<![CDATA[Excel Massage and Therapies

<![CDATA[Excel Massage and Therapies - Blog]]>Fri, 23 May 2025 19:25:55 +1000Weebly<![CDATA[How Remedial Massage Can Relieve Back Pain: A Comprehensive Guide]]>Wed, 27 Sep 2023 09:37:30 GMThttps://www.excelmassage.com.au/excelmassageblog/how-remedial-massage-can-relieve-back-pain-a-comprehensive-guide

Back pain is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. It can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain, and finding effective treatment options is crucial for those seeking relief. One such treatment that has gained popularity in recent years is remedial massage. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how remedial massage can help relieve back pain and restore full mobility. Specifically, we will focus on the services provided by Excel Massage, a leading remedial massage clinic in Maitland, NSW.

Understanding Back Pain
Before delving into the benefits of remedial massage, it is important to understand the causes and types of back pain. Back pain can arise from various factors, including muscle strain, poor posture, herniated discs, and spinal misalignment. It can manifest as acute or chronic pain, affecting different areas of the back, such as the lower back, upper back, or entire spine.

The Role of Remedial Massage
Remedial massage is a specialized form of massage therapy that targets specific areas of the body to alleviate pain and promote healing. Unlike relaxation massage, which focuses on providing a soothing experience, remedial massage aims to address underlying musculoskeletal issues. By applying targeted pressure and manipulating soft tissues, remedial massage can help relieve tension, reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, and restore proper function to the affected areas.

Benefits of Remedial Massage for Back Pain

Pain Relief: Remedial massage can provide immediate relief from back pain by reducing muscle tension and promoting the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by the body. The targeted pressure applied during the massage helps to relax tight muscles and alleviate discomfort.
Improved Range of Motion: Back pain often restricts movement and limits flexibility. Remedial massage can help restore range of motion by loosening tight muscles, improving joint mobility, and increasing flexibility. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from conditions such as sciatica or muscle imbalances.
Enhanced Blood Circulation: Poor blood circulation can contribute to back pain and hinder the body's natural healing processes. Remedial massage promotes better blood flow to the affected area, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This increased circulation can aid in the repair and rejuvenation of damaged tissues.
Reduced Inflammation: Inflammation is a common cause of back pain, and remedial massage can help reduce inflammation by stimulating the lymphatic system. By improving lymphatic drainage, massage helps to remove toxins and waste products from the body, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
Stress Reduction: Stress and anxiety can exacerbate back pain and hinder the healing process. Remedial massage provides a calming and relaxing experience, helping to alleviate stress and promote a sense of well-being. This can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health, aiding in pain management and overall recovery.

Excel Massage: Your Partner in Back Pain Relief
Excel Massage, located in Maitland, NSW, is a premier remedial massage clinic dedicated to providing top-notch services for individuals seeking relief from back pain. Their team of highly skilled and experienced therapists understands the intricacies of musculoskeletal issues and tailors treatments to meet the unique needs of each client.

Services Offered

Remedial Massage: Excel Massage offers specialized remedial massage treatments designed to target specific areas of pain and dysfunction. Their therapists use a combination of techniques, including deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release, to address the root causes of back pain and promote healing.
Sports Massage: Ideal for athletes or individuals engaged in physical activities, sports massage at Excel Massage focuses on preventing and treating injuries, enhancing performance, and promoting muscle recovery. This type of massage can be beneficial for those with back pain caused by sports-related activities.
Relaxation Massage: While Excel Massage specializes in remedial and sports massage, they also offer relaxation massage for individuals looking to unwind and de-stress. Relaxation massage can be a valuable addition to a back pain management plan, helping to alleviate tension and promote overall well-being.

The Excel Massage Difference

Expertise: The therapists at Excel Massage are highly trained and skilled in various massage techniques. They undergo continuous professional development to stay updated with the latest industry trends and techniques, ensuring that clients receive the highest quality care.
Personalized Approach: Each client at Excel Massage receives personalized attention and a customized treatment plan. The therapists take the time to understand the client's specific needs, assess their condition, and tailor the massage techniques accordingly.
Holistic Care: Excel Massage believes in a holistic approach to healing, addressing not only the physical symptoms but also the underlying causes of back pain. They provide lifestyle and postural advice, as well as exercises and stretches, to help clients maintain the benefits of the massage therapy and prevent future issues.

