Remedial Massage

When muscles and tendons become damaged or impaired, knotted and tense or immobile, Remedial Massage provides a healing treatment that can be gentle or strong, deep or shallow. Remedial massage holistically treats the whole body and traces the discomfort as far as possible back to the original cause, healing both the cause of the disorder as well as the symptoms.

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage Therapy is the practice of soft tissue manipulation through a range of techniques tailored to your individual needs. The application of these specific techniques helps the stimulation of blood and lymphatic circulation and therefore the treatment and prevention of soft tissue dysfunctions including that of muscular strains, fibrosis (scar tissue), lymphodema, and restricted range of motion, fatigue, general tension and stress. Target tissues may include muscle, tendons, ligament, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, or organs of the gastrointestinal system. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, forearm and feet. Massage is best utilised as a prevention method rather than a solution to an immediate dysfunction. As once the tissue dysfunction reaches a chronic stage, it then becomes a longer process to rectify.

The anatomical, physiological and psychological aspects of a person can greatly affect the outcome of a massage. Massage therapy greatly reduces pain and increases flexibility within the area of dysfunction and assists in reducing the detrimental psychological states of anxiety, nervousness and depression that greatly hinder our physiological well being and therefore the discomfort associated with it.

What are the Benifits of Remedial Massage

Key benefits of Remedial Massage include: the stimulation to the blood supply allowing toxins in the muscles to be removed; the calming of the peripheral nervous system to ease pain and discomfort; and the toning and relaxing of muscles to improve joint mobility. An improvement to the health of the cells, the repairing of tissues, and the easing of stiffness and tension can also be experienced through therapeutic relaxation.

Massage is believed to activate the parasympathetic nervous system which stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin. Endorphins are an analgesic compound which reflects a sense of well-being and works as a “natural pain reliever”. Serotonin helps regulate intestinal movements and acts on the central nervous system where it enhances our moods. Improved quality of sleep is another great side effect of massage.

Muscular and skeletal dysfunctions often addressed with Remedial Massage include Fibrositis, Spondylitis, Arthritis, frozen shoulder, muscular cramps, Whiplash, muscular atrophy, sports and dancing injuries.

What are the Types of Remedial Massage

The types of remedial massage vary with the desired outcome and patient condition. On many occasions a combination will be used to get the best results.

• Swedish / Relaxation Massage
 Uses five styles of light to medium pressure of long, flowing strokes that stimulate the superficial layers of tissue.

• Remedial Massage
 Uses specific techniques that enable the stretching of fascia, connective tissues and muscle fibres to increase flexibility within the muscles and around the joints. Includes facilitated isometric contractions and stretching. Advice maybe given on exercise and stretching for self maintenance.  Medium to medium-firm pressure is often used.

• Sports Massage
 Uses the five techniques used in relaxation massage but applied at a quick pace. This technique is best used prior to or after exercise where firm pressure is not suitable. It helps to stimulate the muscles response prior to exercise and assists in their recovery after exercise.

• Deep Tissue Massage
 Uses medium to firm pressure designed to relieve severe tension in soft tissues. Deep Tissue is best suited for persons with chronic problems.

• Lymphatic Massage
 Uses techniques that focus on the lymphatic organs of the body with light to medium pressure. This technique is used to increase lymphatic flow which is often required when the body is fighting infection or is dealing with chronic health conditions.

• Pregnancy Massage
 Pregnancy massage involves the use of a pregnancy pillow to remove any pressure from the featus during the massage. As women's bodies will undergo large physical changes during this time, the muscles and ligaments of the body undergo increased load. This in turn causes pain, tension and discomfort. Pregnancy massage utlises medium to firm pressure with particular caution (much lighter pressure) used around the low back, gluteal and abdomen region.

Therapists

Zoe Buchanan

Zoe is a registered Remedial Therapist and is also trained in Endermologie and Formostar. She has practiced in Brisbane and Gold Coast for over 5 years and past clientele include members of the ARL, Australian Cricket team, State of Origin players for both NSW and QLD, and many other sports personalities.