How wonderful would it be to have a ‘magic pill’ that eases pain, boosts the immune system, relaxes the mind, lifts the mood and manages or prevents injuries?

This treatment is just one fluffy white robe away, with remedial massage breaking new grounds in effectiveness based on scientific research. As alternative therapies quietly branch into mainstream therapies through effective research and effective results, more and more doctors are encouraging clients to incorporate massage and other therapies into their health routines.

The healthcare revolution in Australia means that more and more doctors are embracing natural medicine and therapeutic techniques such as remedial massage, to ensure the best in preventative medicine for their patients.

According to a World Heath Organisation study, 48% of Australians have used an alternative therapy treatment at least once, with the majority of these participants indicating they will continue to use massage and other treatments. So it makes sense that the medical world recognizes the effectiveness of these treatments in the overall health of Australians. Solid evidence supports these therapies as effective alternatives and support systems to surgery and drugs for a whole host of conditions.

The proof is in the pudding (or the hands)

Alternative therapies have thousands of years of empirical data in terms of use and effectiveness, and so with the introduction of the evidence-based medical model (scientific research) massage had the opportunity to prove its worth in clinical studies.

A recent study ay the Cedars-Sinai Medical Research facility in Los Angeles demonstrated that a 45-minute massage produced a major surge in white blood cells that fight bacteria and virus. It also reduced production of substances that cause inflammation and trigger allergies and asthma.

The same study demonstrated that when asked, 39% of massage subjects said their back pain was better or completely gone compared with 4% who followed their usual self-care strategy.

Massage, more than just a treat

Massage is an enjoyable means of increasing circulation, flexibility, joint range of movement as well as promoting relaxation and peace of mind. So whether you are a recreational or professional athlete, you are experiencing discomfort from work posture, simply require relaxation or are already enjoying the benefits of massage our team can help ensure you enjoy pure wellbeing everyday.

There are a range of other benefits, some of which are:

Stimulate blood circulation and oxygen capacityRelax and loosen stiff, sore muscles after exerciseHelp posture and increase range of movementBalance and soothe the nervous systemMaintain/ increase flexibilityInjury rehabilitation

We also find massage to be incredibly effect in helping clients manage headaches and migraines, brought on my upper back and neck tension.

And it doesn’t stop there. Specific styles of massage, tailored to help the body manage and adapt to muscular and skeletal changes, include pregnancy and sports massage. These massage styles are very effective in preventing pain and injury as they work with the body to help overcome muscle tension and nerve pain.

Australian Health Funds and Remedial Massage

Every major Health Fund in Australia recognizes remedial massage and other alternative therapies in basic ‘extras’ cover, to ensure Australians have the opportunity to practice preventative treatments for their overall health and wellbeing.

As a remedial massage therapist, Chontelle at Pure Wellbeing Massage has trained to the top level of qualification to ensure she is recognized by all Health Funds that offer remedial massage rebates, to help our clients optimize their health and vitality.

Straight away you're probably thinking this is one of those blogs that talks about the danger of too much caffeine or caffeine and our health, but rest assured, it's not. I love coffee! BUT, as our family re-located, simplified and fine-tuned our lives to be a little freer, and live a little better, our weekly income was effected and we had to find ways to do the things we wanted but with less to spend.

We moved away from the well paid job in the town we loved, but without access to the lifestyle that we loved, to the location and lifestyle we loved, without the well paid job.

Now as someone who thrives on looking after herself in health, fitness and wellness, and encouraging others to do the same, finding the resources to maintain a monthly massage as an important part of my personal wellness approach meant doing things differently.

So I said farewell to buying the daily Flat White, started enjoying my home-made brews, and said hello to my new massage therapist (and I have never looked back or felt more relaxed!)!

I guess, what I'm saying is that what is important to our individual needs is within our grasp if we look at things differently. Putting yourself as a priority in your life is not out of reach. Whether you're a mum, dad, sister, brother, daughter or friend, you can't give from an empty bucket when you're looking after others. So it's important to keep the bucket topped up.

