What is Massage?

Massage is the manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body (e.g. muscles, tendons, ligaments, connective tissue) to enhance function, aid healing and promote health and well-being.

There are many different levels of skill that a Massage Therapist can train to achieve:

Massage Therapist: Certificate iv is the basic level required. The Massage Therapist can perform basic relaxation techniques only.

Remedial Massage Therapist: Diploma of Remedial Massage Therapy. The Remedial Massage Therapist can treat basic aches and pains.

Soft Tissue Therapist: In NSW there is no official qualification for this advanced level of training. The Soft Tissue Therapist is someone who has extensive training and is able to assess, treat and manage aches, pains and injuries, whether they are sport or workplace problems. They will also refer you to other appropriate medical professionals if necessary.

Techniques used:

• Long strokes for relaxation & working superficial tissue.
• Broad strokes for reducing swelling or inflammation.
• Trigger Point Therapy for alleviation of trigger points.
• Myofascial Therapy (muscle and fascia) for flexibility, to mobilize connective tissue, for alleviating fibrous adhesions and decreasing scar tissue.
• Frictions for breaking down adhesions, promoting healing (particularly in tendon pathologies) and decreasing pain perception.
• Sustained Digital Pressure for alleviating tight areas of muscle and fascia.
• Other techniques such as ART (Active Release Techniques), Myofascial Release and Deep Tissue Massage are all derivatives of the techniques above. They are NOT unique techniques with unique results.