Conclusion
Back pain can be a debilitating condition that affects every aspect of a person's life. However, with the help of remedial massage, relief and restoration of full mobility are within reach. Excel Massage in Maitland, NSW, offers a range of specialized massage treatments designed to alleviate back pain and promote healing. Whether you are experiencing acute or chronic back pain, Excel Massage can provide the expertise and personalized care you need to get back on track. Don't let back pain hold you back - schedule a remedial massage session at Excel Massage today and experience the transformative power of therapeutic touch.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.

]]><![CDATA[Discover the Healing Benefits of Remedial Massage in Sunnybank]]>Fri, 18 Aug 2023 14:00:00 GMThttps://www.excelmassage.com.au/excelmassageblog/discover-the-healing-benefits-of-remedial-massage-in-maitlandRemedial massage is a type of massage therapy that helps to treat and heal specific areas of the body that are suffering from pain, stiffness, or tension. It is used to treat a wide range of conditions, from sports injuries to chronic illnesses, and it can be customized to meet each individual’s needs. In Sunnybank, there are numerous massage therapists offering remedial massage. This article will explore the healing benefits of remedial massage.

The Healing Benefits of Remedial Massage

Remedial massage is a type of massage therapy that aims to treat damaged, tense or knotted muscles and tissues. It can have many benefits for your health and well-being, such as:

Relieves Muscle Tension and Pain

Helps to release tight muscles and knots
Reduces muscle soreness and stiffness
Alleviates chronic pain conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches.

Remedial massage stimulates blood flow to the affected muscles, which brings nutrients and oxygen for healing and removes waste products that causes pain. It can also alleviate chronic pain by balancing the length, tone and tension of muscles and tendons, which restores the correct position of the bones and improves posture.

Improves Joint Mobility and Flexibility

Boosting your joint mobility and flexibility, reduces you day to day pain, prevents injuries and improves your cardiovascular health. It also enhances your mood and mental state by releasing tension and stress.

A good remedial massage therapist can:

Increases range of motion in joints
Enhances flexibility and agility
Helps to prevent injuries and improve athletic performance.

A sports massage can both improve your performance both on the field and your recovery time after the event.

Promotes Relaxation and Stress Relief

Remedial massage promotes relaxation and stress relief through several mechanisms. Firstly, it helps to reduce stress and anxiety levels by activating the body's relaxation response. This response triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural mood-enhancing chemicals that promote a sense of calm and well-being.

Additionally, remedial massage induces a state of deep relaxation by soothing the nervous system. The gentle pressure applied during the massage stimulates the body's parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for promoting relaxation and rest. This helps to counterbalance the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's stress response.

Moreover, remedial massage improves sleep quality, which is crucial for managing stress and promoting overall well-being. By reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation, it can help individuals achieve a more restful sleep, leading to better physical and mental recovery.
Overall, remedial massage is an effective therapy for relaxation and stress relief, as it addresses both the physical and mental aspects of stress.

Enhances Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage

Remedial massage enhances circulation and lymphatic drainage through several mechanisms. Firstly, the pressure applied during the massage helps to stimulate blood flow. This increased blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and tissues, promoting their healing and rejuvenation.

Additionally, remedial massage helps to improve lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system is responsible for removing waste and toxins from the body. During the massage, the gentle pressure and rhythmic movements help to stimulate the lymphatic system, facilitating the removal of waste products and reducing fluid retention.
By enhancing circulation and lymphatic drainage, remedial massage can have several benefits. It can help to reduce swelling and inflammation, improve the immune system's function, and accelerate the body's natural healing process. It can also help to relieve muscle soreness and fatigue, promoting overall well-being.

Top Remedial Massage Practitioners in Sunnybank

1. Excel Massage & Therapies

Highly experienced therapists
Wide range of massage techniques offered
Positive customer reviews and testimonials

2. The Healing Touch

Specializes in remedial and sports massage
Tailored treatment plans for individual needs
Convenient location and flexible appointment times

3. Body and Mind Massage Therapy

Skilled therapists with extensive knowledge of remedial massage
Focuses on holistic healing and overall well-being
Offers a variety of massage techniques and treatments

Conclusion

Remedial massage in Sunnybank offers a range of healing benefits, including pain relief, improved mobility, relaxation, and enhanced circulation. With the help of skilled practitioners, individuals can experience the transformative effects of this therapeutic approach. Whether you are seeking relief from chronic pain or simply want to relax and unwind, remedial massage can be a valuable addition to your wellness routine.

