Remedial Massage is a therapeutic, deep tissue massage used to holistically treat specific soft-tissue dysfunction and pain. Our muscles work by contracting and lengthening, and generally when we feel pain or stiffness its because the effected muscles are constantly shortened or contracting making it difficult for us to get the full range of movement we would normally expect. During a Remedial Massage treatment, the therapist aims to establish the underlying cause of the pain or decreased range of motion. It may be due to a sports injury, a build up of stress and tension over time, poor posture or biomechanics or a chronic condition such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or asthma. Once determined, a variety of techniques are employed to assist the body to resolve the problem.

The holistic aspect comes into play when we look at how the body works as a whole – if one part is experiencing pain or simply isn’t working the way it should, the healthy functioning of your whole being can be affected. For example, a person suffering from arthritis of the right hip will have pain in that joint, and may alter their posture and weight-bear more on their left side to try to reduce the pain. But changing their posture can lead to muscles and soft tissue in the left leg, hip and even back being held in awkward or unusual positions which can cause further pain – and round it goes in a vicious cycle!

Pain can manifest itself in many ways too – not just muscle pain, but also headaches, general fatigue, abdominal pain and trouble breathing (e.g. with asthma the muscles associated with breathing can be in spasm/contraction) depending on the muscles effected. By relieving the muscles stiffness and contraction, these other symptoms may also be relieved.

As well as treating soft-tissue injuries, remedial massage is also a relaxing treatment that can provide relief for tired, stressed muscles in general.

A range of conditions and dysfunctions can be improved with remedial massage, including:

• back and neck pain
• general muscle tightness and spasm
• osteo & rheumatoid arthritis
• pregnancy
• general fatigue and tension
• muscle injury/sports injury including sprains and strains
• headaches
• multiple sclerosis
• cancer (inc palliative care)
• asthma
• fibromyalgia

It really depends on the underlying cause of the pain as to how many sessions you need. Some people may get relief after 1 or 2 sessions, others fit massage therapy regularly into their well-being regime as they feel that the on-going benefits help them to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

• easing of pain from muscle stiffness and tension
• stimulation of circulation
• removal of toxins from the muscles and surrounding soft tissues
• can provide improved recovery time after muscle injury
• increased joint range of motion
• reduction of muscle fatigue
• general relaxation for the whole body

The therapist will work with you and monitor your comfort levels throughout the treatment. While some people adhere to the ‘no pain no gain’ way of thinking, you should be comfortable with the pressure at all times to ensure you get the most out of your treatment. No point coming away feeling more tense because you’ve spent the hour flinching from pain!

Can I claim Remedial Massage Therapy treatments on private health insurance? Yes, remedial massage therapy is claimable on most private health plans – just check with your fund to determine the refund available as this varies between policies.

Aromatherapy Massage adds a whole new dimension to your massage treatment by invigorating your olfactory (smell) system, which in turn improves general mood and relaxes or energises you depending on the blend of oils you choose. Aromatherapy can be added to a relaxing or remedial massage when you book with Penny.

A relaxation massage should reduce stress and tension in the muscles as well as on an emotional level. You should leave feeling renewed, relaxed and refreshed.

The aim of Indian head massage is to release the stress that has accumulated in the tissues, muscles and joints of the head, face, neck and shoulders. Indian head massage is especially good for relieving stress, tension, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, migraine and sinusitis. Clients report that the experience is deeply calming and relaxing, leaving them feeling energised and revitalised and better able to concentrate.

The use of hot stones for healing dates back to ancient times. Heated smooth, flat stones are placed on key points on the body related to the Chinese meridian points. The stones may also be used to massage certain areas of the body. Excellent for stress, tension, headaches and poor circulation.

Lymphatic drainage helps to stimulate the movement of your lymphatic fluids in order to assist the body in cleansing. This helps to promotes health in the lymphatic system as well as other bodily systems such as the circulatory, respiratory, muscular and endocrine systems. Lymphatic drainage may also reduce allergies, menstrual cramps, colds and other viruses.

Pregnancy massage is used to reduce stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pains, and reduce anxiety and depression. The massage is customized to a woman's individual needs.

Mafalda Bojanic and Penny Szakiel are Vitalchi’s massage therapists. Penny is a Remedial Massage Therapist and is also trained in Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage, her treatment can be claimed with your private health insurer if you have extras (check with your health fund). Penny works Wednesdays 2pm until 6pm and Saturday’s 9am until 2pm. Mafalda is trained in Hot Stone Therapy, Relaxation Massage, Indian Head Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage. Mafalda currently works Thursday 9am until 7pm, Friday 2pm until 6pm and every second Saturday 9am until 2pm. Call the clinic on 9894 0014 for bookings or make an appointment online.