I believe that most people would benefit from having 1 massage about every 4 weeks. What usually happens is that someone will start having massage treatments, particularly remedial treatments, when they have a problem like regular headaches, or back pain, or they've suffered an injury. What we normally recommend is that you have several treatments close together, say 1 a week for 3 weeks, or fortnightly appointments for two months to get the problem under control. This is obviously dependent on the type of problem/injury that you have, your schedule and how much money you wish to invest in your recovery. After the initial series of intensive treatments, we will step your treatments out until your natural maintenance period (that "magical" one a month I described above) is reached. So if you were having weekly treatments, we would then step your appointments out to once a fortnight, and then to one a month.
Some people may have a slightly longer (say 1 treatment every 6-8 weeks), or shorter (1 treatment every 2-3 weeks) maintenance period than others. This is a very individualised need and is dependent on the lifestyle of the individual, their stress levels and coping mechanisms, and the type of work that they do. We also all go through periods which are more hectic and stressful than other times, and appointments may need to be increased during these periods. General stressors that may have an affect include: excessive gardening, moving house, working overtime or long hours of travel.
Top
Massage benefits the body on both physiological and psychological levels.
The physiological effects of a massage include: breaking down of scar tissue; improved recovery time for sportspeople; tendons become lengthened and stretched; pain is decreased; tight muscles relax; muscle activity becomes more balanced; circulation is increased which aids the movement of blood and nutrients through the body. Massage warms the skin, removes wastes products, promotes healing, and reduces swelling.
While the psychological effects include: changes to mood and excitement levels, generally a feeling of well-being and an improved awareness of the total being. This occurs due to the release of chemicals (neurotransmitters and hormones) in to the blood stream during a massage.
Top
Would a relaxation or remedial treatment be best for me?
Again this is something that varies from individual to individual. What I would generally suggest is that if you are after a time-out, the chance to unwind or need some nurturance then a relaxation massage would be the best treatment for you. Relaxation massage is also very beneficial if you've recently lost a loved one, or have been going through a tough emotional period.
If you suffer from any regular aches and pains or muscle tightness then I would recommend a remedial massage. Remedial massage is used with great success to help treat injuries such as sporting, motor vehicle accidents (MVA), overuse and workplace. Remedial massage can be a vital ingredient during injury management and recovery.
Top
How does your pricing structure work?
Our pricing structure is not only based on the type of massage available, but also on the length of time booked for each appointment. We have appointments of 30, 45, 60 and 90 minute durations. Our remedial/sports/Eastern treatments are slightly more expensive than our relaxation treatments, to reflect the extra training and dedication taken to become a "specialised" therapist.
We do offer concession rates for all of treatment types. Simply take $5 off the standard price of all our massages to obtain the concession price. Concession rates are available on presentation of valid Senior cards, Health Care cards and full time student cards.
We also offer packages of massages which allow non-concession holders the opportunity to receive massages at our concession rates. With our packages of 4 massage treatments you will save $5/treatment or $20 per package. We also offer packages of 6 x 1 hour massage treatments which will see you save $5/treatment or $30 per package, and also receiving a free 30 min gift certificate.
Please note: Packages must be used within a six month period from their date of purchase and no further discounts apply.
Top
By rushing to your appointment and arriving late you increase your stress levels, lessen your amount of time with us, and reduce the results we are working to achieve. We ask that you aim to arrive on time or even a few minutes early for each appointment. At your first visit we require you to complete a Client Intake Form prior to the start of your treatment. Please allow yourself adequate time to fill in this paperwork.
All our appointments are scheduled to begin and end at specific times. If you know that you will be late, then please phone ahead to inform your therapist. Unfortunately if you are late to your appointment, we are unable to extend your treatment to make up for the lost time. If we did this, there would be a flow on effect that would alter an entire day's schedule and a number of other clients.
If you are late you will also be charged the full cost of your scheduled treatment time (e.g. 20 minutes late for an 1 hour appointment, you will be charged for the full hour). Your therapist's time is valuable and by making them wait, they are unable to complete other tasks. Please be considerate and aim to arrive on time so as to receive the full benefits of your treatment.
Top
What should I do if I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment?
We do not charge rescheduling fees but we do charge cancellations fees. Cancellation fees are charged at a flat $40 for any appointment that is cancelled with less than four hours notice.
Unfortunately our therapists are contractors and are not paid if you don't turn up for your appointment. This is a common scenario in the massage industry. Please put yourself in your therapist's position and imagine how you would feel if you had wasted some very valuable time that you won't be getting paid for?
By charging cancellation fees we will now be in a position to reimburse our staff when you cancel an appointment with less than four hours notice.
Our therapists are registered with all of the major health funds. For details of registration with your individual fund please phone 6247 0662. To receive a refund for massage therapy from your health fund, your cover must include massage therapy. Once you have paid us for your treatment, we issue you with a receipt that contains a provider number which is specific to each health fund. You then present this receipt to your health fund provider and they will reimburse you your rebate.
We do not bill your health fund provider for our services, nor are we part of the HICAP system.
Top
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Your therapist on the day will tell you what items of clothing need to be removed. We ask that people remove their outer clothing and shoes, and leave on their underwear (some women leave their bras on). During winter a lot of people only take off the clothes for the area that's going to be worked on (e.g. only having a back massage, so they leave their trousers on). Eastern massage treatments however are a fully clothed technique - so all you need to remove are your shoes, belt and any items from your pockets.
Remember that you are covered with several towels and your therapist will only see the parts of your body that they are treating. We also ask that you remove any jewellery that is on the areas which will be worked on. So having a back and neck massage, take off any chains or necklaces; arm and hand massage, remove rings, watches and bracelets. Also remember that long hair can get in the way of the therapist, so please bring something to tie it back with.
Top
Can I request a specific therapist?
We've selected only the most dedicated and professional therapists for you. All of our therapists are fully trained, qualified and members of professional associations such as Massage Australia, Association of Massage Therapists (AMT), Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS). Many of our therapists have studied at the Canberra Institute of Technology which has one of the highest qualifications for massage therapy in Australia, and is highly regarded within the professional community. For details on an individual therapists qualifications and member associations please go to Our Staff.
Top