WHAT IS THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE?

Massage is the manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissue i.e. skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia, by the application of touch, stroking, friction, vibration, percussion, kneading, stretching and compression.
Therapeutic massage is the promotion of a beneficial change or the support of a current healing process with the use of massage.
Pressure and stretching techniques on the skin stimulate other organs, vessels, glands and tissues.
This can lead to beneficial effects on the heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, respiration and the immune system. This stimulation also releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers.

THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE?

There are numerous physical and psychological benefits in having regular massages. A massage session can help with the following:
  • Decrease of muscle tension and stiffness
  • Increase of blood circulation and lymph flow (removal of excess fluid from tissue, clearing wastes from the body, increasing oxygen supply to muscles)
  • Increase the speed of muscle and tissue recovery after exercise
  • Reduce nerve irritability and pain
  • Improve lung function
  • Encourage good energy flow – improve general vitality and promote relaxation
  • Facilitate the healing process
  • Promote general well-being due to the powerful communication of touch

AVAILABLE MASSAGE SERVICES

The massage services provided by your therapist include:
  • Pre-massage assessment – includes general health discussion, clinical tests and muscle palpation
  • Therapeutic Massage to help with relief of muscle soreness / tension and/or injury recovery
  • Therapeutic Massage to help alleviate symptoms of specific health conditions
  • Deep Tissue Massage to target specific muscles and assist in injury rehabilitation
  • Sports massage - incorporating pre- and post-event sports massage, modified massage to suit the training level of the athlete, and stretching
  • Relaxation Massage to assist with stress relief and help promote general well-being
  • Post-care advice – includes stretching and strengthening exercises, education to prevent injury and promote general well-being, postural and rehabilitation information including possible referral advice

A TYPICAL MASSAGE SESSION

The following details a typical massage session:
  • You are welcome to bring a family member, whanau, friend, caregiver and/or interpreter to your massage session with you. Your children are also welcome as long as they are quiet and remain in the massage room, but remember it is your massage session and your focus needs to be on you, not your children
  • You, the client, will be asked to complete an information form about your general health, what you would like to achieve with the massage session as well as give your consent for massage treatment
  • The therapist will discuss with you, your health, your session and treatment goals and will conduct a health assessment which may consist of a few clinical tests and/or muscle palpation. This information will be used to identify the main focus areas and the best treatment plan for you
  • You will be informed of the session treatment plan before the massage commences, so modifications can be made to any parts of the session treatment that are not amenable to you
  • The therapist will leave the room to allow you to disrobe. You will be expected to leave your underpants on and to lie on the massage table covered in large towels
  • Music may be played during the session to enhance your relaxation – it is your choice
  • Your massage session will commence. Your massage will be performed at your comfort levels to achieve your treatment goals – it is your choice
  • At all times you will be treated with care, skill, dignity and respect, and you have the right to withdraw from your session/treatment at any stage
  • After your massage session your therapist will leave the room to allow you to redress in private
  • You will be given a glass of water, that will help flush waste products from your body
  • Your therapist will discuss your massage session, the results, possible effects and any post care advice with you

POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF YOUR MASSAGE

A lot of people feel relaxed or energised with eased muscle tension but some people can experience negative effects (usually mild) as the body purges waste products during the massage.
You may experience:
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Headaches
  • Tiredness
  • Rash
  • Blocked/runny nose
  • Tender or sore muscles
After a deeper massage, your muscles may feel quite tender or sore (possibly for a few days) before the benefits of your massage are felt.
You can alleviate soreness by applying an ice-pack for up to 20 mins (don’t apply directly to the skin) or antiflamme to the affected area.
These effects are generally reduced with regular massage.
Please contact your massage therapist if you are unsure about any of your reactions.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO AFTER A MASSAGE SESSION

For your body to get the maximum benefit from a massage session, it is recommended that following a massage you:
  • Rest – to allow the body to incorporate any changes made during the massage
  • Drink lots of water – sip rather than gulp to allow the water to seep through your system. Water will flush waste products that have been activated during your massage, out of your body
  • Follow any other instructions given to you by your massage therapist
CURRENT CHARGES (1 Hour Session)
Adults
$70
Seniors (65+)
$65
​Children (3 years until end of high school)
$55
Gift vouchers available
Payment by Cash or Internet Banking