]]><![CDATA[Plantar Fasciitis]]>Mon, 21 May 2018 00:30:00 GMThttps://www.excelmassage.com.au/excelmassageblog/plantar-fasciitisPlantar Fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the heel or arch of the foot; it can have effects in other areas too. It can be caused by overstretching of the fascia or damage to the connective tissue between the heel, known as the calcaneus, and the ball of the foot.
Symptoms include stabbing pain near the heel. Pain can be worst first thing in the morning taking your first few steps or after long periods of inactivity or weight bearing. The pain may also be there after activities, but usually not during the activity or sport. It may feel like a knife stabbing into the heel of the foot.

What does Plantar Fasciitis mean?
The bottom of the foot is called the “Plantar” region. Fascia is bands of tissue that covers most of the body; it helps keep muscles in place, wraps around organs and muscles, and separates muscles from muscles and other parts. It is like the sinew you find wrapped around the leg of lamb that you may buy.
When this fascia gets irritated it can become inflamed, and this condition is referred to as “itis”, so combined with fascia it becomes, “fasciitis”.
Why does it hurt?
Over stretching of this connective tissue can cause tearing and inflammation. Bruising may also occur from overuse or high impact.
What causes it?
Some of the conditions below can be contributing factors to plantar fasciitis.

Being Overweight. The extra weight places a greater load on the plantar fascia. There is evidence that overweight and inactivity lead to damage to the plantar fascia, with an increase of pain.
Sports. Some sports places a heavy load on the heel bone and foot, stretching the fascia, examples can include running, dancing and football.
Standing for long periods. If you stand a lot a work this may contribute to plantar fasciitis. Jobs like chefs, checkout operators or retail sales.
Wearing incorrect shoes. If your shoes have bad arch support, thin soles or over hard soles, they may contribute to pain.
Flat-footed or high arches. People with flat feet may have less shock absorption, increasing strain on the plantar fascia. High arched feet have tighter plantar tissue that may lead to similar conditions.
Middle-aged people or older. Heel pain can be more common with ageing where the muscles supporting the arch become weaker.

What can I do to treat it?
There are several initial ways to treat plantar fasciitis and they may include some gentle stretches, taping of the foot, having an orthotic custom made, doing some strengthening exercises and massages to help break up the tissue.
When we stretch we should include the bottom of the foot, the Achilles tendon and the calf muscles as they can all play a role in making the pain worse.
Taping can bring some initial pain relief but usually only lasts a few days at most.
Strengthening is a little longer to get results and can at time cause more pain before getting good gain, but is worth persisting with.
Orthotics are also good way to get the pressure off the connective tissue and position the foot correctly. It is important to get the orthotics made for you and not just over the counter ones, support and positioning are very important.
Massage is a great way to help bring short and long term relief from pain. Your therapist will usually combine a few of the treatment options to get you back on your feet again, pain free.

Disclaimer.
While we make every effort to ensure that material on this site is accurate, such material does in no way constitute the provision of professional medical advice.
We do not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability whatsoever arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any material contained in this article. Users should seek appropriate independent professional medical advice prior to relying on, or entering into any commitment based on material published here, this material is purely published for reference purposes alone.

]]><![CDATA[WorkStations. RSI. Ergonomics.]]>Mon, 14 May 2018 11:59:44 GMThttps://www.excelmassage.com.au/excelmassageblog/workstations-rsi-ergonomicsRecently I’ve been treating a lot of clients coming to see me with shoulder, neck and lower back pain. As we talk through their condition and the possible causes, there have been some very similar contributing factors to their conditions, being stagnant at work or doing repetitive duties. Whether they are office workers, truck drivers or mechanics, they all have repetitive issues and lack of movement.
Due to ongoing issues I’ve written this short article as a reminder of what we face and some thinks to think about at your work.

Workstation is defined, traditionally, as a powerful computer dedicated to one person for a specific task. It can also be an area that is intended to be for a particular type of work to be performed.
Most office workers now refer to their area as a workstation.

RSI is the medical term that refers to Repetitive Strain Injury, where an action is performed in the same manner repeatedly over a long period. This repetitive action can cause inflammation, weakness and pain in muscles, tendons, ligament or joints.

Ergonomics. This means to get the best and most efficient comfort and safety for your work environment to prevent injury soreness and possible chronic pain.

What the link here?
Many people are now in a job that requires a lot of repetitive duties, office workers typing on a computer, cooks standing behind a counter, drivers sitting all day, nurses bending and lifting patients, and the list goes on for many jobs. As we continue to do the same activities, and we must at times, we put a lot of stress on our body, which can lead to injury and chronic pain and injury.
Many companies are aware of these issues and are putting plans into action to combat the chances of pain and injury through ergonomics in work places and rotation of duties.
To reduce the chances of repetitive injury by sitting in front of a computer it is recommended that you vary positions often and vary between sitting and standing.

