Your clinic and practices
What is different about what you do?
- Focus on what the client needs in the immediate and long term
- Use of new emerging modalities that bring results
- Focus on reducing tension created by the nervous system, by helping it regulate
- Help align the fascia, a big roadblock to muscular health
- Give exactly the level of pressure that the mind and body of the client wants.
- Finding the cause of the issue and the right spot
Can I just get a full body massage?
Yes, that is one of the selections under Deep Tissue/Sports Massage.
And depending on your workout routine, you can also break the full body into two sessions (Upper Body and Legs + Glutes) which you could book a week apart.
Are there any bodies that you don't massage?
Not at all. We work with all shapes, sizes and activity levels. Sports people are common clients, but so are desk workers dealing with the results of sitting all day, and tradies undoing the wear of physical work. Every body deserves to move with less pain and restriction, and that's who we're here for. Come in and talk through your specific pain points or mobility issues. and we'll tailor the session to you.
Do you provide relaxation massage?
Yes, we have reframed it as Recovery and Relaxation, catering to those coming from a workout who want to be put in a great space, rather than worked on.
And it fits those who aren't part of the gym, and want to relax for instance, after work.
Can we skip the assessment and just go straight onto the table?
Not quite. Some sessions genuinely don't need it, but if we're working toward a real, lasting fix rather than just easing things for the day, I do need a quick look at how your body's moving before we start. It's how I find what's actually driving the problem, not just where it hurts.
And we do keep it down to a few minutes, then we're straight into treatment. Often assessment and treatment come together.
What is Remedial Massage?
Remedial massage is targeted treatment that finds and addresses what's actually causing your pain or restriction, using techniques like deep tissue work, trigger point release and myofascial release. It's clinical and results-focused that is built to fix the problem.
How safe is Remedial massage?
Very safe in our hands, as we are qualified therapists. We check your health history beforehand for anything needing extra care, work with you as other issues may arise during the treatment, work at a pressure that suits you, and you can speak up any time during the session. Mild soreness afterward is normal and settles within a day or so.
What’s the difference between remedial and relaxation massage?
Remedial massage targets specific issues like tight muscles or injuries. It is more targeted and therapeutic while relaxation massage is more calming.
What is Dry Needling?
**AVAILABLE FROM DECEMBER**
Dry needling targets stubborn trigger points that manual work can't always fully release. A fine needle goes straight into the tight muscle band to prompt it to let go. We also use it alongside remedial massage and myofascial release, as well as a standalone treatment.
What is the difference between Dry Needling and Acupunture?
Both use thin needles, but they come from different approaches. Dry needling is based on Western anatomy. Which means it targeting a specific tight muscle or trigger point to release tension. Acupuncture comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine and works along meridian points for broader balance. We use dry needling specifically, as part of remedial treatment alongside massage and myofascial release, to target the exact spot causing your pain.
Is your treatment like Thai or Chinese massage?
**WE DON'T OFFER THAI OR CHINESE MASSAGE. WE WILL REFER IF NEED BE**
The difference is tha:
- Thai massage uses stretching and rhythmic pressure along the body's energy lines rather than Western anatomy, and
- Chinese massage works within a traditional Chinese medicine framework.
Both eastern, where we are firmly in the western Remedial realm. We stay grounded in anatomy, targeting the nervous system, fascia, muscles and joints to treat what's actually causing your pain or restriction.
Do I need to be injured to book a remedial massage?
No. In fact, massage helps you avoid future injuries.
About the Session
How long does a typical massage session last?
Our massage sessions typically range from 60 to 150 minutes. Customised packages are also available to suit your schedule and treatment goals.
Can we request talking or no talking during the session?
Either. I am happy to chat to people and to be silent. We adjust to the client, so let us know. There can be better therapeutic results if there is some talk, where we can get to the bottom of issues the more we talk about them.
Do your oils and balms have fragrances or scents?
Our oils don't.
