Session Outline

A remedial massage session usually begins with a short interview. I'll collect relevant information about you and your body's history and then perform a series of visual and physical assessments. Usually this is easier to do with minimal clothing on, so that we can clearly see muscle tone, skeletal landmarks and other soft tissue structures. The amount of testing will vary greatly depending on your needs. Generally, I'll try to keep this process as short as possible to maximise the time we have for hands on treatment.

The majority of the session is spent applying various massage techniques to the relevant soft tissue structures within the body. We'll work together to identify areas of pain and restriction and continually provide each other with feedback on how the process is going. Although some of these techniques may be uncomfortable, they should never be intolerably painful, and I will always strive to work well within your limits, and only ever with your permission.

Following the massage, there will usually be time for some assisted (PNF) stretches and I will also be able to suggest some self-stretches, self-massage techniques, physical exercises, and lifestyle adjustments to help you continue to improve following the session.

Number and Frequency of Sessions

My goal is to help people take charge of their own health. Therefore, I always aim to resolve client's issues as soon as possible and only have you rebook as needed.

Often clients will experience drastic results after a single session, sometimes it may take 3-5 sessions, or even more. Ideally the sessions are 3-4 days apart, which allows the body time to recover, without allowing so much time that the body tends to relapse a little. Once the problem is cleared, many clients will choose to continue having regular maintenance work done weekly or monthly.

If there are no signs of improvement after 2-3 treatment sessions, I'll usually recommend that I send all your treatment details across to another relevant health professional, such as an osteopath, physiotherapist, exercise physiologist, or general practitioner, and we can continue to workshop ideas together until we find a solution to your problem.

What to Wear

It is best to wear casual clothing that you are comfortable moving in. Think what you would normally wear in order to exercise or go walking in. The majority of the treatment will be done with you lying on the table, in underwear, and being appropriately draped with towels. You will never be naked during a session (bra straps may need to be unclasped or removed in order to access the upper back area). Of course I can also work through clothing and towels wherever preferred, but it is generally most effective to work directly onto the surface of the skin.

How to Prepare

It is best not to be too hungry or too full before a massage. Try to eat an hour or two beforehand. Make sure you have been to the toilet, so that there is no need for interruption during the session. Although not necessary, I find it best to be physically warmed up with a very light cardio session (even a light walk will do). After the session it is important to stay hydrated, as much of the bodily fluids that are shifted during the course of the massage will quickly be directed towards the kidneys and expelled from the body. This can lead to dehydration if these fluids aren't replaced.

Setting up the Space (Mobile Treatments)

If you are booked in for a mobile treatment session, this job will mostly fall onto me setting up the treatment table, but feel free to set the space up however you like. Some clients find things like music, candles and incense help them to relax. As long as there is about 2 x 2m worth of floorspace available and you've got the room heated to a temperature that you are comfortable with, we'll be good to go.

Have I missed something?

Please contact me directly for any further information.