Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What is remedial massage?

Accepted Answer

Remedial massage is an assessment-based form of massage therapy focused on identifying and treating relevant muscular and musculoskeletal concerns. Your therapist may use information from your consultation, posture, movement, range of motion and other appropriate assessments to develop an individual treatment plan.

Question 2

What is the difference between remedial massage and relaxation massage?

Accepted Answer

Relaxation massage is primarily intended for general relaxation and wellbeing. Remedial massage has a clinical and assessment-based component. Your therapist will discuss why you are attending, assess relevant areas where appropriate and develop a treatment plan based on the findings and your treatment goals.

Question 3

What happens during my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Your therapist will discuss your reason for attending, relevant health history, symptoms, previous treatment and your goals. Where appropriate, your therapist may conduct postural, movement, range-of-motion or other relevant musculoskeletal assessments before discussing a proposed treatment plan with you.

Question 4

Why do you need to assess me before treatment?

Accepted Answer

Assessment helps the therapist understand your presentation and determine an appropriate remedial treatment plan. It may also provide objective information that can be compared with future assessments to help monitor changes.

Question 5

Do I have to have an assessment?

Accepted Answer

You can decline any part of an assessment or treatment. However, an appropriate assessment may be necessary for the therapist to determine whether a remedial massage treatment is clinically appropriate. If you are seeking only a relaxation massage, please discuss this with the clinic before your appointment.

Question 6

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily during any assessment. Your therapist will explain what clothing, if any, needs to be removed for treatment.

Question 7

How much clothing do I need to remove?

Accepted Answer

Only remove clothing that you are comfortable removing and that is necessary for the agreed treatment. Appropriate draping will be used throughout your treatment.

Question 8

Can I bring a support person?

Accepted Answer

Please contact the clinic before your appointment if you would like to bring a support person so arrangements can be discussed.

Question 9

Why do you assess posture and range of motion?

Accepted Answer

Posture and range-of-motion assessments can provide useful information about movement, muscular restriction and areas that may be relevant to your treatment. Assessment findings are considered together with what you tell your therapist about your symptoms and goals.

Question 10

Why might you assess an area that isn't painful?

Accepted Answer

Muscles and joints work together as part of larger movement patterns. For example, shoulder movement involves the shoulder joint, shoulder blade and surrounding muscles and may also involve movement through the neck and upper back. An assessment of a related area does not mean your therapist is telling you that you have pain or a medical condition in that area.

Question 11

What is the difference between an assessment finding and a diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

A remedial massage assessment may identify findings such as restricted movement, muscular tension or postural presentation. These findings are not necessarily a medical diagnosis. Remedial massage therapists work within their professional scope and may recommend that you see a GP, physiotherapist or another appropriate healthcare practitioner where further assessment or diagnosis is required.

Question 12

Why might my neck, shoulder and shoulder blade be assessed together?

Accepted Answer

The neck, shoulder joint and scapulothoracic region work together during many upper-body movements. Depending on your presentation, assessing these areas may help your therapist understand movement patterns and determine which muscles may be relevant to treatment.

Question 13

What are special tests?

Accepted Answer

Where appropriate and within the therapist's scope of practice, certain physical assessment procedures may be used to provide additional information about your musculoskeletal presentation. Your therapist should explain what they are assessing and why.

Question 14

Will my therapist explain the treatment plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Following the consultation and relevant assessment, your therapist will discuss the proposed treatment plan with you before proceeding. You are encouraged to ask questions if anything is unclear.

Question 15

Do I have to agree to the treatment plan?

Accepted Answer

No treatment should proceed without your consent. You can agree to the proposed treatment, ask for it to be modified or decline particular techniques or areas of treatment.

Question 16

Can I change my mind after treatment has started?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Consent is ongoing throughout your appointment. You can change your mind, ask your therapist to modify the treatment or ask for the treatment to stop at any time.

Question 17

Can I ask you not to massage a particular area?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tell your therapist if there is an area you do not want assessed or treated. Your preferences will be respected. Your therapist can explain whether excluding that area affects the proposed treatment plan.

