Remedial massage can treat a variety of already diagnosed musculoskeletal issues such as, but are not limited to:

• Tension headaches
• Jaw pain
• Neck pain
• Whiplash
• Back pain
• Muscular cramps and spasms
• DOMS (Delayed onset muscle soreness)
• Stress/tension
• Tendonitis
• Overuse injuries
• Sciatica
• Tennis elbow
• Plantar fasciitis
• Arthritis
• Frozen shoulder
• Muscle strains
• Rotator cuff issues

Relaxation/Swedish Massage

Swedish massage uses long flowing strokes and glides to provide relaxation to the entire body. Other techniques can include kneading, cross fibre friction, tapping, vibration, and shaking. It is ideal for improving stress levels, mood, anxiety, headaches, enhance sleep, improve circulation, and decrease muscle pain and joint stiffness.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is similar to a Relaxation/Swedish Massage but involves a deeper pressure, which is beneficial in targeting deeper muscles, tendons, and fascia. Deep tissue techniques are effective in releasing knots, trigger points, and chronic muscle tension. This is great for blood circulation, removing lactic acid and chronic conditions such as lower back pain, neck and upper back stiffness, sore shoulders, repetitive strain injuries, postural problems, osteoarthritis, sports injuries, and muscle tension. Drinking water after your session can help to remove metabolic waste from the tissues.

Deep tissue massage is not recommended for people with blood clots or at risk of blood clots (Deep vein thrombosis or Thrombophlebitis) as it can cause the clot in the area to dislodge. It is advised to consult your doctor about getting a massage if you do have this condition.

Sports Massage

Sports massage is a form of remedial massage that treats musculoskeletal injuries, improves athletic performance, and enhances recovery post-events/games. Manual therapy is applied to the soft tissues to increase flexibility and mobility resulting in improved movement patterns in a particular sport or activity.

Our therapists are trained to know different techniques that will maximise performance before games and events, improve recovery, and rehab post events or injuries. Sports physiotherapy will improve blood flow and flexibility of soft tissue, which will allow for optimal health during training, preparation, competitions, and events, whilst speeding up recovery and rehab.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage involves the use of smooth, heated stones. These stones are placed on certain points on the body and are also used to massage. The stones provide heat to the muscles allowing the therapist to apply deeper pressure comfortably and relax the muscles.

If you have the following conditions, it is advised to consult your doctor first to see if this massage is suitable for you:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Varicose veins
• Migraines
• Autoimmune disease
• Reduced pain sensitivity
• Cancer or tumors
• Epilepsy
• Metal implants
• Are on blood thinners
• Pregnant women or children
• Recent surgery or inflamed skin/wounds

Pregnancy Massage

Remedial massage techniques and oils are also modified to treat the common discomforts in pregnancy. During pregnancy, there are numerous physical and emotional changes happening to the body, which can cause discomfort, muscle spasm, tightness, aches, and pains, from conditions such as lower back pain and sciatica. Massage is used throughout each trimester to help alleviate symptoms arising from postural changes and the increased stress, which is placed on the body and joints. It is also great for relieving stress and reviving energy levels.

A pregnancy cushion is typically used to allow the client to lay on their front and sides in a comfortable position. A breast recess cushion can also be used to provide additional comfort for those who are breast-feeding or with breast implants. When coming in for a pregnancy massage, please notify our therapist that you are pregnant and how far along you are. Our therapist will modify positions according to what will be safer and more comfortable for you at the time.

Pregnancy massage is safe in most cases to have during all trimesters; however, it is always advisable to check first with your obstetrician to see if you have any contraindications. If you are experiencing any of the following, please consult your obstetrician to see if a pregnancy massage is appropriate:

• Excessive nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Are at high risk of miscarriage
• Have a high-risk pregnancy
• Have high blood pressure
• Are experiencing any sudden swelling or breathing problems
• Have any other pregnancy concerns

Lymphedema/Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic Massage is a specialised massage technique to treat Lymphedema. This massage technique involves more gentle rubs, strokes, taps, or pushes on the skin into the direction of the lymphatic system so excess lymphatic fluid can drain through the channels and nodes. This therapy is usually performed 4-5 times a week for 2-4 weeks.

Before seeking this treatment or when having this treatment, it is advised to consult your doctor to see if Lymphedema Massage is appropriate, especially if you:

• Have developed Lymphedema after surgery and have an increased localised swelling.
• Have a sudden onset of lymphangitis (infection)
• Have blood clots or an increased risk of them
• Have congestive heart failure
• Have pain or undiagnosed pain

Myofascial Cupping

Myofascial cupping involves applying suction to the surface of the skin to break up adhesions and tissue restriction in the fascia and treat dysfunction in the body. It can help target muscle tension, chronic pain, improve blood circulation, improve range of motion, and remove waste.

Myofascial Dry Needling

Myofascial Dry Needling involves using thin acupuncture needles, which are inserted to target and manipulate fascia, muscle, and soft tissue, resulting in the release of trigger points, tightness, and pain.

It is not advised for patients to receive dry needling and recommended that you consult your doctor first if you have:

• Lymphedema
• Abnormal bleeding condition (Anticoagulant therapy, Thrombocytopenia)
• Compromised immune system (e.g., Cancer, HIV, Chronic illnesses, Acute immune disorders)
• Vascular disease
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Epilepsy
• Kids or frail, elderly patients

For acute injuries, remedial massage is advised after 72 hours following an injury where the initial inflammation and swelling has reduced, and rest and ice have been applied. Typically new injuries and symptoms can be relieved within a few sessions.

Remedial massage for chronic conditions can be performed at any time. It is best to have regular weekly sessions to improve mobility, function, and symptoms, which will then gradually phase out in frequency as the normal function returns.

Ideally, it is recommended for a monthly maintenance massage to support our different lifestyles and activities by maintaining our mobility and function. It is always best to ask our remedial massage therapist in Wetherill Park or Fairfield for tailored advice on how often you should have a massage to optimise health and well-being.