Massage for Health

Osteopathy is a drug-free, non-invasive manual therapy that aims to improve health across all body systems by manipulating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework.

 

An osteopathic physician will focus on the joints, muscles, and spine. ... It is used alongside conventional treatment to improve health.Jul 5, 2017

 

More on Osteopathy

 

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Chiropractic is based on a spinal care model. But chiropractic manipulation has its roots in less scientific theories. Historically, chiropractors believed that a misaligned spinal column could cause disease.

 

This was thought to happen via the central nervous system and something called "innate knowledge".May 24, 2018

 

More on Chiropractic

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Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists trained in manual therapy which means we are “hands on” with our patients.

 

This may include massage and joint mobilisation and manipulation, as well as muscle stretching which we achieve using a wide variety of techniques. To complement our manual skills we sometimes make use of different modalities to reduce pain and inflammation including hot packs, ice, TENS, E-stim, ultrasound and laser treatment.

 

Acupuncture and trigger point therapy is also widely practiced by physiotherapists, Physiotherapists are highly trained in exercise prescription and often give our patients exercises to do at home to help resolve their conditions.

 

Physiotherapists, doctors, and other health professionals will often work as part of a team to plan and manage treatment for a specific condition

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A physiotherapists, will treat a wide array of conditions including:

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• Spinal pain and injuries (e.g. disc prolapse)

• Headaches

• Sports injuries (e.g. ligament tears)

• Fractures (e.g. broken arm)

• Musculoskeletal problems (e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome)

• Post-surgical rehabilitation (e.g. following a knee replacement)

• Biomechanical problems (e.g. “flat feet”)

• Arthritic conditions (e.g. osteoarthritis)

• Neurological disorders and diseases (e.g. stroke)

• Cardiothoracic conditions (e.g. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorders)

• Paediatric conditions (e.g. cerebral palsy)

 

More on Physiotherapy.

 

 

What is Remedial Massage, Really?

 

For those in the know, there’s been a lot of chatter in physical therapy circles over the past six months in particular around the actual definition of remedial massage.

 

Whilst it’s been a talking point for years, many of our massage clients and the general public may not realise that the reason it’s become such a hot topic now is because earlier this year Medibank Private announced they are halting registrations of new remedial massage providers.

 

This applies to both new therapists and therapists setting up in new locations. One of their main reasons for doing so is because the remedial massage industry still doesn’t have a consistent definition of what we do.

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Now, before I continue, don’t panic, if you are with Medibank Private all your favourite therapists at Masters Healing Massage are accredited providers at our current location in Edgeworth.

 

So yes, you can continue to receive your massage rebate. For now… that may change if the Private Health Insurance Review decision doesn’t go so well for remedial massage, but that’s another story for a future post…

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So, back to the definition of remedial massage – what is it, really?

 

Well, it’s definitely not “just a hard massage”. No, remedial massage is not synonymous with deep tissue massage. This is an urban legend that has been sadly encouraged by many massage therapists, possibly because they either lack experience or correct training in assessment & other treatment techniques. Or possibly because some of the multiple associations that register remedial massage therapists have not defined remedial massage in any clear way (but again, musings on the many foibles and issues in the massage industry, one with such potential and so many current political limitations, is the subject for another future post).

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This “remedial massage is just a hard / deep tissue massage” is an untruth that we at Masters Healing Massage have been working to educate our clients about since day dot.

 

We’re passionate about providing you with real remedial massage, and showing you the full benefits it can offer. There is absolutely nothing wrong with deep tissue massage – in fact it feels great and can be really beneficial when applied correctly – but remedial massage can offer you so much more.

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There has been many definitions recently written, rewritten, reviewed, and argued for and against in the last few months. But the simplest way of putting it is:

“Remedial massage is the assessment and treatment of dysfunction, supported by a treatment plan and documented treatment notes.”

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Now we could (and probably will, in future!) write a whole lot more around that definition. But the obvious stand outs from that one sentence, is that remedial massage includes assessment as well as treatment. It’s critical that your therapist takes the time to talk to you, to run through physical assessments such as range of motion testing, functional muscle testing and special orthopaedic tests, to ensure they are choosing the best techniques and treatment to assist you.

 

Which is why at Masters Healing Massage, we spend a decent amount of your first massage completing an initial consult & assessment, and each following session includes some assessment / re-assessment as well as hands-on treatment. Please note that this is imperative to ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment – however our therapists are well aware you come to us for hands-on treatment and we will always do our best to maximise hands-on time while meeting the essential assessment needs.

 

Now, does all of this mean that your remedial massage WON’T include deep tissue massage?

 

Absolutely not! Deep Tissue massage is simply a technique, and as such we may recommend using it in combination with several other techniques we are well-trained in to achieve your musculoskeletal and health goals. And of course you are very welcome to request it be included, or be the focus of your massage treatment.

 

If we don’t think that’s a good idea after our assessment, we will clearly explain why, otherwise we will be happy to oblige.

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Now there are a few other important differences between real remedial massage and “just a deep tissue massage”.
We’ll continue to explore some of them in future posts, but we thought we should also point out that treatment notes are an important one.

Did you know that at Masters Healing Massage, your diligent massage therapist spends up to 30 minutes post-treatments writing detailed notes about your treatment? This allows for consistency of treatment & treatment planning if you are to see a different therapist, as well as documenting progress & plans for future treatment – all of which your Masters Healing Massage therapist will gladly discuss with you at the end of your treatment.

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Want to know more? Have a chat to your friendly therapist next time you are in for your regular massage, look out for our next post, or post a comment here!

 

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Massage therapists may work in one or more of the following areas:

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Therapeutic or relaxation massage to promote wellbeing, improve sleep, treat anxiety and tension, and enhance a range of systemic body functions.

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Remedial Massage to assist in rehabilitation, pain and injury management. A range of manual therapy techniques may be employed in treatment, such as deep connective tissue massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Muscle Energy Techniques, Direct and Indirect Myofascial Techniques, and Neuromuscular Facilitation.

Sports Massage to treat and prevent injuries, improve recovery, flexibility and endurance, and enhance the performance of athletes. Structural bodywork to address postural and biomechanical patterns of strain.

Lymphatic drainage and lymphedema management to support and enhance the primary care of patients whose lymphatic system has been compromised by a variety of chronic or acute illnesses.

Myotherapy to assess and treat myofascial pain and dysfunction.

Oncology, palliative care and geriatric massage to support the primary care of patients with chronic illness and a broad range of quality-of-life issues.

Pregnancy and paediatric massage to support the primary care of pregnant women and infants.

Oriental massage to enhance mental and physical wellbeing through the stimulation of specific pressure points. It includes Shiatsu, acupressure and Tui Na.

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