Massage Therapy

Massage therapy dates back thousands of years. References to massage appear in ancient writings from China, Japan, India, and Egypt.

In Australia, massage therapy is used as a complementary or standalone therapy.

The practice of massage therapy involves more than applying massage techniques. Massage therapy as a health care approach sits within the wellness model and aims to support clients in balancing mental, emotional, and physical needs. Often a variety of techniques and styles of massage therapy are applied depending on the principle goal of the massage therapy session.

The principle goal of a massage session may include: relaxation massage; clinical/remedial/therapeutic massage; movement re-education, and energy work. Massage techniques may include, for example, Swedish massage, where the therapist uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration, and tapping; deep tissue massage; myofascial release; neuromuscular therapy and trigger point therapy.

Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension. Massage therapy appears to have few risks when performed by a qualified practitioner.