Hopefully, you can find answers to common questions to both Massage & Exercise Physiology consultations here. If not, just call me to discuss your question.
What are the benefits of Massage?
There are many benefits of massage. Below is a list of the benefits of massage however different types of massage will evoke different benefits. E.G: Sports massage can be used to help prime the body for exercise & stimulate excitation of muscle fibers however relaxation massage strokes can help to reduce excitation of muscle fibers. When I begin to individualized treatments I create a specialized list specific to you. Benefits however include:
- Relaxation of the body & mind
- Increased parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) activity which is responsible for the rest-and-digest activities. The parasympathetic nervous system is opposite to the adrenalin system (sympathetic nervous system ie: fight-or-flight response which is activated in stress) so hence massage (increased PSNS activity) helps to fight stress.
- Reduced muscular tension & assistance in pain relief
- Improved muscle tone & circulation
- Enhanced energy levels & stimulation of endorphins release which helps fight stress
- Removal of body toxins & aid for the lymphatic system
- Encouragement to the body’s immune system
- Improved sleep & alertness
What Are the Benefit of Oncology Massage?
Cancer Council Australia has a great resource that lists the benefits of Oncology Massage. See the link below for further information. Their scientific studies have shown that massage may reduce:
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Anxiety & depression.
Massage during cancer treatments has been reported by individuals to have a variety of positive outcomes such as improvements in:
- Sleep
- The health of the scar tissue
- Quality of life
- Mental clarity & alertness
- The range of movement.
See the below links for further information.
What are the benefits of Exercise?
There are many benefits of exercise. Below is a list of the general benefits of exercise. When we look at the specific health conditions we can get more specific about the benefits of exercises
Health Benefits of Exercise & Physical Activity:
- Reduce the risk of premature death & reduce the risk of developing &/or dying from heart disease
- Reduce high blood pressure or the risk of developing high blood pressure
- Reduce high cholesterol or the risk of developing high cholesterol
- Reduce the risk of developing colon cancer & breast cancer
- Reduce the risk of developing diabetes
- Reduce or maintain body weight or body fat
- Build & maintain healthy muscles, bones & joints
- Reduce depression & anxiety & improved psychological well-being
- Enhanced work, recreation, & sport performance
Benefits of Aerobic Exercise:
- Increased maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max)
- Improvement in cardiovascular/cardiorespiratory function (heart & lungs) - Increased maximal cardiac output (amount of blood pumped every minute) & stroke volume (amount of blood pumped with each beat) plus increased blood volume & ability to carry oxygen. Reduced workload on the heart (myocardial oxygen consumption) for any given submaximal exercise intensity.
- Increased blood supply to muscles & ability to use oxygen
- Lower heart rate & blood pressure at any level of submaximal exercise
- Lower resting systolic & diastolic blood pressure in people with high blood pressure
- Increased HDL Cholesterol (the good cholesterol) & decreased blood triglycerides
- Reduced body fat & improved weight control plus improved glucose tolerance & reduced insulin resistance
Benefits of Strength Training:
- Increased muscular strength & Increased strength of tendons & ligaments
- Potentially improves flexibility (range of motion of joints)
- Reduced body fat & increased lean body mass (muscle mass) plus positive changes in blood cholesterol
- Potentially decreases resting systolic & diastolic blood pressure
- Improved glucose tolerance & insulin sensitivity
- Improved strength, balance, & functional ability in older adults
Source:
"Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General."
What happens during an Initial Massage Consultation?
Generally, an initial Massage appointment will be either 1 hr or 1.5 hr. A health questionnaire & consultation will be completed to ensure that Tamara fully understands your health & complaints to ensure that treatments are safe & appropriate.
What happens during an Initial Exercise Physiology Consultation?
In an initial Exercise Physiology Consultation, health information is collected & the benefits of exercise, as well as the recommendations for exercise, are discussed. Your exercise history, exercise difficulties, likes/dislikes plus wants are also discussed to help determine what your program may look like. Goal setting is completed with you so we know what the exercise intervention is aiming to achieve. A pre-exercise screen is also completed to ensure safety in exercise & an appropriate exercise intensity is determined.
What are Exercise Physiology Consultations like?
An initial & second Exercise Physiology consultations are generally a one-hour appointment. Consultation from then onwards will either be 30 mins or one hour. This will be discussed with you so you know what the plan is. Sometimes the type of intervention (eg: hydrotherapy) may have particular time requirements. Complex cases may also require more time. This will be discussed with you prior if this is the case.
Do I book a 30 mins, 1 hr or 1.5 hr Massage?
Generally, an initial appointment will be either 1 hr or 1.5 hr. The duration of an appointment will also consider what is clinically appropriate. If you are not sure how long to book for please discuss this with Tamara. Some complex & chronic health conditions may require longer or shorter consultations.
What do I bring to an Exercise Physiology or Massage appointment?
Please bring yourself:
- A list of medication
- Treating doctors names
- Any scans & reports
- Any recent blood test results. This is particularly important for Oncology Massage appointment as it will help Tamara make a clinically informed decision about the depth, duration & type of massage. There are special considerations that need to be made for oncology massage consultations. Knowing your white blood cell, Haemoglobin & platelet counts are very helpful.
