Remedial Massage

One of the oldest natural therapies known to man, the Chinese, Greeks and Romans all recorded using massage in ancient History. Massage now comes under the category of complementary or allied health in Australia.

Massage is described as the manipulation of soft tissues by trained therapists for therapeutic purposes. Massage can be used purely for relaxation (soothing techniques are used to reduce stress and muscle tension) or for remedial benefits (which involves manipulating soft tissues to address specific injury/pain/dysfunction).

Massage techniques include soft tissue manipulation (hands-on work: kneading, stroking, friction, vibration and compression), thermal therapies, energy manipulation and stretch and strengthening exercises.

A Remedial Massage Therapist has the knowledge and skills to choose the best application of techniques to treat muscular pain and dysfunction affecting human movement. In particular, Remedial Massage is concerned with the restoration and maintenance of the soft tissue structures  of the body and is applied in the preventative, corrective and rehabilitative phases of treatment.

Massage therapists do not diagnose illness and should not offer a cure - their role is assessment and treatment.

Common conditions seen include muscular and joint stiffness, strains, sprains, lower back pain including sciatica, headaches, neck pain, arthritis, stress, insomnia and repetitive strain/sport/work/motor vehicle injuries.

Benefits of Massage

    ü   Assists the body’s natural ability to heal itself

    ü    Increases circulation, thus improving delivery of oxygen and nutrients to all body cells

    ü   Improves the function of the skin, the lungs and digestive organs

    ü    Promotes lymph flow which hastens the elimination of cellular wastes

    ü    Can alleviate or reduce pain, tension, stiffness, soreness, inflammation, swelling

    ü   Helps clear muscles of lactic and uric acid that form during exercise

    ü    Delays muscle atrophy resulting from inactivity

    ü   Stimulates the production of red blood cells (counters anaemia)

    ü    Relaxes and improves muscle tone which can help prevent injury

    ü   Relieves congestion in the tissues

    ü   Eases emotional and physical stress

    ü   Encourages relaxation

    ü   Above all – Massage feels wonderful!!

Types of Massage

A combination of the types of massage listed below are used and recommended at Focus On Massage - we recognise that every person is unique and their treatment is adjusted accordingly (every visit) to deliver the most appropriate and effective treatment. Every massage treatment (regardless of length) includes a brief consultation and the use of high quality personally blended aromatherapy oils.

AROMATHERAPY

The art of applying essential oils combined with relaxation massage improves physical, mental and emotional well-being. Essential oils are extracted from various parts of certain plants and  are combined to create a unique mix that is easily absorbed through the skin . The oils can also be used in oil burners for inhalation or in the bath to provide therapeutic outcomes.

HYDROTHERAPY

An accepted and proven aid in the treatment of many conditions and in physical rehabilitation. The virtues of water as a therapeutic tool has been known for thousands of years. Types of water include hot, cold, steam, liquid and ice. Today’s modern techniques include ice or freezing water, spa baths, high powered jets, hot packs, hot & cold baths and saunas.

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

A very gentle yet very effective hands-on manual therapy using sustained pressure into restrictions in the fascial system to eliminate pain and restore motion and function to the body. The therapy is based on the principle that poor posture, physical injury, illness and emotional stress can shift the body out of alignment and cause the intricate web of fascia to become tight and constricted. Fascia is a system of thin connective tissue that weaves continuously throughout the body (muscles, bones, organs, arteries, veins) connecting every part of the body to every other part of the body. Adhesions/scar tissue may also be broken down with myofascial release therapy.

 DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE

Focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissues and is used to address specific problems associated with chronic muscular pain, injury rehabilitations, sporting and occupational injuries, RSI, and fatigue (physical and mental). It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body, through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, by either following or crossing over the muscle fibers, fascia and tendons. Techniques can include trigger point therapy and stretching - all of which improve your range of motion.

SWEDISH MASSAGE

Originally developed in the late 18th Century by a Swedish fencing master, the strokes and manipulations  are each conceived as having a specific therapeutic benefit. One of the primary goals is to speed venous return from the extremities. It stimulates the skin and nervous system, improves circulation, stretches ligaments and tendons (keeping them supple and young) and helps shorten recovery time from muscular strain (by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes).  It also reduces emotional and physical stress (especially used in a regular program for stress management) and has specific clinical uses in a medical or remedial therapy.

Informed Consent

At an 'initial' consultation (i.e. before you receive any treatment) you must give your "informed consent" (which involves reading and signing a document with information outlining the risks of treatment).

It may be necessary to discuss your condition and/or treatment with your doctor, physiotherapist or referring health care practitioner - clients must agree to this in writing and they will be informed if this occurs.

Every massage treatment has some potential risks; such as causing pain, bruising, infection, burns (from heat therapy), feeling sleepy, fainting, aggravating your condition or creating an aromatic response (irritate/photo-sensitise skin, cause blood thinning or euphoria or interact with medications and homeopathic remedies).

To minimise possible risk, you must:

  ü  Be honest about the information you provide regarding your health. (especially if you have heart/kidney/immune/health problems or are pregnant/breastfeeding)

  ü Tell your therapist if you have sensitive skin, bruise easily, have any known health problems,   if the temperature becomes unbearable (too hot or cold), if the massage pressure level is too intense or if you become uncomfortable at any stage in the treatment.

