Thai massage is a great tool for relieving pain, and rehabilitating injuries. Whether you’re a keen sportsperson with a chronic or acute sports injury, or you’ve just developed a niggle, or a little stiffness going about your business, don’t let it fester to grow into something much more complex and painful. Seek proper advice and treatment, and reclaim your body.

There are four stages of healing, and these move you through the four body states: stone, frayed rope, rope, and tissue. Read on to understand these stages and states, as well as what you can expect from your massage therapies.

Stone

The first state is stone. Stone is rigid, unresponsive, and lacking in healthy blood flow. Stone is dense, dry, and lacking in energy. It is the injured state; a state of tension and agitation.

Relief (Stage one)

Stage one is where you feel relief from your stiffness. The problem is in no way solved, but your therapist has identified its source, and has begun manipulation. Initial massage may bring pain as the area is loosened and blood begins to flow again. It is normal to even feel a little dizzy as the trapped toxins make their way out of the body.

Frayed rope

You can now say that you have entered the state of frayed rope. Frayed rope is more pliable than stone, it can be manipulated more easily, and functions much better in everyday life. Frayed rope is still an injured state, and it may be associated with some discomfort as the body readjusts to regaining its mobility and flow.

Correction (Stage two)

Correction is where the therapist has identified a course of action and is employing this plan to fix the problem. You gain in strength and mobility each day. The frayed parts of the rope begin to mend.

Strengthening (Stage three)

Strengthening can take place when enough of the frayed rope has been mended. You feel much better, but you are not ready to return to action just yet. Your body is still weak and is susceptible to re-injury. It is wise to seek physiotherapy at this point to help strengthen the injured area and any other affected body parts.

Rope

You have become rope. Rope is pliable but may still bind and knot. Progress is being made. Recovery is around the corner.

Maintenance (Stage four)

This stage occurs when your body is all but healed. Maintenance is prevention. Keep up your good practices and therapies, and remain injury free.

Tissue

Tissue is the state of full recovery. Tissue has good energy flow, and is pliable.