What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is a procedure that uses touch to manipulate the soft tissues of the body with the aim of increasing health and well-being.

Massage involves a manual application of pressure and movement to soft tissues – the skin, muscles, tendon, ligaments, and fascia (membranes surrounding muscles). Massage is believed to increase blood circulation and flow of lymph (fluid from body tissues that flows into the blood stream). It helps the body to “heal itself” by promoting the flow of blood and lymph, stimulating nerves, conditioning the skin, and stretching and loosening muscles. 

Will I benefit from Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is ideal for athletes or casual sports people because it frees out tight muscles, helping the body recover in preparation for more sport. Massage can also help you if you have an injury, postural problems, pain associated with tension, following surgery or if you just have a hectic lifestyle.

What techniques are used in Massage Therapy?
There are dozens of specialised massage techniques in use today. The most common types are:

• Sports Massage – uses massage to help the body recover after exercise or to prepare the body before exercise. It focuses on the use of massage to assist training, prevent injury, and treat sports injuries.
• Deep Tissue Massage – uses deep finger pressure and slow strokes on long standing tissue tightness in various areas of the body.
• Swedish Massage – uses long strokes, kneading and pressing, friction, and drumming hand movements applied to the muscle groups to promote circulation and relaxation. This technique is often used for a full body massage.
• Shiatsu/Acupressure Massage – uses pressure at specific points on the body with the Eastern philosophical belief that this will enhance the energy flow through the body and restore balance.
• Trigger-point Therapy – uses finger pressure on tight ‘knotted’ painful areas in muscles called trigger points.
  Can massage therapy help me if I am stressed?
• As well as a physical effect that eases tension, massage therapy also has a positive psychological effect. When we are stressed, our breathing becomes more rapid and shallow, our hearts work harder and digestion slows down. Chronic stress can influence a number of illnesses including migraines, depression, and hypertension. Massage therapy can help to relieve tension and counteract the effects of stress on the body.

Can I have Massage Therapy on my private medical insurance?
Many private health insurance schemes give benefits for Massage Therapy. Reimbursement will depend on the insurer and the plan you have chosen.

Who will be providing the Massage Therapy service?
Our aim at Queensland Sports Medicine Centre is to provide you with an excellent rehabilitation service. A team of massage therapists that has provided service to athletes at the highest levels of sport for many years provides this.