  ü  After treatment, it is common to feel relaxed or sleepy – please get up very slowly from the treatment table and give yourself time to adjust before driving or using stairs. Keep well hydrated with water especially in the 24-48 hours after treatment.

Before your massage, you must be aware that:

   ü  There are possible significant risks, complications and side-effects to any treatment you receive.

   ü  Clients have the right to ask for further information or refuse treatment of breast/buttock/groin areas.

  ü  Both the therapist and the client have the right to refuse or stop any treatment at any time.

  ü  You will be given an information brochure to take home to read and retain at the end of your first session

Frequently Asked Massage Questions

Q: I’ve never had a Massage before - what can I expect?

Firstly, read  "Massage" for a comprehensive overview on Massage therapy. Every client is required to complete a health questionnaire ("Client record") prior to Massage – this helps determine what Massage treatment is appropriate for you, will highlight any conditions that may contra-indicate (prohibit) Massage and will help determine future realistic outcomes. New clients are also given information regarding the risks of massage and must give their "informed consent" before any massage treatment begins.

Q: Can Massage help my condition?

Massage can benefit a number of conditions such as arthritis, asthma, back pain, gastrointestinal disorders, insomnia, joint strains and sprains, myofasical pain (connective tissue), mental illnesses, pregnancy associated problems, repetitive strain injuries (RSI). You don't need to suffer from soreness to benefit from regular Massage.

Q: Can I use Massage in conjunction with other treatments?

Massage usually addresses specific problems associated with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation. It can be delivered on its own or complement other forms of treatment such as physiotherapy and chiropractics. Always check with your General Practitioner or referring health practitioner if in doubt.

Q: How can I prepare for my Massage treatment?

Having a shower and going to the toilet prior to your Massage will leave you feeling clean, refreshed and ready to receive your Massage treatment. It is advisable for ladies to wear minimal or no make up, to remove all jewelry (watches, large chains/necklaces, bracelets, rings) also to tie hair up in a loose pony-tail.

In the clinic, there is a sign reminding you to turn off mobile phones. The ambience is taken care of with the comfortable air-conditioned temperature, relaxing music, uplifting décor and no chance for distractions. You will be given time alone to undress and position yourself comfortably on the Massage table (with a large towel to cover your upper back/buttock region). The therapist will knock before entering and will adjust all covers and cushions on the Massage table when they enter the room.

 Q: Should I talk or remain silent during my Massage treatment?

Talk with your therapist before your treatment begins - advise them if you prefer a particular pressure or type of Massage and be honest when completing your initial client questionnaire. Once treatment begins, it is best to relax, focus on your breathing and enjoy your Massage treatment. Your therapist will be hard at work concentrating on delivering your treatment, so you do not have to worry about making conversation with them. At any stage in the Massage, you may ask questions or provide feedback to your therapist.

Q: What if I fall asleep during my Massage treatment?

Occasionally, people are so relaxed they fall asleep during Massage - this is the greatest compliment for a therapist as it means they have done a wonderful job at relaxing your body and mind! You will be woken when it is time to change position or when your Massage is finished.

Q: Why can’t I just get one body part massaged?

The human body is complex – a holistic approach is recommended across all major massage modalities. Muscles do not work in isolation so treating the whole body produces more effective outcomes. Every movement you make involves certain muscles, while other muscles assist and others oppose the movement – all of which creates a balanced and controlled action. Muscles in the front of the body work with muscles in the back of the body and follow specific recruitment patterns. If human bodies were “machines”, it would be perfectly acceptable to “treat” only one part! If you want specific reasons/information about why your treatment is structured in the particular manner it is, simply ask your therapist.

Q: What should I do after a Massage treatment?
 

To gain the most amount of benefit, try to schedule your appointment for a time when you may relax afterwards - leave any hard labour for another day (if possible). If you do have to return to work or sport, simply inform the therapist before your treatment - your Massage can be altered to ensure it is more stimulating than relaxing.

Focus on Massage uses very high quality Aromatherapy and Carrier Oils. It is advisable you do not shower for at least two or three hours after your treatment - this will give the oils time to continue working on your body.

For all massage treatments (especially remedial), it is highly recommended you consume several glasses of water after your treatment to help eliminate any toxins and encourage cellular metabolism. Failing to drink enough can result in you feeling unwell and may limit your treatment outcomes.

Q: Does my health fund cover Massage therapy?

There are a number of health funds that rebate Massage treatment in Australia. Check with your therapist or health fund or visit www.aamt.com.au and go to ‘Products and Services’; ’Health Funds’.

Q: Can I purchase a gift of Massage?

Focus On Massage gift certificates are available - simply name the amount you would like to spend or the time frame you would like to give and ring and arrange a time to collect your gift certificate. Gift certificates allow you to give someone special a gift of health through massage - it's a gift they can truly enjoy! For more information on pricing and gift voucher terms and conditions, please refer to "Pricing" 

Do you have another question?

Simply contact us

Looking for more information?

Please go to the resources page for a list of recommended reading, resources and contact details

The massage information used above is sourced from the Australian Association of Massage Therapists.

For further details visit www.aamt.com.au today