How do you know what style of massage would be best? Your massage therapist can explain the various possibilities and together you can make a plan for the most appropriate treatment. If you are an experienced receiver of massage, talk with your therapist about what has worked (or not worked) in the past.
The length of treatment is decided at the time of booking. Sixty minutes is the most frequently requested, and we can address a few areas specifically or work more generally. Thirty minutes is best used to address one focussed area, or for a follow-up session. In between these, forty-five minutes can cover one or two areas plus some more general work. Ninety-minute treatments are not currently available.
Remedial massage
We plan a massage or series of massages using a variety of techniques to address a specific issue, injury, or condition. Treatment can be focussed on one or two areas, and any others affected by the problem. Many people worry that remedial massage has to be painful to help. This is not true. We may find some very sore spots, but our task is to work into them with care. There may be some discomfort during remedial treatment, a sensation that is strong but feels right. But if you are holding your breath, grimacing and tightening up, we are going to ease up, because we are no longer helping. Some people feel best when the pressure is on the light side, some on the stronger side. We pay close attention to your response to the pressure we apply. It’s like a conversation, we aim to speak at a level you can hear, without whispering or yelling.
Sports massage
Sports treatments can be a regular part of training, or as needed to deal with specific issues. You can have massage before events to help resolve any injuries that might be holding you back, or afterwards to aid recovery. Sport in this context may mean being a regular in the gym, playing with a friendly soccer team, training for a marathon, cycling to work daily, planning a trek in the mountains, or doing a variety of exercise classes.
Pregnancy and postpartum
Massage is a safe and comfortable way to address aching back and shoulders, sore legs and feet, fatigue, headache and more. We use pillows and specially designed supports to keep you comfy on the massage table. We ask that you discuss your massage plans with your pregnancy caregiver as there are some reasons to be more cautious. If you are in your first trimester, please seek your caregiver’s approval.
Postpartum massage helps you to gently recover from your pregnancy and birth, and adapt to a new way of being. If you are unable to lie on your front in the early weeks, we can help you to be comfortable on your side or seated. You can receive massage as soon as you like, as long as you have no medical contraindications.
Our Therapist Peta has advanced training in pregnancy and postpartum massage and is happy to talk with you before you book in if you have any questions or concerns.
Relaxation
Massage is a wonderful way to wind back your stress and tension and relax on the table. We use a calm and compassionate approach to turn down the fight, flight or freeze of the sympathetic nervous system and access the rest, digest and heal of the parasympathetic nervous system. Aromatherapy oils, eye pillow, and soft music complete the picture, according to your preference.
Modalities and approaches we use include:
Myofascial release
This is an approach that acknowledges not only the muscles as soft tissues, but the connective tissue surrounding the muscle fibres and covering the body under the skin, known as the fascia. Fascia is considered to respond to slow, sustained, broad, angled pressure. It can be used anywhere on the body and works well to relax long-held muscle tension.
Trigger point therapy
Trigger points are under discussion as to what they are and how they can be identified, but there is no doubt in any experienced therapist’s mind that we do find them, and treat them with excellent effect in reducing pain and restriction in muscles.
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient form of therapy. We use it at Northcote Massage in the form of vacuum cups and silicone flexible cups.
Stretching
After warming up with massage, stiff or tight areas are in a perfect place for a stretch. We can also teach you how to stretch yourself, if you need that information.
Swedish
Swedish massage describes a variety of strokes such as kneading, gliding, tapping, and frictions. It can be used for general treatment or smaller areas.
Self-massage
We enjoy teaching you how to take treatment ideas and techniques home to play with. Using a ball (soft or firm) or other equipment, or hands, you can find the sore or tight spots and apply some pressure. Glutes, legs, upper back, lower back, jaw, shoulders, forearms, hands and feet are all very amenable to self-massage. Don’t hesitate to ask!