It's important to me to find balance through massage and I often hear people say they would love to incorporate it into their life but its not affordable or its just a 'treat'. But where are you placing your own happiness and health in your list of priorities? Is it time to sit down and re-prioritise? Are you feeling happy on a daily basis or just floating on and making do?

Whether its massage, yoga class, meditation, a facial or taking yourself to your favourite restaurant once in a while its ok to give yourself these opportunities regularly and fill up your bucket. You deserve it.

PS. I still enjoy a bought Flat White on occasion but now that really is a 'treat'.

The weather is warming up and many of us have started enjoying the earlier sunshine with a walk or jog in the Great Outdoors. With such a beautiful vista in our surrounding countryside there’s no better time to get that fitness regime moving.

So whether you’re training for an event (Running season is upon us) or simply increasing your fitness it’s important to continue to look after your muscles with regular Sports or Remedial Massage.

You don’t need to be an elite athlete to take care of your body with sports massage when preparing for a sports event. Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth fun run, half-marathon, triathlon or full marathon, training for your event definitely takes its toll on your body.

As you increase your training load muscles undergo adaptation to become stronger and able to support the increased activity. Bones also experience adaptation to be able to support the increased training load.

Common injuries can include stress fractures, muscular tears and insertion points, as well as constriction which can result in limited joint and muscle range-of-movement. If not taken care of, these injuries can result in long-term damage or scar tissue and the last thing you want when preparing for an event is to not be able to get to the finish line!

During your training season the frequency of remedial and sports massage is dependant on your training program, training level, previous injuries and your biomechanics. We are all unique so what works for one person, may not work for the next person.

As well as maintaining your body for running, regular remedial and Sports massage will also help:

increase oxygen supply to the musclesincrease joint range-of-movement to optimise your training programrelax your nervous systemincrease muscle spindle flexibilityaid muscle recovery after a big training session

Sports massage pre-event is aimed at working with your neuro-muscular system to help muscles adapt to these changes. Through techniques such as PNF (Proprio Neuromuscular Facilitaion), remedial stretching and trigger point, Sports massage will keep the muscles flexible and reduce the chance of injury, plus decrease scar tissue.

Post-event (within 1 – 3 days after your race) it’s important to help the body flush the lactic acid build up from the race, as well as reduce muscle tension and stiffness. The style of massage used post -event is aimed at helping flush through your lympatic system as well as continue to stretch your muscles to get you back to your training much quicker.

Book your pre and post event massage now at our Corlette Massage clinic by calling 0406 039 877.

Pure Wellbeing Massage and Natural Therapies will open in Nelson Bay for home visits and clinic appointments in March 2017.

Relocating from Orange NSW, Pure Wellbeing specialise in Pregnancy and Remedial Massage with a therapeutic massage that will really hit the spot. Whether pain management or relaxation, there is nothing better than Pure Wellbeing!

For the month of March enjoy $10 off all 60 minute appointments when you mention this offer.

Feeling a pinch in the leg? Pain in the bum? Limited strength or ‘fatigue’ through powerful movements? You could have what’s referred to as Piriformis Syndrome.

It can happen in everyday life, in pregnancy, in training and recreational athletes. But what causes it?

We spend a lot of our day between seated and active positions – seated at the desk, in the car, on the bike and “relaxing” on the sofa. So it’s not surprising that one of the most common complaints in leg pain that we see is referred pain in the gluteal muscles, in the hips or down the leg.

When going from a passive seated activity such as desk-work to an active seated position such as cycling, the piriformis muscle and other gluteal, leg and lower back muscles may spasm and experience discomfort.

The gluteal muscles are a powerful group of muscle responsible for a range of activities. In cycling, these powerhouse muscles are activated to increase speed and power through range-of-movement.

What is Piriformis Syndrome?

