Alicia and Gus from Assuage Remedial Massage, rated one of Canberra’s best remedial massage clinics. Photo: Michelle Kroll
Remedial massage is a complementary therapy that aims to treat muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia (connective tissue). Remedial techniques can address aches, pain, muscle tightness, reduced movement and injury. The benefits from remedial massage include: increased circulation, decreased pain, improved movement, increased immunity, recovery from injury, enhanced relaxation and reduced stress.
Choosing a quality remedial massage clinic can help you get on the road to recovery quick sharp.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a remedial massage clinic, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a quality remedial massage clinic?
Finding the right remedial massage clinic can take the stress out of what can already be an emotional and physically draining experience.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a remedial massage clinic.
- Holistic approach. Remedial massage therapists will take a holistic approach to your treatment. They will take into consideration your medical history, any previous illness or injury, your stress levels and lifestyle. They will discuss your treatment goals and create a treatment plan that addresses your concerns. The key to a good healthcare relationship is one that focuses on the long-term health and well-being of the client.
- Analytical. Remedial therapists take an analytical approach to their work. Once they have an understanding of your health history and needs, they may conduct testing of body movements (for example, range of motion tests) or special tests to rule out any serious health concerns. Once this information is collected they will then design a treatment to target specific body areas. After the treatment they may retest the areas they have worked to check for an improvement. Finally they may give you homework (for example, stretches) to continue your self care between appointments.
- Expertise. You need to know that your remedial therapist is qualified and has appropriate experience to help you with your health issue. Most business websites will outline the qualifications and experience of their team. For someone to be a remedial massage therapist in Australia they need to hold a Diploma of Remedial Massage.
- Compassionate. You are seeking a remedial massage therapist for a reason – whether that be to de-stress or heal an injury. The best in the business are compassionate and understanding. They are willing to take the time to have a meaningful discussion with you. Knowing that you are being heard, and that the therapist is actively listening are important for you to be able to relax and trust in their expertise.
- Effective. There is no point visiting a remedial massage clinic if your massages are ineffective in achieving your desired aims. An experienced remedial therapist will be able to refer you to other health professionals if the remedial treatments are not benefiting you.
- Accredited. Massage therapy is an investment in your health and wellness. One of the best ways to know that your therapist is accredited is to check and see which Professional Massage Association they belong with. It is through their membership that they then receive their health fund provider numbers. Checking that your massage therapist is a member of an association and that they have health find recognition are two of the best ways to ensure they are accredited.
The best remedial massage clinics in Canberra
RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Assuage Canberra
Pronounced [UH] + [SWAYJ], 'assuage' means to relieve, ease, soothe, calm or make milder.
True to its name, Assuage Massage is a holistic wellness and massage therapy clinic that exists to lessen the discomfort of all who walk through its doors. The clinic is tucked conveniently into Kingston's foreshore, a bright, inviting atmosphere that promotes familiarity and comfort.
Therapists are fully qualified with decades of experience between them - healthcare professionals with a genuine commitment to helping others, whether they be recovering from injury, working on improving their athletic performance, or just looking for some quality relaxation.
Assuage offers a variety of relaxation and remedial treatments, including clinical remedial and pregnancy massage, soft tissue therapy, lymphatic drainage, postural assessment, low velocity joint mobilisation, sports treatment, dry needling and cupping.
A plethora of five star reviews back the Assuage experience, like this one from Johanna Hoyne:
"I have suffered increasingly frequent migraines for 14 years. Frankly, I had given up on anything working particularly well," she says.
Johanna describes the treatment she received at Assuage as 'outstanding', especially in view of all the treatments she'd tried over the years to no avail.
Assuage presented her with a completely different client model, one that was 'comprehensive and generous', avoided cutting corners, and aimed not just to keep her in the loop as a patient but to change her condition for good.
Johanna says, "I am daring to have hope of living headache free and I highly recommend the team at Assuage."
Capital Peak Performance
Capital Peak Performance (CPP) is Canberra’s specialists in sports and remedial massage therapy. The clinic offers deep tissue, pregnancy, relaxation, lymphatic drainage, trigger point and injury rehabilitation massages. At CPP, you can expect health fund rebates (where applicable) and a team that is professional, friendly and highly knowledgeable.
Caren Hugginson wrote on Google, “Would highly recommend Wayne at Capital Peak Performance. Very knowledgeable and caring towards the needs of clients.”
Pivotal Therapies
Pivotal Therapies, in Canberra City, is a specialist clinic focusing on sport, remedial and postural injuries. The clinic’s goal is to help clients alleviate aches, discomforts, and pains, as well as improve performance.
Jonathon Schwartz wrote on Google, “I had a massage to help with a shoulder injury from rock climbing and neck stiffness. Phil was very knowledgeable, professional and provided an excellent and effective treatment. I'll definitely be going back .”
Therapy Masters
Therapy Masters with over 23 years of Massage Industry experience, focus on providing tailored treatments that best meet the individual health needs of their clients. The team specialise in Remedial, Sports and Relaxation massage, as well as Reiki and Sports Taping. The clinic is now located in Queanbeyan.
On Google, A Solos wrote, “I have been to this clinic many times and love the variety of modalities, friendly accredited therapists, city location, the loyalty program and the yummy chocolates! It's a very professional yet relaxed environment ...”
ACT Remedial Therapy Massage
ACT Remedial Therapy Massage is all about keeping bodies at their best. Professionally qualified therapists help clients overcome discomfort, injury, and agitation using a personalised approach. Services include deep muscular therapy, sports/remedial therapy, trigger point therapy, therapeutic relaxation massage, reflexology and more. Health fund rebates are available where applicable. The clinic also has Canberra's only Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber which is used as an adjunctive treatment for many chronic illnesses and can enhance the body's natural recovery process.
ACT Remedial Therapy Massage in Forrest is one of Canberra’s longest established massage practices with more than 26 years experience. Their therapists are in high demand so book in early to secure your spot.
On Google, Kylie Ferrari wrote, “If there were more stars, they’d get them. Best massage I have had in years.”
If you’re looking for more information on remedial massage therapy in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best physiotherapists, best massages, best podiatrists and the best acupuncturists in Canberra.
Your experience with remedial massage clinics in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience in the comments in any of the remedial massage clinics listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is remedial massage?
Remedial massage is a complementary therapy that aims to treat muscles that are damaged, knotted, tense or immobile. Therapists aim to locate and repair damaged areas of the body and speed up the body’s own healing processes. Massage is used to stimulate the blood supply, make joints more mobile, and help repair damaged tissues.
Is remedial massage regulated in Australia?
Massage therapy is currently self-regulated in Australia. There is no Statute or Act that applies solely or specifically to the practise of massage. Many remedial massage therapists have undergone formal training to achieve qualifications. Many have years of experience.
What are the health benefits of remedial massage?
Remedial massage can stimulate the blood supply, make joints more mobile, and help to repair damaged tissues. Therapists aim to enhance wellbeing by balancing the length, tone and tension of muscles and tendons. Remedial massage can improve a wide range of problems, such as headaches, abdominal pain, low back pain, muscle cramps, whiplash, arthritis and frozen shoulder.
How much does remedial therapy cost?
Many factors can influence the cost, so it’s best to get an idea before your treatment starts. Factors include the length of a session, the experience of your therapist, the number of treatments you need and the type of treatment you need.
Does remedial massage hurt?
The pressure applied with remedial massage can be strong and deep or gentle and shallow, depending on the problem. If you’re concerned, talk to your therapist about your pain threshold.
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