Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many sessions will it take to make me feel better?
A: This is a tricky question, as the answer depends on many factors. Generally, the longer you've had the injury or condition, the longer it will take to recover. However, most people will feel some relief after their first treatment. As a general rule, if the pain or condition is only minor, then 1-2 visits spaced a week apart is usually enough to have you feeling much better. However, if you have been in moderate pain or have a chronic condition (this includes pain caused by poor posture), I recommend a couple of weekly visits to start, and then cutting down to 1-2 fortnightly visits, followed by a review a month later. If pain is very severe, then I may ask you to book a follow-up appointment within a few days of your first consultation. Some clients who have no major problems are just looking to set up a "maintenance" schedule for massage. My experience is that most of these clients do well on a schedule of a massage every 3-6 weeks, depending on their lifestyle and preferences. (Of course, there is usually no harm in having massage as often as you like!)
Q: Will the massage hurt?
A: That depends on the type of massage treatment you are receiving: Relaxation Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage utilise light techniques that rarely cause any discomfort or pain during application of the technique. However, due to the "deeper" techniques required to bring about a definitive change within soft tissue, Orthopaedic Massage, Sports Massage and occasionally Pregnancy Massage techniques may involve some discomfort. That said, I believe that ultimately you - as my client - are in control of the pressure that I use. Therefore, I will respect your right to tell me to ease off the pressure if the pressure is causing you too much pain. "No pain" does NOT necessarily equal no gain, sometimes the lightest pressure can achieve the best results!
Q: Will I be sore afterwards?
A: Again, this depends on the type of massage treatment you are receiving: Relaxation Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage utilise only light pressure techniques, therefore the chance that you will be sore afterwards is very unlikely. However, due to the deeper pressures used in Orthopaedic, Sports and occasionally Pregnancy Massage, sometimes the muscles and soft tissue that are worked on during a session may feel a little tender for a day or two. Aching is also common, as the body adjusts to the changes made to soft tissue during the massage. I recommend the application of heat (heat packs, hot bath or shower, etc.) to help ease most post-massage tenderness & aches. On certain occasions, post-massage application of ice may be more beneficial, however I always advise my clients when this is appropriate. Additionally, some sensitive people may experience a mild headache after receiving treatment to their neck and shoulders. This headache usually only lasts for a short time, however, and sipping some water may help to ease the symptoms.
It should be noted that treatment which involves a large amount of Manual Lymphatic Drainage to large areas of the body can sometimes cause nausea for a day or two after treatment, in some sensitive individuals. Drinking extra water after treatment should help to avoid/reduce these symptoms.
It should be noted that treatment which involves a large amount of Manual Lymphatic Drainage to large areas of the body can sometimes cause nausea for a day or two after treatment, in some sensitive individuals. Drinking extra water after treatment should help to avoid/reduce these symptoms.
Q: I am [x] weeks pregnant. Is it OK for me to have massage?
A: Pregnancy Massage can be done at any time during your pregnancy, provided you have no health issues that contraindicate massage. I always screen my pregnant clients prior to Pregnancy Massage to determine if there are any such contraindications. Most women have no such health issues, however if I am in doubt as to the safety of Pregnancy Massage for you or your baby, I will require that you speak to your Obstetrician or Doctor first, and obtain written permission prior to commencing with Pregnancy Massage. (If you are worried that you may have such a health issue, you can always visit your health care provider first to obtain this written permission before our consultation.) Additionally, I do not use aromatherapy oils or products containing aromatherapy oils during the first trimester; during the second and third trimesters, I will only use aromatherapy oils or products that are deemed "Pregnancy Safe", and even then, only if you consent to their use.
Q: Why don't you use those special "Pregnancy Tables" for massage - the ones with the hole cut into them?
A: These types of tables are not good for Pregnancy Massage, as the mother's belly is allowed to hang down without proper support. This position places undo strain on the uterine ligaments as well as the lower back. During a Pregnancy Massage with me, I will position you on your side with pillows in place under your head, legs and around your stomach - thereby providing support for your hips, lower back and abdomen - if you are of a size that requires this additional support. Many pregnant clients find this position to actually be much more comfortable than laying face-down, and go on to adopt this as their sleeping position at home! Of course, if you are only very early on in your pregnancy, you can lay on your stomach provided that it is comfortable for you to do so.
