To relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve function. Focus goes beyond relaxation to actively address the root causes of chronic pain by working with soft tissue structures like muscles, fascia, and tendons.
Patient-Centred and Adaptive Treatment:
Tailored treatments based on each patient’s individual needs. An ACM therapist will work closely with patients, using detailed assessments to adjust techniques and pressure levels. This customisation is central to addressing each patient’s unique pain profile and functional limitations.
Use of Evidence-Based Techniques:
Techniques such as trigger point therapy, myofascial release, deep tissue work, and stretching are grounded in evidence-based practices. This allows ACM therapists to effectively target musculoskeletal issues and promote recovery for long-term benefits.
Holistic Approach to Chronic Pain:
ACM therapy views the body as an interconnected system. By focusing on muscle balance, alignment, and tension patterns, therapists aim to alleviate symptoms while promoting a holistic recovery process.
Collaboration and Preventative Care:
In some cases, ACM therapists work alongside other healthcare professionals (like counsellors, life-coaches, acupuncturists, physios, osteos) to provide comprehensive care. They may also educate patients on body awareness and self-care techniques to prevent pain recurrence and manage symptoms.
Techniques Used in Advanced Clinical Massage Therapy - What to Expect in a Session
ACM therapists use a combination of specialised, evidence-based techniques designed to alleviate chronic pain, improve mobility, and enhance muscular function. These techniques go beyond relaxation massage, focusing on therapeutic outcomes and tailored interventions for each patient's unique needs.
Here’s an overview of the primary techniques and treatments commonly used:
Heat Therapy
Heat therapy involves applying heat to the body (often by using hot stones) to increase circulation, relax muscles, and reduce stiffness. It is used to prepare muscles for deeper work, alleviate pain, and enhance flexibility by promoting blood flow and relaxing tight tissues.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release focuses on easing restrictions within the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs. By applying gentle, sustained pressure to stretch and relax the fascia, therapists can help relieve pain and tension caused by adhesions or tightness in this tissue. This technique is commonly used for conditions like fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome, as it addresses both deep and superficial fascial layers to restore mobility.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger points are hyperirritable spots in muscles that can cause referred pain, affecting surrounding areas. ACM therapists use targeted pressure on these points to help release muscle tightness, reduce pain, and improve blood flow. The technique often combines sustained pressure and release to gradually deactivate the trigger point and restore muscle function.
Deep Tissue Massage
This technique involves slow, deep strokes to target deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues. It is effective for breaking down adhesions, relieving chronic tension, and improving muscle alignment. ACM therapists use deep tissue massage as part of a broader treatment strategy for injuries and chronic conditions, adjusting pressure levels according to the patient’s tolerance.
Soft Tissue Release (STR)
Soft tissue release combines passive stretching with active movement to release areas of tension. The therapist applies pressure to specific points while the patient or therapist moves a related muscle group, allowing for a more targeted release. This technique is highly beneficial for reducing muscle tightness, enhancing flexibility, and addressing muscular imbalances, particularly in athletes or individuals with repetitive strain injuries.
Stretching and Muscle Energy Techniques (METs)
METs are used to lengthen muscles and improve joint mobility. These techniques involve a series of contractions and relaxations, which help stretch tight muscles and improve flexibility. METs are often combined with therapeutic stretching to enhance mobility in restricted areas, such as the shoulders, lower back, and neck.
Joint Mobilisation
Joint mobilisation techniques involve gentle movements to improve the range of motion in joints affected by stiffness or injury. By using oscillatory movements, therapists can help reduce pain, improve joint function, and promote circulation. This technique is especially useful in treating conditions like arthritis, where mobility and flexibility are often compromised.
Accupressure
A therapeutic technique that applies manual pressure to specific points on the body, often along energy pathways called meridians, to promote healing and balance. It is used to alleviate pain, reduce tension, improve circulation, and enhance overall well-being by stimulating these pressure points.
Teaching Self-Care
Teaching self-care is a crucial aspect of ACM therapy, empowering patients to take an active role in managing their health and preventing future issues. By providing guidance on proper posture, stretching, strengthening exercises, and relaxation techniques, therapists help patients reduce tension, alleviate pain, and maintain the benefits of their treatments between sessions. This education fosters long-term wellness, enhances recovery from injuries, and promotes overall physical and mental well-being.
Conditions Treated - what Advanced Clinical Massage Therapy can help with
Effective with most types of chronic musculoskeletal pain as well as systemic conditions like fibromyalgia.