Piriformis Syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder that can result in debilitating pain through the leg, referring from the glutes to the calves. One of the causes can be muscle tension in the piriformis muscle, which can compress and irritate the sciatic nerve. The cause can also be from daily activity including excessive desk time as well as dysfunction of adjacent hip joints.

Often, cyclists, and other sportspeople, “stretch” the glutes after a training session but limit this to 1 style of stretch and may be missing the important piriformis muscle in this stretch.

From an anatomic standpoint the piriformis muscle originates from the second through fourth segments of the sacrum and travels inferior-laterally to insert on the superior aspect of the greater trochanter of the femur. When the leg is extended the piriformis acts more as an external rotator of the hip; with the leg flexed it contributes more to hip abduction.

What are some of the Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome?

You may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Pain felt in one buttock – but you may experience a radiation of pain down the back of the leg (sciatica)Pain aggravated by hip activity, eg walking, or prolonged sitting.To avoid pain and pressure on the area you may sit lopsided with your sore buttock tilted up.Sometimes, you’ll walk with the foot turned out due to shortening of the piriformis muscle.

What’s the Treatment for Piriformis Syndrome?

Orange Remedial Sports or Pregnancy massage is very effective in treating this pain, often with effective results in 2 – 3 sessions, depending on how chronic the condition is.

Using some of the following techniques your Remedial Massage therapist can help alleviate the discomfort and pain caused by this syndrome:

trigger point, passive and active assisted movement and cross-fibre work, the therapistJoint mobilisation to restore normal joint mobility, range of motion and function.General Massage to increase blood flow plus soft tissue extensibility.Stretching for muscle length and flexibilityReferral to other health practitioners including Physiotherapy, Osteopathy and Podiatry.

To ensure the best possible diagnosis of Piriformis Syndrome we recommend visiting a Physiotherapist or other Physical Therapist. Remedial and Sports Massage can be incorporated into a treatment plan to ensure effective results and improvement in your range-of-movement as well as pain management.

For more information or to book a Remedial, Sports or Pregnancy Massage appointment in Orange visit us at www.purewellbeing.com.au, click here or call 0406 039 877.

Something we often hear from our pregnant clients is ‘I wish I did this sooner’ when it comes to pregnancy massage and relieving that build up of tension and pain some can experience (plus just to provide an opportunity to lie down on your tummy and have a rest!).

So how often and how soon in pregnancy can you receive a massage?

The answer to that is anytime that you feel comfortable and ready. We look after clients from the day they discover they're pregnant to the day the bundle of joy arrives.

Pregnancy is an incredibly important time in a woman’s life, preparing for the new addition to the family, managing the changes in the body, not to mention the changes in sleep patterns. We often get asked if massage during pregnancy is beneficial and safe and the answer is yes, most definitely.

Massage can have beneficial effects on the physical and emotional changes taking place during your pregnancy as well as providing ongoing relaxation to help you really enjoy your pregnancy.

The focus during pregnancy can range from managing muscular pain, conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, reducing fluid build-up, managing joint and muscle pain and managing shifts in the body to reducing stress and anxiety. Common complaints during pregnancy include pelvic pain and sciatic or leg pain as well as water retention, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and general lower back discomfort.

Quite often mid-back pain is experienced, especially if mum-to-be is working at a computer throughout the pregnancy or has other little monkeys to pick up and run around after. Each individuals’ body responds differently to pregnancy with some lucky mums-to-be experiencing minimal discomfort. We work with you to manage what you are individually experiencing in the body to relieve discomfort.

Other benefits include:

improving energy levels and blood flow (increasing haemoglobin levels)reducing stress and thereby reducing the levels of cortisol produced by the bodyreduce fluid build-up in the lower limbs by assisting with venous returnassisting with deeper, easier breathing

Pregnancy treatments use a variety of techniques including remedial and myofascial work to enable more comfortable movement during these areas whilst relaxing the nervous system and providing mum-to-be with an opportunity for rest and relaxation.