Q: Why do you recommend drinking water after I've had a massage?
A: Massage has a detoxifying effect, as the circulation of blood and lymph is increased to the tissue being worked. Drinking water helps the body to clear the metabolic wastes that are cleared from the tissue during massage. Drinking water is particularly important if you have had any Manual Lymphatic Drainage during your massage, as this will help reduce the likelihood of feeling unwell after a session of MLD [see above].
Q: How can I maximise the results of my massage?
A: Application of heat to any tender, post-massage muscles may help to reduce the tenderness and keep muscles warm and pliable. Avoid a heavy workout after massage, as this may "undo" the effects of the massage by creating tension in muscles which have just had the tension massaged out of them. Leave the heavy workouts for 24-48 hours after your massage, to allow the body to adjust to the changes made to the posture and soft tissue during massage. A light run or some gentle stretching will be more beneficial to you after a massage than an heavy workout. Additionally, any exercises I recommend during a consultation will be of great value, as these are designed to address any muscle imbalances (too weak or too strong) that may be contributing to your discomfort, pain &/or poor posture.
Q: Is there anything I can do in addition to massage to relieve my pain?
A: Of course! Massage is only one part of the therapeutic process! During your massage consultation, I will advise exercises that are designed to address any muscle/postural imbalances you may have that are contributing to your pain. These exercises can take the form of either stretching or strengthen exercises, and all are able to be done at home with minimal or no special equipment. Additionally, I will usually recommend the use of either heat or ice therapy, depending on your injury, and I will refer you to the appropriate Allied Health Professional (GP, physiotherapist, osteopath, acupuncturist, etc.) if needed.
Q. Must I completely undress to receive Remedial Massage Therapy?
A: Firstly, you MUST keep underwear on at all times during Remedial Massage! Generally, I recommend removing shirt, pants & bras (women) as well as any jewellery, as this will allow you to be more comfortable whilst laying on the table and therefore you relax more completely. I will keep you covered with clean towels to maintain warmth and modesty, exposing only the areas on which I am working as I come to them. Of course, if I am only massaging your legs, for example, then you are more than welcome to keep on a shirt or singlet, provided that you are aware that there is a slight risk of getting massage balm on the clothing (I will do my best to avoid this). Please note that I do not massage through clothing, as the techniques I utilise require skin-to-skin contact to be effective.
Q. Why don't you use Massage / Aromatherapy Oils?
A. The type of massage that I do requires that I get a reasonable "grip" on the soft tissue that I am massaging. This is especially important in Myofascial Release. During the course of my Massage career, I have trialled many different massage oils, waxes & balms, and have found that the balms generally have a better consistency - not too slippery, not too thick - for the Remedial Massage techniques that I utilise. Simply put, oils are just too slippery. They are also much more messy than massage balms. I also make it standard practice to keep some plain Sorbolene Cream on hand for those people with extra-sensitive skin &/or allergies.
Q: Can I claim a rebate from my Private Health Fund?
A: I am registered Remedial Massage Provider with most Private Health Funds, so you should be able to claim a rebate back on my massage services, provided you have the appropriate cover. Refer to your Private Health Fund to see if you qualify for the rebate for Remedial Massage. My clinic is equipped with HICAPS facilities, so for most funds, all you will have to do is present your card, and your account will be credited with your rebate on the spot; all you will owe is the Gap. Please note that not all Health Fund participate in HICAPS for Remedial Massage (eg., HCF). If your Health Fund is currently not participating, you may still be able to claim a rebate back from your Health Fund directly: upon payment of your account, I will email you a PDF receipt that you may then submit to your Private Health Fund for rebate processing.
Q: I have massage cover with my Private Health Fund. How much rebate can I expect to get back?
A: Private Health Fund rebates for Remedial Massage vary depending on your level of cover, however the most common rebates are between $25-$40. If you are planning to claim a rebate for Remedial Massage, you should check first with your Private Health Fund to see whether you have the appropriate cover, and if so, how much you can expect to receive back.
Q: Do you make house calls?
A: No, I do not make house calls. Sorry!
