Question 1

How can massage therapy benefit you?

Accepted Answer

Massage has many benefits beyond the obvious feeling of relaxed muscle tension afterwards.

Reduced tension in soft tissue promotes blood circulation and increases lymphatic flow, which improves immune function. It increases joint flexibility and mobility, promotes deep relaxation resulting in better sleep and healing, and builds awareness of parts of the body not usually touched or acknowledged.

It also aids stress management through a reduced heart rate, lower blood pressure, slower breathing, fewer stress hormones and less anxiety. It supports soft tissue injury recovery and rehabilitation, and helps improve poor posture by strengthening weakened muscles and releasing tight ones.

Question 2

What does massage actually do to your soft tissues?

Accepted Answer

Your therapist chooses techniques based on the condition of your tissues and your reason for coming in, to bring fresh oxygenated blood into the tissues — increasing heat, oxygen and nutrients, and calming the targeted region. That helps release tension and stiffness, re-align muscle fibres, deactivate myofascial trigger points so pain reduces, add flexibility and mobility, flush metabolic waste from the tissues, and reduce scar tissue formation and restriction. Inflammation and pain messages from nerves related to the joint or structure treated also settle down.

Question 3

What will happen during a session — what can I expect?

Accepted Answer

Your first visit starts with a comprehensive health history form, normally completed before your initial one hour session. It covers previous medical, surgical and injury information, basic dietary details, sleep patterns, stress levels and other background. Some of this determines the type of treatment we can and cannot offer. During the initial treatment your therapist will run a brief interview, assess where appropriate, explain how they will treat you and why, and explain what feedback they need from you. At the end they will talk through homecare recommendations, advice about your condition, and how often you may need to come back. In later visits, if you are following a plan for an injury or chronic issue, your therapist re-assesses, monitors progress, adjusts homecare and treatment, and discusses options. We aim to make the whole process enjoyable, relaxing, effective and educational.

Question 4

Is massage therapy a legitimate form of healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Both as a preventative measure and a curative one, massage therapy is widely accepted around the world as part of the healthcare system. In many cultures it has been used for thousands of years for healing, wellbeing, assisting childbirth and soft tissue pain relief. In many countries it is considered a vital part of good health: supporting and treating athletes; supporting hospitals, rest homes and hospices; forming part of a multi-faceted approach to chronic pain alongside osteopathy, chiropractic, physiotherapy, acupuncture and western medicine; and supporting people through emotional and physical stress.

Question 5

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

No. You can book directly with any of our therapists. If you are working with a GP, physiotherapist or specialist, we are happy to work alongside them and to share treatment notes with your consent.

Question 6

Can I claim through Southern Cross?

Accepted Answer

Certain Southern Cross health insurance plans include a nominated dollar figure for massage therapy, redeemable with a registered massage therapist. Check your policy for details — terms and conditions apply.

Question 7

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

The full fee may be payable if less than 24 hours notice is received for cancellation of an appointment. We know life happens, so if something comes up, get in touch as early as you can.

Question 8

What should I wear, and will I be covered?

Accepted Answer

Wear whatever you are comfortable in. You will be professionally draped with clean linen throughout the session, and only the area being worked on is uncovered. Your therapist will explain what they are doing and check in with you before and during treatment.

Questions people ask before their first visit

Ready to ease the pain and move better?