Question 18

Can I request lighter or firmer pressure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Please tell your therapist what pressure feels comfortable for you. If the pressure becomes uncomfortable at any point, tell your therapist and it can be adjusted.

Question 19

What if I don't want to proceed after my consultation or assessment?

Accepted Answer

You are never required to continue with a treatment you do not want. Your therapist will explain the proposed assessment and treatment plan. You can ask questions, decline any part of the assessment or treatment, request changes or choose not to proceed. Consent is ongoing throughout your appointment and can be withdrawn at any time.

Question 20

Will you follow instructions from my physiotherapist, GP or other healthcare practitioner?

Accepted Answer

Please tell your therapist about any relevant advice, restrictions or treatment recommendations you have received from another healthcare practitioner. Where relevant to your massage treatment, these will be taken into consideration. Your remedial massage therapist may also recommend that you return to your GP, physiotherapist or another healthcare practitioner where appropriate.

Question 21

Can remedial massage work alongside physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Depending on your individual circumstances, remedial massage may be used alongside physiotherapy or other healthcare. Remedial massage does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment where this is required.

Question 22

Can remedial massage diagnose or cure medical conditions?

Accepted Answer

Remedial massage therapists do not diagnose medical conditions outside their professional scope and should not guarantee that massage will cure a medical condition. Where appropriate, you may be referred to a GP, physiotherapist or another suitably qualified healthcare practitioner.

Question 23

Can I claim remedial massage through my private health fund?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your individual health fund, level of extras cover, policy conditions and practitioner eligibility. Please check directly with your private health fund if you are unsure whether you are covered.

Question 24

Is relaxation massage covered by my private health fund?

Accepted Answer

Private health fund requirements vary. A relaxation massage should not simply be represented as a remedial massage for the purpose of obtaining a health fund benefit. If you intend to claim your appointment through your private health fund, please tell your therapist.

Question 25

Why is an assessment part of remedial massage?

Accepted Answer

Remedial massage is an assessment-based service. Your therapist needs sufficient information to determine an appropriate reason for treatment and develop a treatment plan relevant to your presentation.

Question 26

Can Sana guarantee that my health fund will pay my claim?

Accepted Answer

No. Eligibility, benefit limits and rebates are determined by your individual private health insurer and policy. Please contact your health fund directly if you need confirmation of your eligibility or expected rebate.

Question 27

Can I have remedial massage while pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy does not automatically prevent someone from receiving massage; however, treatment needs to take your individual circumstances into consideration. Tell your therapist that you are pregnant, how many weeks pregnant you are and about any relevant medical concerns or advice you have received.

Question 28

How is massage modified during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Treatment positioning, techniques and pressure may be modified depending on your stage of pregnancy, comfort, health history and individual circumstances.

Question 29

Can I request lighter pressure during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Tell your therapist at any stage if you would prefer lighter pressure or would like the treatment changed.

Question 30

When might I need medical clearance?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your health history, pregnancy or other medical circumstances, your therapist may determine that massage should be postponed or that medical advice or clearance is appropriate before treatment.

Question 31

What should I do if something feels uncomfortable?

Accepted Answer

Tell your therapist immediately. You do not need to tolerate pressure, positioning or a technique that feels uncomfortable. Your treatment can be adjusted or stopped.

Question 32

Is it normal to feel tender after remedial massage?

Accepted Answer

Some people may experience temporary tenderness or muscle soreness following treatment. Your therapist can discuss expected responses and appropriate aftercare with you.

Question 33

Can massage cause bruising?

Accepted Answer

Some massage techniques may occasionally result in temporary bruising, particularly in people who bruise easily. Please tell your therapist before and during treatment if you have concerns about bruising or would prefer lighter pressure.

Question 34

What aftercare might I receive?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your presentation, your therapist may discuss hydration, movement, stretching, self-management exercises or other appropriate aftercare. Aftercare recommendations will depend on your individual treatment.