Conditions to be treated can be categorised into the following:
Area of Concern | Key Pathologies Treated |
Lower Back Pain | Postural deviations of the spine (Lordosis, Kyphosis, Scoliosis), Lumbar Disc Pathology (herniated disc), Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Dysfunction, Spondylolisthesis, Spondylosis, Facet Joint Irritation, Piriformis Syndrome (sciatica) |
Neck and Shoulder Pain | Whiplash, Torticollis, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Pec Minor Syndrome, Cervical Disc Pathology (herniated disc), Headaches (tension, migraine, cluster, hormone), Temporo Mandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ) |
Shoulder Girdle Pain | Supraspinatus Tendinopathy, Subacromial Bursitis, Rotator Cuff Injury, Adhesive Capsulitis (frozen shoulder), Pec Minor Syndrome, Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Separation, Shoulder Dislocation, Shoulder Impingement Syndrome, Bicipital Tendonitis/Tendinosis/Tendinopathy |
Forearm, Wrist and Hand Pain | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow), Medial Epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow), Olecranon Bursitis (student’s / baker’s / popeye’s elbow), De Quervain Syndrome (texter’s / gamer’s thumb), Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), Dupuytren’s Contracture |
Hip & Pelvis Pain | Piriformis syndrome (sciatica), Iliolumbar ligament Sprain, Trochanteric Bursitis, Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SIJ) |
Leg, Knee & Foot Pain | Structural deviations (genu valgum/varum/recurvatum / pes planus), ACL / PCL Sprain, MCL / LCL Sprain, Ankle Sprain, IT Band Friction Syndrome (runner’s knee), Patella Tendinopathy (jumper’s knee), Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, Achilles tendon injuries, Meniscal injury, Prepatellar bursitis, Chondromalacia patella, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (knee pain), Shin splints, Plantar Fascitis (policeman’s / jogger’s heel) |
Broad Pain | Strain / Sprain, Tendonitis / Tendinosis / Tendinopathy, Osteoarthritis / Rheumatoid Arthritis, Stress, Chronic Fatigue, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Central Sensitisation |
Education, Qualifications and Training
4 years of training (BTEC Level 6), regulated by Pearson, Edexcel and BTEC.
A BTEC Level 6 qualification is equivalent to an undergraduate degree and is often taught in universities. A BTEC Level 6 Diploma is a vocational qualification that emphasises practical skills and work-based learning, designed for students who want specialised, hands-on training.
Scope of Practice - what can an ACM Therapist do
An ACM therapist focuses on assessing and treating musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction through specialised manual techniques, without diagnosing medical conditions or prescribing treatments.
Assessment is not the same as diagnosis.
Assessment is the process of gathering information to understand a patient's condition, needs, and limitations to make informed decisions about treatment.
If you are seeking a diagnosis then speak to either a GP, Osteopath, Physiotherapist or Chiropractor.
Treatment Frequency and Duration
Each treatment is holistic in nature, focussing on the "Biopsychosocial Model".
An initial session lasts ~75 mins and follow-up sessions last 60 mins.
A six session treatment plan is designed to increase your mobility, agility, and joint range of motion (ROM), whilst focussing on decreasing your daily pain.
The expectation is to receive a treatment each week for up to 6 sessions.
A reduction in pain and improvement in range of motion is generally expected after session 3.
When positive results are achieved the length between sessions is extended e.g. to a bi-weekly frequency.
Maintenance massage (every 4-6 weeks) is recommended once the outcome has been achieved to sustain the benefits and support long-term wellbeing.
Who is an ACM therapy treatment designed for?
Here are a few examples of who could benefit from ACM Therapy:
Chronic Pain Sufferers: Individuals with chronic back pain, neck pain, or headaches due to conditions like fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome.
Athletes Recovering from Injuries: Athletes dealing with sports injuries, such as muscle strains, tendonitis, or repetitive strain injuries, benefit from targeted massage to reduce inflammation, improve flexibility, and support rehabilitation.
Postural Dysfunction Patients: Office workers or individuals with poor posture, who may experience pain from muscle imbalances or restricted movement.
Post-Surgical Recovery Patients: Those recovering from surgeries, particularly orthopaedic surgeries (e.g., knee replacements or rotator cuff repairs), may use clinical massage to reduce scar tissue, improve circulation, and facilitate smoother mobility as they heal.
Stress and Anxiety Sufferers with Musculoskeletal Tension: Patients with high stress levels, who experience muscular pain and tension as physical symptoms of stress, benefit from massage techniques that target relaxation and ease tension in areas like the neck, shoulders, and lower back.
Teaching and Self-Care
ACM therapists incorporate complementary practices to enhance therapeutic outcomes and provide holistic, patient-centred care. These practices support the primary massage techniques by addressing aspects of physical, mental, and emotional health that contribute to pain and dysfunction.
Here are some common complementary practices:
Exercise Therapy and Rehabilitation Guidance
Breathing and Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness and Body Awareness Training
Lifestyle Advice
Heat and Cold Therapy
Collaboration with Other Healthcare Provider
These complementary practices empower patients to participate actively in their recovery and support a holistic approach to pain management, making ACM therapy a valuable option for those seeking integrated and sustainable health solutions.
To recap…
Advanced Clinical Massage (ACM) offers a highly specialised, evidence-based approach to treating chronic musculoskeletal pain. By combining advanced massage techniques with a patient-centred, holistic philosophy, ACM targets not just the symptoms, but also the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction.
Whether you're recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or looking for a more personalised treatment plan, ACM therapy provides a comprehensive solution tailored to meet your unique needs. With its blend of science and therapeutic care, ACM empowers patients to achieve long-term wellness and regain control over their physical health.
If you’re dealing with pain or discomfort and not sure which type of treatment is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to Amy at Loci Wellbeing. Amy is here to help guide you on the path to feeling your best!
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