Many people think about booking a massage when something is already hurting. But often, our bodies give us plenty of warning before pain becomes the problem.

A stiff neck that keeps returning, shoulders that feel permanently tense, a niggle after exercise, or noticing that one side of your body isn’t moving quite like the other can all be signs worth paying attention to.

Remedial massage isn’t simply about finding a sore spot and working on it until it feels better. A good treatment considers how you’re moving, what you’re experiencing and what might be contributing to the problem. Treatment can then be tailored to your individual needs, whether that’s reducing muscle tension, improving movement, supporting recovery from exercise or simply helping you feel more comfortable in your body.

Massage can also be an opportunity to slow down and actually notice what’s going on physically. We’re often very good at pushing through discomfort and getting on with things — until our body makes the decision for us! For the busy people out there, booking in a massage can force you to stop, relax, and be present with whats happening.

You don’t necessarily need to wait until something hurts to benefit from massage. Sometimes the best time to address a niggle is while it’s still just a niggle, or booking in a monthly, 6 weekly or 3 monthly massage to prevent things from getting out of hand.

Thea Hinchliffe
Remedial Massage Therapist