Sunshine Coast Hinterland Times

The Hinterland is a magnet for a multitude of massage therapists

OUR MODERN levels of stress are probably to blame, but a regular visit to the massage therapist is as common these days as a swim at the beach. And who doesn’t fantasise about snoozing under a large umbrella beneath the practised hands of a Bali beach masseur?

The reality is that massage has become one of the quickest and easiest therapies for releasing the physical and emotional pressures of everyday life. From sports injuries to the psychological stress of the boardroom, there’s a benefit to be gained from massage. And in the past few years, with more than 80 different massage modalities on offer, massage has rightfully earned its place as an allied health therapy.

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland has not only become a focus for alternative health therapies, but it is a magnet for the multitude of massage therapists. Whether it’s acupressure or aromatherapy, connective tissue or cupping, there is a therapist out there with a massage table just waiting for you.

Very simply, massage is meant to influence soft tissue through physical pressure, motion or vibration carried out manually or with mechanical aids. Those tissues include muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints, other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels and organs. A massage therapist can use their hands, fingers, elbows, forearm or feet depending on each particular body needs.

“The reality is that massage has become one of the quickest and easiest therapies for releasing the physical and emotional pressures of everyday life.”

The experienced massage therapist is skilled in relieving feelings of stress, muscle tightness, aches and pains, and you can feel secure in the knowledge that massage professionals in Australia must meet national standards for education and training. You can expect that your therapist has a diploma or a Certificate 4 qualification in massage.

Osteopaths focus on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a holistic unit. They take a history, do a detailed examination, diagnose and develop a plan to improve function, which can include: manual techniques; postural, ergonomic and exercise advice; and referral for medical imaging or to other health and medical practitioners.Osteopaths happily work in with other health care providers. They refer patients for massage therapy when appropriate and receive patients referred by massage therapists, especially when diagnosis and more detailed management are required. The Bowen Technique is considered an aspect of osteopathic practice.

Physiotherapy uses a variety of techniques to help your muscles and joints work to their full potential. It can help repair damage by speeding up the healing process and reducing pain and stiffness. Physiotherapists also have an important role in rehabilitation, for example, helping people who have had strokes to relearn basic movements. However, physiotherapists don’t just offer treatment; their advice can help you prevent problems from returning or even from happening in the first place.

Several Hinterland massage therapists are listed on Page 36. Here are some of the most common massage therapies:

Swedish massage started in the late 18th Century by a Swedish fencing master as the first systematic system of therapeutic massage in the West. Swedish Massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It improves circulation and stretches the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple and young.

Acupressure is part of Chinese traditional medicine and is often described as ‘acupuncture without needles’. Deep finger pressure is applied at certain points and can reduce tension, increase circulation and offer pain relief for many complaints, and removes energy blockages to promote good health.

Aromatherapy is the art of applying essential oils combined with relaxation massage to improve physical and emotional well-being. The essential oils have been extracted from various parts of certain plants. They are easily absorbed through the skin with a gentle caring massage by a professional aroma therapist and works on a physical, mental and emotional level.

Cancer / Palliative Care Doctors clearance must be obtained before commencing treatment. This type of massage is a commonly used complimentary therapy and is employed on cancer/palliative care to improve the quality of life, relieve physical discomfort and improve the disposition of patients. The improved effect is only short term. The massage is very gentle and lasting 10 – 20 minutes. The therapist asks for feedback during the treatment.

Cupping is used to expel toxins from areas of pain and tightness and uses glass cups, held by suction, to massage the body.. Traditionally the cups are placed on the back, shoulders and lower back. After treatment clients can experience a feeling of lightness and flexibility in the area which was creating pain or range of movement restrictions. Conditions that respond well to cupping include: fibromyalgia, anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, sciatica, and asthma.

Feldenkrais method is recognised for its demonstration ability to improve posture, flexibility, co-ordination, self-image and to alleviate muscular tension and pain. It integrates both body and mind to achieve greater co-ordination, balance and performance.

Foot Reflexology is an entire system of massage devoted to the feet. The feet map out the entire body through a reflex mechanism so that by stimulating a certain area of the foot a corresponding organ or body part is simultaneously stimulated. It is a thorough and deep massage which is primarily therapeutic in intent, although, because of the reflex action involved, one’s entire body feels as if it had just received a full massage after a Reflexology treatment.