Many places are now starting to switch to a sit –to- standing work-station and it is important to make sure of correct positioning for the person using that station, and to make adjustments to the work-station for each individual user.
Remember that a standing workstation is similar to a seated one; the positioning should follow the same guidelines.

Your posture is facing forward.
The desktop is at elbow height or just below it.
The positioning of the keyboard should be in front of the user and the forearms are supported by the desk while typing. The mouse should be close to the keyboard and on the same level
When typing or using the mouse your arms should be at your side.
The top of your monitor should be at eye level or slightly below.
The positioning of your screen should be at the right height so you do not tilt your head forward or back or do not twist your neck.
The height of the monitor should be comfortable to look at when standing without tilting your head. It should also be approximately an arm’s length away. All the while keeping correct posture.

Remember to keep changing between sitting and standing. Any repetitive duties should only be done for a short period before changing position or alternating tasks.
You should always listen to your body, if you are experiencing any discomfort or pain change position and see your health care provider for advice.
Be aware of your footwear as this can affect your posture; try to keep comfortable shoes for use at the workstation, even anti-fatigue mats can help.
All joints need to be in a comfortable position and feeling relaxed. Try to keep all your work close to your body.
Remember to keep your body well hydrated, especially in the colder months, when the air is day, or if you work in an air-conditioned environment.

Get a regular massage to help the body cope with the demands of repetitive tasks. Massage also helps to loosen the muscles and joints so you can perform better and recover quicker from fatigue or injury.
Massage can also help with mental stimulation in an office environment so you may think clearer and perform better, resulting in better satisfaction with your job.

]]><![CDATA[January 30th, 2018]]>Tue, 30 Jan 2018 10:34:45 GMThttps://www.excelmassage.com.au/excelmassageblog/january-30th-2018By Kelli Boylen
1. I am not a masseuse, and, no matter how cool you think that word sounds, your massage therapist probably doesn’t like it. Massage parlor is rather outdated as well. In years past, some “massage parlors” were really fronts for sex shops and I did not take out student loans and complete more than 850 hours of training to be associated with prostitution. Trust me–I’m pretty serious about it. Jokes about “happy endings” are outdated as well.

2. Please be on time. We really like to work on you for the entire scheduled time. We often have another client coming in right after you, so it is unlikely for us to work on you past the scheduled appointment time.

3. We don’t care about the stubble on your legs. Unless a leg is shaved within a few hours of your massage, it has stubble on it. We don’t mind, and we are not going to flip out about leg hair. You don’t hear men apologizing for the stubble on their faces? And that stubble is actually rough (although that doesn’t bother us either). As long as you are reasonably clean, we’re all good.

4. Your perfume may smell beautiful, but since we work in close proximity to you for about an hour,it can get a little overwhelming. We prefer you wait until you leave our office to put it on. Some of our other clients have allergies to perfume, and it’s hard to air out smells sometimes.

5. You have no obligation to talk to us during a massage. If talking helps you relax, by all means go ahead. Otherwise, go to your happy place.

6. To us, your butt is not cute, big, small, or sexy. It’s a big muscle, and we like muscles. If you have problems in your lower back, chances are that your gluteal muscles are involved with that as well We can work your glutes with a sheet covering if that makes you more comfortable, but it seems kind of silly not to work on some of the biggest muscles in the body.

7. Even if you are comfortable with nudity, we don’t want to see it. We are trained on how to properly drape clients to protect your modesty and ours. Just because we are comfortable with the sides of your buttocks, doesn’t mean we want to see anything else.

8. We have had extensive training in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology (the study of muscles and movement), pathology, and ethics. If we forget that you may not know all the same terminology we have learned, please ask us what we mean. We know where your medial malleolus is (that’s your ankle bone on the inside of your leg), but if you haven’t heard of that before, please ask.

9. If you have had a change in your medical condition since you were here last time, it is important that you tell us. If you tell us halfway through a deep-tissue massage that you are taking blood thinners, we are going to be thinking “uh-oh” in our heads.

10. Tell us if you want more or less pressure. We are happy to oblige, and won’t take offense. In fact, we love it if you tell us what you like and don’t like as we go along–it helps us to individualize your massage to what you want and need.

11. Yes, we put clean sheets on the table for every client.

12. During the massage session, our job is to do bodywork. Your job is to relax. We love the tranquil
look people get after their massage, so leave your worries somewhere else and leave your muscles
to us.

13. If you are unhappy, please tell us why. Sometimes a client doesn’t return and we have no idea if we did something wrong or if you are just busy.