- Water
- Towel for Exercise Physiology appointments
- For Exercise Physiology appointments please come dressed in clothes that you can move comfortably in.
- Please also bring cash or a debit/credit card for your appointment. Please note card payments have transaction fee attached & are processed through Halaxy (Patient management database). Unfortunately, I do not have HICAPS facilities. A receipt for claiming can be given or emailed so you can claim back funds with your health fund.
Can I claim with my private health insurance?
Yes, of course! This is the case for Remedial/Oncology Massage & Exercise Physiology Consultations. Please check with your health fund so that you know how much you will get back.
Tamara will issues you with a receipt or email one so you can then claim back privately with your health fund. There will be a provider number & item number that will help you claim online or via your private health insurance app. If you have any troubles claiming please contact me so we can resolve it.
What should I expect after a Massage appointment?
Expect to be thirsty. During a massage, circulation is promoted & toxins (muscle waste products) are cleared from the muscles. After a massage keeping hydrated is important to help these toxins be excreted.
After an appointment feeling will vary depending on the type of treatment completed. For deep tissue massage sometimes you can feel a little irritable (tender/ache) in the regions for 2-3 days. This will clear. If it is bothering you try gentle movement & a warm pack (20 mins & 20 mins off) to the area.
If having a light touch or oncology massage expect to feel more relaxed, have better sleep & any other changes. Please refer to the benefits of massage & the benefits of massage for Oncology Massage clients.
It is important to keep well hydrated following a massage appointment.
I've been unwell with a cold/flu... should I have a Massage?
Having a massage whilst suffering or recovering from a cold or flu can actually have negative effects on your healing. The immune system is under strain & is working hard to rid you of the bug. Having a massage during this time can make the immune system work harder as your body will have to filter out the toxins that are released during a massage. So... If you are unwell it's generally best to wait until you are back to full health.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Tamara to discuss it further. Sometimes I can change treatment strategies & consultation duration according to your health. Covid19 Resitrctions stated that if unwell with cold or flu or Covid19 symptoms treatment should not occur.
If you are not sure give me a call. Let's discuss it to determine what's best & what is clinically appropriate.
Do I book a Full Body Massage or can I just have a specific area treated?
Either is fine. Discuss your preference with me & together we will tailor a treatment to help.
Only clinically appropriate treatment will be provided. It's better to play it safe & tread carefully... go inch by inch than do the opposite.
Generally speaking, multiple treatments are required to help remedy conditions/problematic regions. I will discuss a treatment plan with you at appointments to help better manage the problem.
Please note: Strictly Professional Massage therapy treatments only. No sexual or sensual massage therapy services.
How often should I book a Massage?
For body maintenance - a monthly massage is best to help ensure good physical functioning & reduction in stress/tight muscles.
If we are treating a particular area generally we will complete weekly massages then push out treatments to fortnightly, every three weeks then monthly. However individual treatment plans will be devised with you at consultations.
Note: Regular exercises & body movement also helps prevent muscles from locking up. Remember... The body was designed to move! Exercise produces "feel good" endorphin's which help fight the stress hormones too! why not book a Massage & an Exercise Physiology Consultation to help you better manage from multiple perspectives.
Should I tell you if I'm Pregnant? Can I have a Massage being pregnant?
Yes, even if it's early days please advise me if you are pregnant. There are considerations that need to be made for both exercise prescription & massage interventions. Exercise Physiology & massages will need to be tailored & appropriate alteration completed depending on the weeks of gestation.
Yes, you can have a massage during pregnancy. I alter positioning to ensure comfort for mum & bubs. Treatments will address different things depending on your complaints & the stage of pregnancy.
If you are pregnant please get clearance to start exercise from your treating doctor before booking a consultation.
Where do I find out the Physical Activity Guidelines for Australians?
Information about the Australian recommendation for various Australian populations can be found on the below link.
Where can I find further information about exercise for people that have medical conditions?
The below link helps provide information about exercise & the resources page has lots of great information to help get you thinking about exercise.
Book an initial Exercise Physiology Consultation with me & I get tailor an exercise plan with you. We want to develop a lifelong active lifestyle & we want exercises to be targeted to help better manage any medical conditions that we have. Call me Tamara on 0415 867 903 to book an Initial Exercise Physiology Consultation.
What is the Privacy Policy?
No medical information is shared with external parties except where a referring body is funding a service. If information is to be shared beyond this (eg: Information being sent to s specialist who did not refer you to me). Consent to share information will be sort from you in written form to seek permission prior to any movement of information.
All information collected is stored in password-protected secure data encrypted folders & within the software Halaxy & Physitrack.
Please see the Privacy Policy for Halaxy at the below-listed link. https://www.halaxy.com/article/privacy#privacy-policy-inline
Please see the Privacy Policy for Physitrack Australia at the following link. https://www.physitrack.com/privacy
If you have any further questions please contact Tamara on 0415 867 903.
Have a question that is not answered here?
Contact me (Tamara) on 0415 867 903.