What can I expect in the consultation?
Massage is a hands on practice which involves a confidential one on one consultation with your massage therapist. A brief medical history is taken in the first consultation, which will cover relevant matters such as activities, work environment, diet and past injuries. This is taken to ensure your therapist knows how to best help you with your specific presentation.
A physical assessment is then conducted to best determine the most effective treatment for your condition.
This assessment may include:
- Physical examination
- Range of motion testing
- Postural assessment
- Orthopaedic assessment
- Neurological testing
- Active palpation
- Passive palpation
A treatment plan will then be formulated and explained to you in detail. This plan will include the hands on treatment, as well as some corrective exercises and stretches to be undertaken at home, as well as advice on management that can be undertaken by yourself between your consultations to best assist the improvement of the injury.
What treatment techniques are used?
Techniques used will vary on your presented complaint, but may include:
- Manual soft tissue techniques – such as myofascial release and deep tissue massage.
- Trigger Point Therapy- to release specific points of tension within the affected musculature
- Muscle stretching – to release areas of tension in a gentle but effective manner
- Postural corrective exercises – strengthening or stretching exercises to be undertaken at home/work
- Hot and cold therapy – the application of heat or cold onto the affected area to be done at home
I always feel a bit sore after a massage. Is this normal?
If you experience pain, headache or bruising after your treatment this can be a normal post-treatment outcome. Always check with your therapist if you are not sure of types of outcomes you could receive from the specific therapeutic massage you are to receive. If you are uncomfortable or unsure at any stage of the massage, be sure to tell your therapist.
What’s the difference between remedial massage and osteopathy?
Both treatment types have their place when it comes to your health. Remedial massage is good for when you have tired and achey muscles after exercise or sedentary periods (like at work). They can also help with general relaxation or sporting or workplce injuries to decrease muscle spasm and thereby decreasing pain.
An osteopath Melbourne will look not only at your muscles, but at the whole structure of the body to make sure that everything is aligned. They can help with more specific pain conditions where massage just isn’t enough. Osteopaths will often work together with your massage therapists to ensure the best results for you.
Inlign Osteopathy