2 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 MIND&BODY THE WEST AUSTRALIAN

Mind&Body Wellbeing Getaways in WA 2

If you’re after a relaxingmassage, a remedial massageprobably isn’t for you. But ifyou are after a solution to pain,this no-nonsense massage may

well be what your tense or seized-upbody needs.

According to Peter Bensley, asenior massage therapist atMandurah-based Applied BodyTherapeutics, remedial massage canbe considered the banner underwhich many massage techniques aregrouped.

“Remedial massage requires a highlevel of training and skill across abroad range of massage modalities,”he said. “Simply put, a therapisttrained in remedial-massage therapy

is able to use numerous techniques totreat a broad range of physicalconditions.”

Aesthetic Beauty and Massagetherapist Linda Zani said it wasimportant that a remedial-massagetherapist had a thoroughcomprehension of anatomy andphysiology to be able to correctlyidentify postural deviations,muscular tension and determine whythe patient required treatment.

“In the case of remedial massage,we are looking to remedy a specificmuscular complaint or concern, suchas muscle tightness in the neck andshoulder, and looking at why thatconcern exists,” she said.

Ms Zani said when the reason for

the ailment was determined, thecause could be addressed and amassage-treatment plan begun.

The therapist should also educatethe patient on how to avoidrecurrence of the problem.

Remedial massage could addressmany concerns.

“Some of the more commoncomplaints include rotator cuffconcerns, lower back pain, sciatica,tennis elbow, whiplash, tensionheadaches, pre and post-sportsactivity, poor posture, tightnessin shoulders and neck,” Ms Zanisaid.

According to remedial massagetherapist and owner of Victoria ParkSports Massage Clinic Esmat Parkar,other problems that may be helpedinclude aches and pains, headachesand migraines, asthmatic orbronchial problems and digestiveproblems and stomach cramps.

She said people should generallynot expect a remedial massage to beparticularly restful.

“Remedial massage is not exactlyrelaxing but at the same time if yourmuscles are too tight they find it veryhard to relax, and having massagejust for relaxation is only going togive you temporary relief for one totwo hours,” she said. “It is better tosort out problematic muscles beforethey give you grief.”

Depending on the ailment, McParkar said the massage could begentle, strong, shallow or deep and asa variety of techniques were oftenused, patients could expect a range ofdifferent massage strokes to be used.

“Many of the more widely usedtechniques by therapists includetrigger points and deep-tissue work,most appropriate for muscletightness and aches, manuallymphatic drainage forpost-operative swelling, swollen legspost-flying or lymphoedema,” shesaid.

Proprioceptive neuromuscularfacilitation stretches can also beincorporated to improve the strengthor flexibility of specific muscles.

“Many remedial massagetherapists offer reflexology as one oftheir services,” Ms Zani said.

Mr Bensley said remedial massagewas specific to the injury beingtreated and, depending on the natureof the injury, usually was not a simpleone-off fix but rather a program oftreatments that restored normalfunction back to the injured area.

Using an example of lower backpain and discomfort, he said thetherapist might use techniques suchas trigger-point therapy, myofascialrelease, sports massage techniquesand deep tissue massage to relieve thecause and symptoms.

“In treating bronchial conditions,the therapist may use Swedishmassage techniques such astapotement, lymphatic drainagetechniques and perhaps reflexologyto alleviate the symptoms and to helpthe body to heal itself,” Mr Bensleysaid.

Meanwhile, a sports injury couldbe treated with lymphatic-drainagetechniques, cross-fibreimmobilisation techniques,myofascial release and sportsmassage to reduce swelling andincrease range of motion.

Ms Parkar said most remedialmassage encouraged the disposal ofwaste from muscles, breaking downscar tissue and fibrous tissue whichrestricted the body.

“Breaking down scar tissue andfibrous tissue improves the range ofmovement, restoring greatermobility and elasticity to the jointsand helping clients achieve goodposture, which helps them withchronic pain and musculoskeletalproblems,” she said.

Ms Parkar said patients with highfever, infectious disease, thrombosis,cancer and major heart conditionsshould not undergo remedialmassage or should seek medicalpermission before doing so.

Several health funds offer rebatesfor remedial massage.

KNEAD OUT THE KNOTS

Depending on the ailment, themassage could be gentle, strong,

shallow or deep and as a variety oftechniques were often used, patients

could expect a range of differentmassage strokes to be used.

When muscles andtendons becomeknotted, damaged,tense or immobile,remedial massagemay help. MayaAnderson reports.

THE TEAMFEATURES EDITOR:

Helen Winterton, 9482 3574,features@wanews.com.au

EDITOR: Monica Videnieks, 9482 3347 DESIGN: Vickie Papadopoulos

SALES MANAGER: Belinda Dolan, 9482 3467 ADVERTISING: Lisa Rogers, 9482 3563

Welcome to Mind&Body’s wellbeing in WA special edition.Wellbeing travel is more than just a buzz phrase. It’s all

about taking time to nourish the soul. And what better wayto get away, take stock and appreciate life than by travellingin Western Australia?

In this edition, we’ll show you the importance of gettingaway; even if it’s just for a night to an out-of-town retreat orpacking up the kids for a camping trip to one of WA’sstunning national parks. If it’s luxury you are after, WA hasplenty of top-end resorts ready to cater for your everyrejuvenation need.

WA is also home to some premier eco-holiday retreatswhere you can be sure to leave a light footprint on thelandscapes you visit.

The Rottnest Wellness Centre is offering one luckyMind&Body reader and a friend a getaway filled withindulgence, so turn to page 6 for details.

After a wellbeing holiday, you’ll return home with morethan just photos.

Enjoy,

Monica Videnieks, Mind&Body editor.

EDITOR’SNOTE