Massage therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of normalising those tissues. It consists of manual techniques that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, and/or causing movement of or to the body.
Massage can help improve the circulation of blood and lymph, reducing muscular tension, stiffness and spasms, increasing flexibility and range of motion. In addition, it can affect the nervous system through stimulation enhancing faster tissue healing, reducing formation of excessive scar tissue, overall creating a feeling of well-being and increasing the awareness of the mind-body connection.
Swedish massage is the most commonly used form of massage and uses long gliding strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles in the direction of blood flow toward the heart. It is used to promote general relaxation, improve circulation and range of motion, and relieve muscle tension.
Deep tissue massage is used to release chronic patterns of muscular tension using slow strokes, direct pressure or friction directed across the grain of the muscles. It is applied with greater pressure and to deeper layers of muscle than Swedish, which is why it is called deep tissue and is effective for chronic muscular tension.
Sports massage uses techniques that are similar to Swedish and deep tissue, but are specially adapted to deal with the effects of athletic performance on the body and the needs of athletes regarding training, performing and recovery from injury.
Neuromuscular massage is a form of deep massage that is applied to individual muscles. It is used primarily to release trigger points (intense knots of muscle tension that refer pain to other parts of the body) and also to increase blood flow. It is often used to reduce pain. Trigger point massage and myotherapy are similar forms.
Acupressure is a basic form of therapy that applies finger or thumb pressure to specific points located on the acupuncture meridians in order to release blocked energy along these meridians that cause physical discomforts, and re-balance the energy flow.
For more on acupuncture care please follow the link to our acupuncture service page.
Unfortunately in most cases massage therapy is not covered by ACC. However, in specific cases ACC may accept massage therapy as a covered service.
No, you can make an appointment with us (09 623 1578) without getting a referral for massage therapy.
Yes, we offer a 10 minute complementary appointment that can be booked with our massage therapist for you to find out if you are a suitable candidate for our services.
This consists of a thorough health history and assessment focused on your area of concern. The findings will provide us with a better understanding of your condition and best plan of action. Moreover, in the absence of significant contraindications, the practitioner will carry out the necessary treatment indicated. The overall period of the consultation will vary depending on your desired time slot and what the practitioner’s recommendation is for optimum therapeutic effect to take place.
/ 30 Min
/ 60 Min
/ 90 Min