What is Remedial Massage Therapy?

Remedial Massage Therapy is a massage-based application that uses massage techniques to treat musculoskeletal issues. The remedial therapist will assess and identify which areas of the body require treatment, and use a range of massage-based techniques to optimise muscle function.

Remedial massage can help with a variety of issues, including; pain or tightness, sore muscles, injury management or prevention, postural issues, headaches, joint pain, flexibility issues, anxiety and depression and repetitive strain injuries.

How is Remedial Massage Therapy performed?

Massage is simply the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body—the muscles, tendons and ligaments. A massage therapist’s hands are her most important tool, which she uses to treat patients, and also to identify physical and bio-mechanical problems. The therapist palpates the patient’s body to determine the condition of the tissues and the source of any pain, and suggests the correct form of remedial treatment based on her analysis.

What to consider when selecting a Remedial Massage therapist

Choosing a remedial therapist can be challenging, especially if you have never received Remedial Massage treatment before. Massage is a patient-centred therapy. Your therapist should discuss your treatment plan with you and establish goals.

Here are some questions you should consider when selecting a Remedial Massage Therapist.

• What formal qualifications do you have?
• Are you a member of a professional association?
• Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
• Do you have a current first aid certificate?
• Can I claim this treatment through my private health insurance? (you must have appropriate extras cover, please check with your health fund to ensure you have the adequate coverage). Please be aware that some Remedial Massage Therapists choose not to become accredited with the Health Funds and this doesn’t reflect their ability to provide a professional service, for these practitioners you will not be able to seek health fund rebates.
• What sort of assessments will you do in the initial treatment? Will you ask for a medical history?
• Will I be draped with towel(s) throughout the treatment? What clothing will I need to remove?

At your appointment, a MAA Health Fund accredited remedial massage therapist should:

• Provide a clean, safe and comfortable environment before, during and after the massage.
• Conduct a thorough case assessment, including relevant medical history.
• Explain the nature of the massage and techniques to be used in advance of the treatment.
• Offer you the opportunity to consent to the massage techniques and approaches, including manual pressure, used in the treatment.
• Give you the option to ask questions and receive professional responses.
• Give you privacy while changing and the right to remove clothing only to your level of comfort.
• Provide appropriate and secure draping throughout the treatment by a sheet, towel or blanket, with only the area being massaged exposed.