Body Work are those therapies aimed at overcoming postural and physical barriers to efficient and pain free movement. Our different body work practitioners work on the skeletal, muscular, fascial and neural pathways in your body to give you a pain free life. (All of these therapies are covered by most health funds, but your ability to claim will depend on your personal cover)
Physiotherapy
A physiotherapist studies for 4 years at a University, and can go onto specialise in various areas eg musculoskeletal, pediatrics etc sports, and injury rehabilitation.
Physiotherapists are qualified health care professionals who evaluate and manage health conditions for people of any age.
Physiotherapists are a profession considered supplementary to medicine (P .S.M). Physiotherapists can help in circumstances where normal movement and function are compromised by injury, disease or the ageing process. Physiotherapists believe full functional movement is at the heart of what it means to be healthy. Physio aims to restore, maintain and promote, both physical and psychological well-being, while taking into account each individual's health status.
Osteopathy
An Osteopath studies for five years and can go on to specialise in various fields eg craniosacral and paediatrics. Both of them undertake manipulations of the joints and can prescribe x-rays and exercises for people.
Osteopathy is based on the philosophy that the body is able to auto-regulate itself in order to maintain a state of health, harmonyis and balance. It is a system of healthcare, and does not just consist of a series of techniques applied to the body. Generally the body is able to recover and adapt from traumatic events, however sometimes this ability to compensate and adapt can become overwhelmed, and this is where osteopaths can assist.
Bowen Therapy
Bowen Technique helps the body heal itself. It is a dynamic system of muscle and connective tissue therapy, that is gentle and non manipulative. Bowen Therapy was developed by an Australian Tom Bowen. After many years of clinical work, extensive reading and studying of other techniques, he went on to develope a unique set of specific techniques associated with different sequences and timing intervals.
The technique provided fascial release and stimulated a various anatomical and physiological responses. Oftern resulting in immediate resolution and long term release of the majority of pain conditions and presenting problems.
The government instituted Webb Committee of Inquiry into Chiropractic, Osteopathy and Naturopathy in Australia in 1975 to review Tom Bowen's work. At this point he was seeing around 13,000 people a year and seeing over an 80% success rate in his clients. His unique and innovative technique has since been widely adopted world wide with a number of devotees and practitioners in countries including USA, Canada, New Zealand, European Union members and the United Kingdom.
Massage Therapies
Massage therapists use several specialised techniques to locate and repair soft tissue damage within your body. Depending on the type of training the way the massage therapist works and focuses on your body's needs changes.
All our remedial massage therapists are also musculoskeletal therapists. Having completed four years of study. A musculoskeletal therapist will look at the relationship of muscles, nerves and joints and assess the interrelationships that maybe contributing to pain or injury. The therapist will use massage, trigger point therapy, dry needling, cupping, passive stretches or even exercise to help relieve pain.
Lymphatic drainage massage combines soft pumping movements and gentle pressure in the direction of the bodies lymph nodes. Lymphatic drainage massage uses a lighter, softer and slower pressure than other forms of massage therapy. Lymphatic drainage massages are performed by utilising the palms of the hands and the pads of the fingers and thumbs, pressing rhythmically increasing and decreasing the pressure to create the pumping and suction effect, mimicing the bodies natural action for the movement of lymph fluid.
The lymphatic system is responsible for the removal and filtering of waste and toxic build up and excess fluids from cells, by stimulating the body's circulation and increasing the production of lymphocytes – this will enhance the function of the immune system.
Dr Emil Vodder, with the help of his wife Estrid, developed the Western Lymphatic Drainage Massage is 1933. At this point very little was known about the lymphatic system, and it's function. Dr Vodder had noted that many of their clients had swollen lymph glands, and went on to develop a specialised massage technique for treating this system. They concluded that a series of light rhythmical massage techniques would help the bodies natural movement of lymphatic fluid throughout the lymphatic system.
Shiatsu massage
Shiatsu therapeutic massage is a hands-on traditional Japanese treatment, developed over the last 100 years . Shiatsu means fingerpressure, the technique uses the natural body weight of the pratitioner (e.g fingers, elbows, thumbs, forearms, feet & knees) to apply pressure to special points throughout the body. This form of massage is combined with various stretches, joint manipulation and joint rotations, and aims to treat the patient on a holistic level.
Shiatsu aims to rebalance the flow of energy or (Ki), through the meridian lines or channels. The practitioner uses points on the surface known as Tsubo to access these meridians. The practitioner will feel for (Jitsu) excessive or (Kyo) deficient (Ki) energy within these meridians. Where the movement in the body (blood, water, air, gas) is controlled. Shiatsu incorporates different pressures, including holding, stretching techniques, rubbing and heating which can be deep and firm, but these techniques are applied with sensitivity.
Shiatsu is a wonderfully relaxing treatment, and regular Shiatsu massages help to prevent the build up of stress. Many common conditions can be helped by Shiatsu. These include: back pain, sports injuries, whiplash and stiffness, headaches, joint pain, reduced mobility, menstrual problems, asthmatic symptoms, digestive problems, stress and depression. In some cases, patients responding well to Shiatsu may also benefit from Acupuncture. A typical session will last around an hour. Treatment is conducted fully clothed, typically with the patient sitting or lying on a futon mat on the ground. Consultation begins with the practitioner using face, hara (stomach area), tongue, pulses and spinal column examinations to ascertain what treatments to use.
Thai massage
Thai massage is more energising and rigorous than more classic forms of massage.
Also know as Thai yoga massage, because the therapist uses his or her hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches. Many people say Thai massage is like doing yoga without any work.
Muscle compression, acupressure, and joint mobilisation are also used during treatment.
Thai massage can be both relaxing and energizing at the same time.
Structural Integration (rolf works)
Rolf Works is a form of body work which combines systematic myo- fascial release, superficial and deep tissue massage and movement education to realign and balance the body.
The system was developed by Dr. Ida Rolf over 60 years ago in the USA.
Ten sessions of Structural Integration are required to align and balance the whole body, one or two sessions may provide a client with some relief from chronic pain, such relief is usually only temporary as the underlying imbalance in the body has no been corrected. The sessions last 75 to 90 minutes each, and are usually spread over one to two week intervals.