We generally introduce massage into pregnancy at any time (doctor’s approval is required for the first trimester or during any pregnancy concerns such as high blood pressure). In the first trimester the treatment is much more gentle and is focused on calming the nervous system and managing niggles that will occur in the body.

We also encourage continued activity during pregnancy including pre-natal pilates and yoga. This can help provide pelvic stability and can be continued post-natally to aid the recovery of the pelvic floor.And don’t forget that massage during pregnancy isn’t limited to mum. Dad can also enjoy remedial and relaxation massage to help prepare him for the time ahead.

For more information on how massage in pregnancy can be beneficial for you or to book an appointment for a home visit or for our massage suite on Summer Street or Sophie Drive call 0406 039 877.

We all dream of living the life we want, filled with purpose and happy days. What many don't realise is that this can be within your grasp and the you can enjoy every day filled with peace and happiness.

We tend to distract ourselves with everyday issues and live in the land of 'one day when I have.. I will be happy', but everything we need to be happy is right now.

Permission

Give yourself permission to be happy and to do the things you want to do. We create our own set of rules to live by, based on previous experience and the world around us. We often tell ourselves 'no' before 'yes'. So start saying 'yes' to yourself and live the life you want. Whether it's getting that regular massage that you enjoy or making sure you get to your favourite yoga class, today is 'yes' day.

Be grateful

This term is often bandied around but it is so important to ensuring happiness. Our household has started a gratitude jar and we were amazed at how much we already have that we thought we needed. The simple things like food, a roof over our head and a comfy bed to sleep in really do make a difference.

Recognise

Acknowledge the areas of your life that you would like to change and devise a step-by-step plan to make this achieveable. No task is too big when broken down into small chunks.

Listen

Let your instinct and inner voice guide you. Your instinct will never leave you astray once you've learnt to really listen to it and trust it.

Remember - slow and steady wins the race and it helps to take a positive step forward every day to live the life you want, now.

The festive season is upon us and not only do we have a range of special offers on Gift vouchers, gift packs and massage treatments, but we are also open December 27 – December 29 for your post-Christmas unwind.

Stuck for a gift idea this Christmas? It’s happened again, Christmas is sneaking up on us and it’s time to start thinking about gifts for friends and family.

Buy them a rejuvenating massage with and receive a free 20minute massage for yourself! . Our amazing range of massage vouchers are the perfect present for a loved one or yourself. We can deliver by post up until December 22, or hand deliver from the 22nd to the 24th in Orange.

We also have a range of special offer massage gift vouchers, especially for the festive season. Choose from :

Spoiling 3 friends or family members (or yourself) with 3 x 30minute massages for $99 (save $36)Buy 2 x 60minute massage gift vouchers and save $20

Simply select the gift voucher and massage type from the drop down list and pay securely using PayPal. Vouchers will be delivered to your door within 2 – 3 business days so all you need to do is enjoy the smiles when they open their presents.

CLICK here to purchase a gift voucher online

You spend a long time finding the right therapist only for them to move or have a break. It can be frustrating going through the trial and error of finding a new therapist so here are a few tips on questions to ask before and at your appointment (quite often you can find information from their website as well):

Are they Health Fund accredited? This is an important point for many people as claiming a rebate helps cover the cost of the treatment. Also check they can issue you with a Health Fund receipt on the day of your massage appointment.What is their background or experience in relation to your specific need? Eg sports injury, pregnancy or helping relaxation.Do they ask questions about your health background and injuries? This is important to get an understanding of why your muscles behave the way they do and what is causing your nigglesDo they ask you if you’re on medication? Different medications may heighten your sensitivity to touch or may increase your circulation (eg Warfarin) so it’s important theyunderstand how your medication affects your bodyDo they ask you what pressure you would prefer? There is no right and wrong, it is an individual choiceDo they explain how they will proceed with the treatment – what muscles they are treating and in which order? You may have a specific area you don’t want treated so this is a great time to mention it.Do they ask you if you would like conversation? Not all clients want to have a social chat so it’s important that your therapist understands when you just want to zone out.Do they check in with you on your preferred massage pressure? Different parts of the body have different sensitivities, eg calves may not want as much pressure as shouldersDo they ask if you want a head massage? As delicious as they are, not all clients enjoy a head massage and if you have recently had your hair styled you may not relax during this treatmentDo they check in at the end of the session to see how you are feeling and offer you water? You may feel that your neck needs a few extra minutes so this is a great time to ask

