How Does It All Work?

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 after 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, underwear on, and covered 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 we 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 eat too much before a massage (but you certainly don't need to fast). 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 some sort of movement beforehand (even a light walk will do). After the session it is important to stay hydrated, because the increase in body circulation can sometimes lead to dehydration.

Setting up the Space

We really just need about 2 x 2 m worth of space to set up the treatment table. It is also useful if there is somewhere available for handwashing.

Most important is that the room is at a comfortable temperature for you.

We can also provide music or other audio by request. But feel free to set the space up however you like!

Have we missed something?

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