It is generally understood that these are the top five health benefits of adding regular massage therapy to your health and wellness strategy. Massage therapy from a registered practitioner can:
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Lower stress
Stress is a silent killer. Sometimes we don’t know we are stressed, or we ignore the body trying to tell us there is something out of balance. The long-term effects of stress can take emotional and physical tolls. Massage therapy may relieve stress and conditions associated with it, such as tension headaches. -
Increased Immune Function
Medical research indicates that massage therapy can help boost immune system strength by increasing the activity level of the body’s natural “killer T cells,” which fight off viruses. -
Boost Mental Health and Wellness
Research suggests that symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression (all associated with mental health) may be directly affected by massage therapy. -
Pain Management and Improved Range of Motion
Pain can negatively affect a person’s quality of life and impede recovery from illness or injury. Many of our clients use massage in their pain management. -
Improved Physical Fitness
Elite and recreational athletes alike can benefit from massage therapy – massage can reduce muscle tension, improve exercise performance, and prevent injuries and get you back in the game faster.
It is very common for clients to fall asleep during their massage. And yes snoring happens too! And yes that’s ok.
Technically no. Many of our clients feel we are and that is because we know our anatomy and physiology and work with the biomechanical systems of the body.
Unfortunately, massage therapy no matter how good, is not currently able to come under the ACC system. On the other hand, some policies with Southern Cross can be claimed.
We will ask you to fill out a health history form. We will discuss what you would like to address and what the treatment will be for the appointment. It is important to list all health concerns and medication so we can adapt your session to your specific needs without causing any harm. A postural assessment including range of motion will be taken as a baseline so a plan of treatment can be made.
In general, massages should not hurt. In fact, if you are in pain during a massage let us know and we will adjust accordingly. Certain techniques may result in soreness during the days following a massage, like that of a great workout, but in general, you should not have pain during or after your massage. You can always give us a call to discuss what you are feeling after the appointment. Occasionally some people bruise and it is a good idea to talk with us.
In general, there are a few conditions that would prevent you from getting a massage.
Of course, do not book an appointment if you are feeling unwell, have a fever, cold, a skin condition that is contagious or waiting for a covid test and have symptoms. The first trimester of pregnancy is generally considered off-limits for massage, as are active chemotherapy or other intensive medical treatments. If you have a serious medical condition and you are unsure if a massage would be safe for you, talk to us, we may suggest that you speak with your general doctor to get the ok.
Usually, an athlete will have a training calendar and maintenance and rehabilitative massage has been scheduled in. Most receive pre-race massage three days before race day and post-race two days after. Two to three days beforehand allows an athlete’s body to receive moderate massage therapy which should not inhibit performance, and hopefully increase performance. All athletes’ bodies are different, so knowing your body will help you determine how close to race day you should receive bodywork.
You may undress to your level of comfort. Many people prefer to keep their underwear on during a massage, while others choose to be nude. Your massage therapist will leave the room so you can undress and lie on the massage table under a top sheet or towel. If you choose to maintain some clothing or not, your massage therapist will always ensure that you are always properly covered.
Wear comfortable clothing after your appointment.
This is an individual choice and preference varies, so for most it depends on your pain, physical needs, emotional needs or if you are training for an event etc. Please don’t hesitate to talk to us about what is needed for you.
Some people enjoy having a conversation during their massage and some don’t. Regardless of your choice, be sure to speak up during the massage if there is anything you’d like adjusted (temperature, pressure, music, etc). Because this is a treatment massage we may ask questions while working on the body.
While uncommon, massage does affect vascular circulation which for some could a initiate a headache. Also, being face down brings pressure on the sinus cavity which may bring on a headache. A common reason for headaches post massage is not drinking after the appointment. A good drink of water will help flush out what has been released during the massage.