Another sign of a great therapist is if they offer stretches to help you maintain your muscle relaxation between massages. Often muscle tension is caused by daily stress and muscle strain so regular stretching can prevent tension buildup.

Before you buy that gift voucher for a loved one, it's worth running through this list to make sure you are getting the best therapist in town.

And remember, massage can be an integral part of your wellness routine so once you find a great therapist spread the word!

We all experience a niggle from time to time whether it’s a twinge in your shoulder, a ‘clicky wrist’ or a nagging pain in your back. Our first reaction most of the time is ‘it’s fine it will go away’ and in most cases it does. But if that niggle persists then it is probably time to do something about it.

A highly efficient warning system


We may not like it, but pain is necessary for us to function. Pain acts as a warning system to protect something else, eg pain from heat warns us to remove our body from heat to prevent further damage. Pain is our early warning system to avoid further damage.

The effectiveness of massage lies in a simple and direct strategy: working from the external, outer mechanisms of pain to the primary, root cause. Remedial Massage therapists utilize a holistic approach, focusing on the entire body system and its relationship to soft tissue. Care isn’t focused only on the site of pain.

As well as a relaxation tool, Remedial Massage is highly effective in managing pain, both mechanically and biochemically, in the body. A growing body of research shows massage therapy can be an effective part of pain relief and management.

According to research, remedial massage is effective for providing long-lasting relief for patients suffering from chronic low back pain.Massage can enhance the parasympathetic nervous system which in turn will release serotonin and other ‘relaxing’ body chemicals.Published data indicates that massage is much more effective in the treatment of chronic tension headaches by using muscle-specific techniques.By promoting muscle release, massage is a highly effective treatment in overall chronic muscle tension, preventing injury and optimizing training effectiveness.Another benefit of Sydney Remedial massage therapy from a client perspective is how it helps you become more aware of your body and better familiarize you with the pain you experience. Your Sydney Remedial Massage therapist not only helps relieve muscle and other soft tissue pain, but also provides other benefits from various other forms of massage that focus on lymph drainage and muscle pain, as well as other pain management therapies.

The fact that some hospitals are also including massage therapists in patient care teams to fight pain is a positive step forward in chronic pain management.

To book an Orange Remedial Massage call 0406 039 877.

Do you suffer from tension headaches? Is occasional or chronic neck pain becoming ‘normal’ for you? If you answered yes to either of these then you are not alone. Neck pain and tension headaches are two of the most common reasons clients visit us for treatment, often relating to poor posture or desk work.

We often wait until neck pain has become a real problem or even worse we wake up one day unable to turn our heads. You suddenly realise how much you use those muscles every day when you can’t move them.

Often this is a problem that has been building for a while and that has culminated in restricted movement, tension headaches and in some cases serious injury.

One of the most common causes of neck pain is poor posture in day- to-day activities and spending a lot of time at a desk. Plus with modern day devices such as Smart phones and tablets, we are seeing more and more clients with chronic pain from poor posutire while using these devices. We tend to hunch forward which over time overexerts the scalene muscles of the neck as well as adding pressure to the trapezius and rotator cuff muscles of the mid-back and shoulders.

How are neck pain and tension headaches related?

Tension headaches can be caused by a variety of things but one of the most common relates to neck pain. With such strong muscles in the back attaching to the base of the skull, over time these muscles can become tighter and cause tension around what is known as the sub-occipital region at the top of the neck. Because this area is also responsible for processing vision (among other things), muscle tension can reverberate to the front temples culminating in a tension headache.

