I've often been asked.. "What is Remedial Massage?" The simple answer is in the name itself. To remedy. As an avid practitioner of body work, I could be accused of sometimes believing a massage can cure almost anything! Of course, massage has it's limitations like any modality and there are times where a referral to your GP, naturopath or Osteopath are in your best interests.
Maybe a better way to describe what remedial massage is, might be to share what happens in a remedial massage. Each massage is as varied as the ailments, injuries, histories and mental presentations that clients' walk through the door with. But generally speaking, as your therapist I'm tuning into your medical history, posture, discomfort/pain, mood, and daily habits as a way of getting to know a little bit about the experience of your body. During the treatment, I'm using a range of techniques including relaxation, breath guidance, trigger point release, deep tissue, myofascial cupping, myofascial release and gaining feedback from you throughout. Remedial massage is non-sexual.
At Touch Therapy, remedial massage is a collaborative treatment. Everything is done with consent from you. This starts before you get on the table with an agreement of the general treatment I think would be best for your presentation on that given day, and follows into the massage by the checking in for suitable pressure within your pain range. Yes, sometimes some of the techniques hurt but if breathing through strong trigger points isn't your jam, we don't do it. If some days it's ok and others not so much, I understand. It's your massage!
Like any relationship, consent is not given once, it is repeatedly required but as we get to know each other better, over time trust is built and I learn what your body feels comfortable with, but you are always encouraged to share with me when I've misread. I'm not the kind of therapist that thinks they know best. You know your body's experience better than anyone. I use the knowledge I have gained and my experience and together with your inner wisdom we collaborate throughout your treatment. With a background in counselling, your sense of safety and empowerment is actually very important to me. This way your nervous system is allowed to exhale and you are able to be truly cared for.
While a relaxation massage may be the remedy for you, in Australia a remedial massage therapist should hold a Diploma of Remedial massage, be a member of a governing association, have indemnity insurance, be first aid certified and should also be able to offer you a rebate through your private health cover if you are eligible. As health cover varies significantly, if you're not sure whether your private health fund covers this, please give them a call to enquire.
I guess I could have just said that all massages at Touch Therapy Remedial Massage are tailored to your very individual needs by someone who truly cares about your wellbeing.
Peace x