WHAT IS IT?
Massage is the practice of working on soft tissue using the hands to affect physical, functional, and in some cases psychological health accredited professionals. Massage or manual bodywork comes under the category of complementary or allied health in Australia.
Massage is defined as the systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for a curative effect. Soft tissues are made more pliable through massage to promote circulation and blood flow and bring about healing effects: physical and psychological changes for general wellbeing.
Massage can also be a “Swedish” style which is purely for relaxation and is suitable for those who do not want to have a firmer massage. A gentle style can also benefit children, those with medical conditions such as cancer or older people who want less pressure on their muscles.
Your massage professional will give you a comprehensive answer to the question of how it will benefit your particular needs.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The system of massage treatment involves the therapist using their hands to apply pressure on your body. Therapists use various techniques to work on the body: stroking and gliding (effleurage), kneading the soft tissues (petrissage), or what is termed ‘percussion’ (tapotement). Massage therapy is extremely beneficial to people leading lifestyles that are overly busy and suffering from what is now commonly encountered work related stress. Massage will help with mental relaxation and work on physical symptoms of neck and back pain that comes from spending an extended period of time at a desk or from physical demands.
TREATMENT
After being greeted by the friendly staff at Vital Health and filling out your medical history form, your therapist will meet you and take you through to the consultation room. The visit will begin with a discussion about your needs and what has brought you in for your visit. After determining there is no contraindications for you to have massage therapy, your practitioner will do a physical assessment to look at your posture and how the joints function. Based on this combined information, your therapist will discuss the best approach and then show you how to prepare and get changed for the session. You will be left to get changed and when your therapist returns, s/he will arrange more towels to keep you covered and warm. The therapist will begin the massage by applying oil to his or her hands and then place his/her hands onto your back. This is when the massage begins and your therapist will check periodically to make sure the pressure used is just right.
FAQ’s
- What Training does a massage therapist need?
Professional massage therapists hold formal qualifications in anatomy and physiology, massage therapy and a variety of allied subjects. They demonstrate commitment by taking part in ongoing professional development and holding membership of a professional body such as AMT or ATMS. - Can I claim this treatment through my private health insurance?
If you have appropriate extras cover you will be able to claim for the service of massage treatment. - What sort of assessments will you do in the initial treatment? Will you ask for a medical history?
On your initial visit, we undertake a very thorough physical assessment, and we combine this with a medical history including current medical treatment or past accidents. Your health is our reputation and we find by being thorough, we often identify quickly what is causing your problems. - Will I be draped with towel(s) throughout the treatment? What clothing will I need to remove?
Your modesty is always considered and you will be covered at all times. Usually we will ask you to remove all clothing except underpants, you will be left to get changed and instructed on how to place the towel so you are covered when your therapist returns. - What can massage therapy help with?
- Insomnia
- Muscular tension
- Headaches and migraines
- Work related stress
- Repetitive strain injury
- Depression
- Arthritis
- Eating disorders and digestive dysfunction
- Pre-natal pregnancy conditions
- Fibrositis
- Spondylitis
- Frozen shoulder
- Whiplash
- Sports and dancing injuries