Preventing neck tension and headaches

As well as stretching and maintaining correct posture, massage has been used for centuries to prevent muscle tension and promote relaxation in the body. Our team of therapists are trained in a variety of techniques including remedial, trigger point, myofascial and to manage muscle tension. These techniques work with the soft tissue as well as the neurons (proprioceptors that tell the brain how the muscle is working) to reduce muscle tension.

Massage can also help:

Stimulate nutrients in blood circulation and oxygen capacityHelp posture and increase range of movementBalance and soothe the nervous systemMaintain/ increase flexibility

By gently applying pressure and stretching the scalenes and trapezius attachments, as well as the other neck muscles, massage can help reduce the tension buildup and ease the headache.

This handy video provides a demonstration of a technique used to ease muscle tension and bring the body back into balance.

For more serious conditions we recommend working alongside a physiotherapist, Chirporactor or other health professional to ensure the most effective treatment for your needs. Our team of therapists are always on hand to chat to you about the best treatment plan for you.

To book a massage in our Orange massage suite call 0406 039 877 or visit our website at www.purewellbeing.com.au

Pregnancy is an incredibly important time in a woman’s life, preparing for the new addition to the family, managing the changes in the body, not to mention the changes in sleep patterns.

We often get asked if massage during pregnancy is beneficial and safe and the answer is yes, most definitely. Massage can have beneficial effects on the physical and emotional changes taking place during your pregnancy as well as providing ongoing relaxation to help you really enjoy your pregnancy.

The focus during pregnancy can range from managing muscular pain, conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, reducing fluid build-up, managing joint and muscle pain and managing shifts in the body to reducing stress and anxiety.

Common complaints during pregnancy include pelvic pain and sciatic or leg pain as well as water retention, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and general lower back discomfort. Quite often mid-back pain is experienced, especially if mum-to-be is working at a computer throughout the pregnancy.

Each individuals’ body responds differently to pregnancy with some lucky mums-to-be experiencing minimal discomfort. We work with you to manage what you are individually experiencing in the body to relieve discomfort.

Other benefits include:

improving energy levels and blood flow (increasing haemoglobin levels)reducing stress and thereby reducing the levels of cortisol produced by the bodyreduce fluid build-up in the lower limbs by assisting with venous returnassisting with deeper, easier breathing

Pregnancy treatments use a variety of techniques including remedial and myofascial work to enable more comfortable movement during these areas whilst relaxing the nervous system and providing mum-to-be with an opportunity for rest and relaxation.

We generally introduce massage into pregnancy at any time (doctor’s approval is required for the first trimester or during any pregnancy concerns such as high blood pressure). In the first trimester the treatment is much more gentle and is focused on calming the nervous system and managing niggles that will occur in the body.

We also encourage continued activity during pregnancy including pre-natal pilates and yoga. This can help provide pelvic stability and can be continued post-natally to aid the recovery of the pelvic floor.

And don’t forget that massage during pregnancy isn’t limited to mum. Dad can also enjoy remedial and relaxation massage to help prepare him for the time ahead.

For more information on how massage in pregnancy can be beneficial for you or to book an appointment for a home visit or for our massage suite on Summer Street call 0406 039 877.

How wonderful would it be to have a ‘magic pill’ that eases pain, boosts the immune system, relaxes the mind, lifts the mood and manages or prevents injuries?

This treatment is just one fluffy white robe away, with remedial massage breaking new grounds in effectiveness based on scientific research. As alternative therapies quietly branch into mainstream therapies through effective research and effective results, more and more doctors are encouraging clients to incorporate massage and other therapies into their health routines.

The healthcare revolution in Australia means that more and more doctors are embracing natural medicine and therapeutic techniques such as remedial massage, to ensure the best in preventative medicine for their patients.

