Massage Therapy in Mount Barker
When tight, tired muscles are making everyday movement uncomfortable, massage therapy at Chiropractic Family Care can offer a hands-on way to address areas that need attention. Remedial massage therapist Amalie Maier takes an individual approach to each appointment, considering how your body feels, what you’ve been doing and what you’d like to get from your session.
Amalie takes time to listen, understand your preferences and adjust your massage as needed. Whether you spend long hours at a desk, work in a physically demanding trade, play sport or simply carry a lot of day-to-day tension, your session can be adapted to suit you.
More Than One Type of Massage
No two people arrive feeling exactly the same, which is why there isn’t a standard routine you’ll receive every time. Your session may focus on one area or incorporate different hands-on techniques depending on your needs and preferences.
Options available include:
- Remedial Massage: Focuses on specific areas of muscular tightness, tension or discomfort. Your session may also incorporate stretching and strengthening techniques based on what is appropriate for you.
- Sports and Deep Tissue Massage: Uses firmer pressure and deeper techniques to work with tight, strained or heavily used muscles, making it an option for active people as well as those experiencing muscular aches and tension.
- Trigger Point Techniques: Focused pressure is applied to specific areas of tight soft tissue, including areas that may be associated with discomfort felt elsewhere in the body.
- Therapeutic and Relaxation Massage: A gentler, flowing style of massage for people looking to slow down, unwind and enjoy a less intensive session.
- Myofascial Release: Uses slow, gentle stretching techniques to work with fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles and other structures throughout the body.
- Dry Needling: Fine needles may be applied to selected trigger points within muscles as part of a massage session when appropriate and with your agreement.
- Cupping: Uses cups to create suction over selected areas of the skin and may be incorporated alongside other massage techniques according to your needs and preferences.
You don’t need to know which technique you want before you arrive. Your massage therapist will listen to what you’re experiencing, discuss your preferences and determine which approaches may be suitable for that particular appointment. Techniques and pressure can also be adjusted during your session.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your first visit begins with a confidential health history form followed by a conversation about why you’ve booked, what you’d like to focus on and the pressure you prefer. From there, your massage therapist can discuss the techniques that may be appropriate for your session.
Comfort and privacy are priorities throughout. Respectful draping is used so that only the area being worked on is uncovered, and underwear remains on during your appointment.
Most importantly, communication continues once your massage begins. Some days you may want firmer work; on others, lighter pressure may feel more appropriate. Your massage can be adjusted as you go rather than following a one-size-fits-all routine.
After Your Massage
How you feel following a massage can vary from one appointment to another. Depending on the techniques and pressure used, Amalie notes that some people may experience temporary muscle soreness, while others may feel little or no soreness afterwards.
She commonly encourages clients to stay hydrated and give themselves time to rest after their appointment. Gentle stretching or walking may also be appropriate. If you’re planning a gym session or other strenuous activity, Amalie may suggest taking things a little easier depending on the massage you’ve received and how you’re feeling.
A warm shower may also feel comfortable afterwards. Most importantly, pay attention to how your body feels and allow your activity levels to reflect that.
Massage Appointment Times and Fees
Massage appointments are available in several lengths, giving you the flexibility to choose an option that suits your needs and schedule. Current fees, including GST, are as follows:
- 30 minutes — $85
- 45 minutes — $105
- 60 minutes — $125
- 90 minutes — $175
For an initial consultation, an additional $10 and 10 minutes are added to your chosen appointment time. Private health fund rebates may also apply for eligible remedial massage services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you recommend chiropractic and massage?
Both massage and chiropractic work in harmony to help keep the body properly aligned, balanced and functioning optimally.
What should I wear to the massage appointment?
While most people undress completely, some elect to leave some clothing on such as underwear. You choose what level of comfort is right for you. Your massage therapist will respect your privacy at all times.
What will the massage feel like?
Deep tissue massage or trigger point therapies use deeper pressure and more intensive techniques. The pressure should always be within your comfort level. If you would like to receive less or more pressure at any time, just let your therapist know.
Massage That Fits Into Your Overall Care
Massage therapy at Chiropractic Family Care can complement your overall care, with each session tailored to your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for personalised massage therapy in Mount Barker, contact us to book an appointment with Amalie.
