Remedial Massage at Hills Osteopaths

Remedial massage is a clinical, therapeutic treatment specifically designed to assess, treat, and rehabilitate muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue that are causing pain or restricting movement. Unlike a standard relaxation massage, which focuses on general wellbeing and stress relief, remedial massage targets the root cause of your specific condition. At Hills Osteopaths, every remedial massage session is preceded by a thorough assessment of your posture, movement patterns, and areas of dysfunction, so that the treatment is precisely tailored to your needs.

Remedial massage is effective for a broad range of musculoskeletal and pain-related conditions. At Hills Osteopaths, we commonly treat chronic lower back pain, neck pain, tension headaches, shoulder pain, hip and knee pain, sciatica, sports injuries, postural dysfunction, fibromyalgia, and pregnancy-related discomfort. If you are unsure whether remedial massage is suitable for your particular condition, our remedial massage practitioner James Meaker, or principal osteopath, Dr Julian Howard are happy to discuss your symptoms over the phone and advise you on the best course of action.

The number of sessions required varies depending on the nature and severity of your condition, how long you have had it, and your overall health. Some patients experience significant relief after just one or two sessions, particularly for acute muscle tension or minor strains. For chronic conditions such as persistent lower back pain or fibromyalgia, a series of regular sessions may be recommended to achieve lasting results. James will discuss a personalised treatment plan with you after your initial assessment.

Remedial massage involves working on deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, which can sometimes cause temporary discomfort, particularly if the area is very tense or has been problematic for a long time. However, the pressure should always remain within your tolerance. James communicates with you throughout the session to ensure the intensity is appropriate and effective without causing unnecessary pain. Any mild soreness following treatment typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours and is a normal part of the healing process.

Many Australian private health insurance policies cover remedial massage as an extras benefit. Coverage varies between funds and levels of cover, so we recommend checking directly with your health fund to confirm your entitlements. At Hills Osteopaths, we can process your health fund claim on the spot using our HICAPS terminal, making it easy and convenient to claim your rebate at the time of your appointment.

Remedial massage appointments at Hills Osteopaths are typically 30, 45, or 60 minutes in duration. For first-time patients, we recommend booking a 60-minute session to allow adequate time for a comprehensive assessment and thorough treatment. Your practitioner will advise on the most appropriate session length for your specific needs.

Yes. Pregnancy massage is one of our specialist services. James uses safe, supportive positioning techniques specifically designed for expectant mothers, and treatments are adapted to suit each trimester. Pregnancy massage can effectively relieve back pain, pelvic girdle pain, swollen ankles and legs, and general muscular tension. If you have any concerns about receiving massage during your pregnancy, we encourage you to discuss them with James or your midwife before your appointment. Alternatively you might consider osteopathy for pregnancy symptom relief.

Whilst remedial massage, physiotherapy, and osteopathy all aim to treat pain and restore function, they approach treatment differently. Remedial massage focuses primarily on soft tissue - muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments - using hands-on techniques such as deep tissue work, trigger point release, and myofascial release.

Physiotherapy typically incorporates exercise rehabilitation, joint mobilisation, and electrotherapy. Osteopathy takes a whole-body approach, combining soft tissue work with joint manipulation and structural assessment. At Hills Osteopaths, our remedial massage services complement the broader osteopathic care available at the clinic, meaning you benefit from an integrated approach to your recovery.

No referral is required to book a remedial massage appointment at Hills Osteopaths. You can contact us directly by phone to arrange a convenient time. However, if you have been referred by your GP or another health professional, please bring any relevant documentation to your appointment so that we can coordinate your care effectively.

At your first appointment, James will begin by taking adetailed case history - discussing your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and treatment goals. He will then conduct a physical assessment, which may include observing your posture, testing your range of movement, and identifying areas of muscle tension or dysfunction. Following this assessment, he will explain his findings, outline a proposed treatment plan, and begin your first remedial massage session. You are encouraged to ask questions at any stage. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and arriving a few minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork.

The ideal frequency of remedial massage depends on your individual circumstances. For acute injuries or flare-ups, weekly sessions may be recommended initially, tapering to fortnightly or monthly maintenance sessions as your condition improves. For chronic pain management or general wellbeing, many patients find that fortnightly or monthly appointments help them maintain their progress and prevent recurrence. James will provide personalised recommendations based on your condition and response to treatment.