:: Important Notice ::
I am no longer available for consultations at Urban Healing in Newtown, nor at City Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre in Sydney CBD; I have recently opened my very own practice in Sydney CBD, opposite NSW Parliament House, at 195 Macquarie Street. If would like to make an appointment for a consultation, please ring my mobile on 0405 792 425.
Additionally, I have a new website, which will contain the most current information about my new practice. Please CLICK HERE to visit this website for more information on rates, booking policies, etc.
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:: A Typical Consult ::
I take pride in my personalised, holistic approach to Massage Therapy. During your first consult, we will confidentially go over your personal medical history as well as discuss any particular issues you are hoping to address with Massage. I will assess your posture and movement, paying particular attention to your body's muscle balance, and we will then confer together to come up with a Massage Plan that is tailored to suit your own body's needs. Upon completion of the massage, I will advise you of any particular exercises (strengthening or stretching) that you may do at home to improve your injury/posture. During subsequent therapy sessions, we will briefly discuss your progress and adjust the Massage Plan and exercises accordingly, or discuss referral to a doctor, physiotherapist, acupuncturist or other specialised medical professional if required. Please note that all consultations include assessment, as well as Massage Therapy. Please plan your time appropriately!
:: Remedial Massage Therapy ::
In my experience, every client is an individual, and therefore a more well-rounded approach that incorporates a number of techniques often yields better results. Every Massage Therapist develops his or her own style and preference for certain techniques. In particular, a typical therapy session by me may include the following types of Remedial Massage:
In my experience, every client is an individual, and therefore a more well-rounded approach that incorporates a number of techniques often yields better results. Every Massage Therapist develops his or her own style and preference for certain techniques. In particular, a typical therapy session by me may include the following types of Remedial Massage:
Myofascial Release & Trigger Point Therapy
Poor posture does not happen overnight. Improper biomechanics, physical injury and even emotional stress can cause the body's intricate fascial web - the web-like system of connective tissue that integrates the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the body - to become constricted and unbalanced, giving rise to chronic postural imbalances, reduced joint mobility, and muscle aches, pains and dysfunction. In turn, this may lead to a predisposed tendency toward strains, compensatory patterns and the development of chronic and/or acute injuries. Myofascial Release (MFR) addresses poor posture by addressing uneven tension within the body's myofascial tracts. Deep compression and stretching along these tracts, as well as gentle “unwinding” of the fascia, releases these constrictions, thus relieving pressure on the associated muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, bones and joints. This aids in improving flexibility and mobility, as well as improving posture and biomechanics. Additionally, application of sustained, direct pressure to the trigger points that are found within the fascia - the "knots" in a muscle that often refer pain to other areas of the body - may be used to deactivate these tender points. This technique is known as Trigger Point Therapy.
Orthopaedic Massage
Suffering from an injury or poor posture? Orthopaedic Massage assists in injury recovery & postural improvement by increasing soft tissue flexibility, reducing muscle tension & spasm, restoring normal range of motion to affected joints, and addressing the biomechanical dysfunctions which caused the injury or postural problem in the first place. In particular, the restoration of normal, pain-free movement is crucial to a speedy yet thorough recovery, and is the aim of Orthopaedic Massage. This is achieved through deep compression techniques and friction along or against the grain of the muscle fibres, as well as kneading the impaired tissue to increase local blood flow to the affected area. Additionally, a specialised form of therapist-assisted stretching called "Muscle Energy Technique" (or "MET") may be used during to increase movement & mobility. This technique involves brief contraction of a specific group of muscles, followed by relaxation of those muscles and gentle movement into a new, improved range of motion.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is specialised form of massage that addresses the body’s lymphatic system - the network of vessels and glands which forms the body’s front line defence against infection, and is also integral to the transportation of metabolic wastes, toxins, excess water and bacteria out of the body. However, the lymphatic system can become overloaded or sluggish due to injury, infection, poor diet, inactivity or stress. Manual Lymphatic Drainage employs superficial gliding and “pumping” techniques directed towards the heart to assist in removal of excess lymphatic fluid, toxins and metabolic waste products, as well as stimulate the lymphatic system. This type of may be beneficial to those who suffer from peripheral swelling (such as swelling associated with sprains and strains), sinus problems, fatigue, fluid retention, low immunity or allergies.
Sports Massage
Athletes place a considerable amount of strain on their bodies. Sports Massage prior to a sporting activity or exercise may enhance performance and endurance, and minimise risk of injury; in contrast, Sports Massage following sports activity or exercise aims to reduce muscle tension, assist in recovery, restore flexibility and aid in the increase of blood flow and lymph to muscles that have been placed under exertion. Sports Massage utilises deep frictions into the muscle tissue to loosen "knots"; Myofascial Release techniques to lengthen contracted muscle tissue & improve joint mobility; Manual Lymphatic Drainage to reduce swelling and inflammation that may be present within muscle tissue after strenuous exercise; vibration and percussive (brisk tapping and hacking) techniques to loosen muscle tissue without losing muscle activation; and therapist-assisted stretching to increase muscle flexibility. Regular Sports Massage between competitions helps to decrease recovery time between training sessions, thereby increasing your overall training efficiency.
Relaxation (Swedish) Massage
More and more scientific research is coming to light that draws a link between our hectic, stress-filled modern lives and the rising rates of chronic diseases such as heart disease, chronic pain syndromes, auto-immune diseases and cancer. Relaxation Massage aims to decrease stress & tension within the body by gently releasing "pent-up" muscle tension, through gentle kneading and calming, therapeutic touch. Additionally, it acts to increase blood flow to the muscles and stimulate the body's own detoxification process and immune response, thus helping to promote health & well-being in today's fast-paced & stress-inducing world.
:: Pregnancy Massage ::
The demands and physical limitations of pregnancy require a specialised approach to Remedial Massage Therapy. When applied correctly, Pregnancy Massage is a safe and natural form of massage therapy that helps to relieve the muscular tension and pain often experienced by expectant &/or new mothers, due to the multitude of physical changes a woman’s body undergoes during and after pregnancy. Pregnancy Massage utilises various Remedial techniques, including Myofascial Release, Orthopaedic Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage & Relaxation (Swedish) Massage.
Whilst special care must be taken during the first trimester, Pre-natal Pregnancy Massage may be applied throughout the entire pregnancy to treat as well as to assist in the prevention of muscular cramps, chronic muscle tension, lower back pain, and peripheral swelling. In contrast, Post-natal Pregnancy Massage may be used after birth once your doctor has given consent for massage, to help restore normal muscular balance, ease swelling, and reduce the arm, neck & shoulder strain that is often experienced by nursing mothers.
Please Note:
Remedial Massage Consultations are available for 30min, 60min or 90min duration, however new clients & clients with new injuries will benefit more from a consultation of at least 60 minutes duration. Pregnancy Massage is available for 60min or 90min. Please see "A Typical Consultation" at the top of the page for important information in what is included within these time frames.