Question 35

When should I seek medical advice instead of another massage?

Accepted Answer

If your symptoms are severe, unexplained, worsening or outside the scope of remedial massage, your therapist may recommend assessment by a GP, physiotherapist or another appropriate healthcare professional. Massage should not be used as a substitute for necessary medical care.

Question 36

Is there a dog at the clinic?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lulu's French Bulldog, Ozzy, generally attends the clinic with Lulu on the days Lulu is working. He is usually quiet and spends most of his time sleeping in his designated area in Lulu's treatment room or on the couch.

Question 37

Will Ozzy be present if I book with another practitioner?

Accepted Answer

Ozzy generally attends the clinic with Lulu and is associated with Lulu's working days and treatment room. If you would prefer an appointment without Ozzy present, you are welcome to book with Katie when she is available, consider an appointment on a day when Lulu is not working, or contact the clinic to discuss available dog-free options. If having a dog-free environment is important to you, please contact us before booking so we can confirm the most appropriate appointment.

Question 38

Does Ozzy use client towels or clinical linen?

Accepted Answer

No. Ozzy does not use clean towels or linen designated for client treatments. Any towels or coverings used for Ozzy are older items that have been permanently retired from clinical use and are kept separate from client linen.

Question 39

How are Ozzy's towels and bedding washed?

Accepted Answer

Ozzy's designated towels and coverings are laundered separately at Lulu's home. They are not washed with clinic or client linen. The clinic has its own washing machine and dryer on the premises for laundering clinic and client towels and linen.

Question 40

What if I am allergic to dogs or afraid of dogs?

Accepted Answer

Please contact the clinic before booking with Lulu so that we can discuss your needs and available options.

Question 41

What if I prefer an appointment without Ozzy present?

Accepted Answer

Question 42

What if I have an assistance dog?

Accepted Answer

Please contact the clinic at least 24 hours before your appointment so appropriate arrangements can be discussed and made.

Question 43

What if I have a concern about my treatment?

Accepted Answer

We welcome feedback and encourage clients to contact us if they have a concern about their treatment or experience at Sana. We aim to listen respectfully, acknowledge concerns and respond appropriately.

Question 44

How do I make a complaint?

Accepted Answer

Please contact us directly in the first instance. Using the clinic's internal complaints process does not remove any right you may have to contact an appropriate external complaints or regulatory body.

Question 45

Will I be treated differently if I provide negative feedback?

Accepted Answer

No. Constructive feedback is welcomed and is used to identify opportunities to improve our services and procedures.

Question 46

Why do you keep clinical notes?

Accepted Answer

Clinical records assist your therapist in documenting your consultation, assessment, treatment, response to treatment, aftercare and future treatment planning.

Question 47

Is my health information kept private?

Accepted Answer

Sana takes the privacy of personal and health information seriously. Please read our Privacy Policy for full details.

Question 48

Can I request access to my clinical records?

Accepted Answer

Clients can contact Sana regarding access to their personal information or clinical records. Any request will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy and health-record requirements.

Question 49

What happens if I am running late?

Accepted Answer

Please contact us as soon as possible if you are running late. Depending on the circumstances, your appointment time may need to be adjusted to avoid impacting other clients.

Question 50

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. We appreciate as much notice as possible so that the appointment time can be offered to other clients.

Question 51

How do I book with a particular practitioner?

Accepted Answer

You can select your preferred practitioner from the practitioner booking section on our website. If you are unsure which therapist is right for you, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Question 52

I have a question before booking. How do I contact Sana?

Accepted Answer

You can reach us by phone on 0499 904 736, by email at hello@sana.net.au, or via the contact form on our website. We are happy to answer your questions before you book.

Your Remedial Massage Appointment

Assessment & Clinical Reasoning

Private Health Funds

Pregnancy Massage

During & After Your Treatment

Ozzy & Our Clinic Dog Policy

Feedback, Concerns & Complaints

Privacy & Clinical Records

Bookings & Clinic Policies

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