According to a World Heath Organisation study, 48% of Australians have used an alternative therapy treatment at least once, with the majority of these participants indicating they will continue to use massage and other treatments. So it makes sense that the medical world recognizes the effectiveness of these treatments in the overall health of Australians. Solid evidence supports these therapies as effective alternatives and support systems to surgery and drugs for a whole host of conditions.

The proof is in the pudding (or the hands)

Alternative therapies have thousands of years of empirical data in terms of use and effectiveness, and so with the introduction of the evidence-based medical model (scientific research) massage had the opportunity to prove its worth in clinical studies.

A recent study ay the Cedars-Sinai Medical Research facility in Los Angeles demonstrated that a 45-minute massage produced a major surge in white blood cells that fight bacteria and virus. It also reduced production of substances that cause inflammation and trigger allergies and asthma.

The same study demonstrated that when asked, 39% of massage subjects said their back pain was better or completely gone compared with 4% who followed their usual self-care strategy.

Massage, more than just a treat

Massage is an enjoyable means of increasing circulation, flexibility, joint range of movement as well as promoting relaxation and peace of mind. So whether you are a recreational or professional athlete, you are experiencing discomfort from work posture, simply require relaxation or are already enjoying the benefits of massage our team can help ensure you enjoy pure wellbeing everyday.

There are a range of other benefits, some of which are:

Stimulate blood circulation and oxygen capacityRelax and loosen stiff, sore muscles after exerciseHelp posture and increase range of movementBalance and soothe the nervous systemMaintain/ increase flexibilityInjury rehabilitation

We also find massage to be incredibly effect in helping clients manage headaches and migraines, brought on my upper back and neck tension.

And it doesn’t stop there. Specific styles of massage, tailored to help the body manage and adapt to muscular and skeletal changes, include pregnancy and sports massage. These massage styles are very effective in preventing pain and injury as they work with the body to help overcome muscle tension and nerve pain.

Australian Health Funds and Remedial Massage

Every major Health Fund in Australia recognizes remedial massage and other alternative therapies in basic ‘extras’ cover, to ensure Australians have the opportunity to practice preventative treatments for their overall health and wellbeing.

As remedial massage therapists, our team at Orange Pure Wellbeing Massage have trained to the top level of qualification to ensure we are recognized by all Health Funds that offer remedial massage rebates, to help our clients optimize their health and vitality.

As we all know massage is a truly effective (and amazing!) way to release muscle tension and strain but we encourage our clients to keep their body’s tiptop between treatments so massage can be enjoyable and even more effective.

20 %

How does massage release strain?

Massage techniques work with the body’s connective tissue and muscle fibres. By introducing techniques such as remedial, trigger point and myofascial one of the things we can do is ‘talk’ to the proprioceptors (the neurons that tell the brain where the muscle sits on the body and the tension level) and convince these guys that tight and strained is not the way the body is supposed to be. Over a few sessions we can re-program them to tell the brain when the muscle is tight so a message can be sent to release the muscle and you can get on and enjoy your day.

This can help your posture and increased range of movement/ mobility around joints to keep everything moving comfortably.

A few things to help you train your muscles:

Breathing is the simplest and most effective way of recognising where tight muscle is and helping release it. Throughout the daily stresses and strains we can forget to breathe (yes really) and this results in shoulders hanging around the ears, sore lower backs, tight glutes and often tight hips. A few minutes of deep focused breathing will bring your awareness back to levels of tension and release it. Plus it will help you de-stress as you remember breathing is the secret to life!An exercise to re-train the muscles is to lie on your back and starting with your toes work up your body, tensing and releasing muscles. Tense the muscle on the inhale then release the muscle on the exhale and see what a difference it makes!Staying hydrated is soooo important to release tension. Dehydrated muscles can’t function properly and tend to stay in a state of action, water will help the muscle fibres release and stay ‘fluid’.Make sure you maintain your levels of magnesium and calcium – these minerals are vital to the release phase of muscle activity.

Stretching daily is vital to releasing muscle fibre and keeping those proprioceptors working properly. And ask your massage therapist for some stretches specific to your needs.