14. If you are happy with what we do, tell your friends. We love referrals.

15. Finally, enjoy your massage! We love our work and hope you do, too.]]><![CDATA[Why does my massage therapist say to take an Epsom salt bath after a massage?]]>Tue, 30 Jan 2018 10:32:14 GMThttps://www.excelmassage.com.au/excelmassageblog/why-does-my-massage-therapist-say-to-take-an-epsom-salt-bath-after-a-massageThe remarkable health benefits of Epsom salt baths

What are Epsom Salts?
Epsom salts is the name for a crystalline salt of magnesium sulfate heptahydrate. Discovered near the town of Epsom, England, about 1618, it, is used internally as a laxative and externally as a soaking aid for bruises, sprains, and local inflammation. The “salt” occurs as an evaporation deposit from mineral waters. Epsom salts are now made in America in large quantities as a byproduct of the manufacture of carbon dioxide for soda water.
According to Fuller’s Worthies, the mineral spring was discovered by a farmer who noticed that in spite of a drought, his cows refused to drink water from the spring. On analysis, it was found to contain the bitter purgative, sulphur of magnesia.
Epsom Wells developed into a favorite spa. Aubrey, Pepys, Nell Gwyn, and Queen Anne’s consort were among its visitors.
(NaturalNews) Epsom salts have been used by many different cultures for hundreds of years. They have a number of different beneficial properties and are used in gardening, household cleaning and detoxifying the body. These salts are very inexpensive and can be purchased at bulk discounts in garden centers nearly everywhere. Using Epsom salt baths is an advanced detoxification strategy that has remarkable health benefits.
Epsom salts are named for a bitter saline spring located at Epsom in Surrey, England. Epsom is different than traditional salts in that it is actually a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. These minerals have very powerful health benefits that can enhance the detoxification capabilities of the body.

How an Epsom salt bath works:
Magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin and into the body’s blood stream. The skin is a highly porous membrane that both takes in minerals and eliminates toxins every day. Using a powerful mineral base such as Epsom salts in a bathwater medium creates a process called reverse osmosis. This process pulls salt and harmful toxins out of the body and allows the magnesium and sulfates to enter into the body.
Magnesium plays a critical role in over 325 enzymes, helps to improve muscle and nerve function, reduces inflammation and improves blood flow and oxygenation throughout the body. Sulfates are necessary building blocks for healthy joints, skin and nervous tissue. Epsom salts replenish the body’s magnesium levels and sulfates. This combination helps to flush toxins from the body and helps build key protein molecules in the brain tissue and joints.
The use of regular Epsom salt baths has been shown to improve the symptoms of many health conditions including athlete’s foot, gout, toenail fungus, sprains, bruises and muscle soreness. It is also good for anyone dealing with chronic disease or chronic pain to do regular Epsom baths to help detoxify and de-inflame while improving mineral and sulfur balance in the body.
Contraindications to Epsom baths would be if you are pregnant, dehydrated or have open wounds or burns on your skin. Individuals who are suffering with cardiovascular disease should always consult with a natural health physician who is familiar with the health benefits of Epsom salt baths before starting.

How to take an Epsom salt bath:
The first step is to schedule yourself at least 40 minutes, as you need about 20 minutes to remove the toxins, and for the second 20 minutes, the body absorbs the minerals in the bath water.
Fill up your bath with warm water. Be sure to have a water filtration system in your house, as you don’t want to bathe in tap water that has toxic chlorine, fluoride, dioxins and heavy metals. Add in the Epsom salts in the following amounts:
Children under 60 lbs: Add 1/2 cup of salts to a standard size bath
Individuals between 60-100 lbs: Add 1 cup of salts to a standard size bath
Individuals between 100-150 lbs: Add 1 1/2 cup of salts to a standard size bath
Individuals between 150-200 lbs: Add 2 cups of salts to a standard size bath
For every 50lbs larger – add in an additional 1/2 cup of salts.

Additional strategies to apply with an Epsom salt bath
Adding in a 1/2 cup of olive oil is also very good for the skin, as the polyphenols soak into the skin and give extra antioxidant benefits. Adding ginger or cayenne can increase your heat levels, which will help you to sweat out toxins. You can add anywhere from 1 tbsp to 1/2 a cup to stimulate sweating, and these herbs are loaded with antioxidants that will enhance the detoxification process as well.
Do not use soap with an Epsom salt bath, as it will interfere with the action of the minerals and the detoxification process. Try to rest for an hour or two afterwards unless you have arthritic joints, in which case you will want to stay active as much as possible to prevent congestion in the joints.]]>