When we use balm, we ask first if it is OK to use. If the client has eczema or allegies, we use very light oil in place of the balm.
Issues with fragrances. I have many clients that can't take strong smells so everything in the clinic is as fragrance free as possible. I never wear any fragrances, the oil is fragrance free and I also have sorbeline.
What if I want silence or music?
It is your choice, There is also a large selection of playlists depending on your mood. We equally cater to those who want silence/
Do I need to make an appointment?
How many sessions do I need to see benefits?
The number of sessions varies depending on individual needs and health goals. Many clients experience noticeable improvements after just one session, but consistent treatments can significantly enhance results, especially for injury recovery and stress management.
Do I need to prepare anything before my massage?
Wear comfortable clothing and arrive a few minutes early to find parking. Hydrating well before and after your session can also enhance the benefits of your massage.
Is on-site parking available?
Yes! Thereis 90 minute free parking right outside our doorstep in the Bakehouse Quarter.
What do I bring to my appointment?
Nothing. We will make sure you have filled out an intake form if it is your first session.
Should I drink water after a treatment?
Yes, drinking water after a treatment is a good idea. The common theory is that massage moves waste byproducts into your bloodstream for your kidneys to filter, and water helps that process along. The dramatic "flushing out toxins" language you'll hear elsewhere isn't well supported scientifically, so we don't lean on it. If real toxins were being released, a glass of water wouldn't be enough to help you. Some clients feel a bit thirsty or dehydrated after a session, which is normal.
Bottom line: staying hydrated is always a good habit, and after a massage is as good a time as any to build it.
Can I wear socks during the treatment?
In winter a lot of clients like to keep their socks on so keep this in mind if you get cold feet. If the massage therapist needs to remove them this will be discussed at the time.
What to wear
What should I wear to a treatment?
This depends on a few factors. Whether you are male or female and also what type of treatment you are having.
If your are male then you will usually be asked to disrobe to underwear. If it is only the upper body that needs treating then you can leave your trousers on.
If you are female and are having a general treatment then you will also be asked to disrobe to underwear, and you can wear a bra (just make sure it is undone at the back). You will be covered by towels the whole treatment.
The clinic is a safe space.
During the massage you will dress down to your underwear (bras removed) so please bring underwear as otherwise we need to work over shorts which can hinder our abilities to feel the muscles.
What if my clothing is expensive?
The massage is mostly done with oil, so please if it is a $1000 shirt, consider wearing something else after the massage.
Massage and pain
Will the massage be painful?
Many people prefer it to be painful in a good way. If so, we will blend that in with other techniques when relevant.
As a general concept, which may fly in the face of the gym scene, the less pain you feel, the more your nervous system relaxes and the less your muscles guard against the pressure.
Massage allows a muscle to contract less, giving the client more bredth to build their muscles further.
As a rule, we always work within your pain tolerance and won't push past what's comfortable for you. If the pressure feels too much, or not enough, just say so. We check in throughout the session and adjust to suit you.
That said, techniques like trigger point work, deep tissue and fascial manipulation target painful adhesions directly, so some discomfort is normal. Dry needling can leave a heavy or cramping feeling for a few hours to a couple of days, which should ease and leave your original symptoms improved.
Remedial massage isn't a relaxation massage, even though parts of it can feel that way. Depending on your pain threshold, you may feel some discomfort during the session, and some tenderness the next day. But your original pain should feel reduced or different by then.
Is it normal to feel some tenderness after a massage?
Similar to after strength training or sport, some muscle tenderness after a remedial massage is normal. It's part of your body's natural healing and inflammation response. This usually settles within 24 hours, though it can take up to 48 hours after deep tissue work. Where possible, a bit of light activity like a walk a few hours later can help get blood flowing and ease that soreness along.
Massage and gym
When is the best time to get a massage if I am planning on doing a workout?
We recommend where possible, to workout prior to coming to a remedial massage with Bodyworks Sydney. Intense strength training after receiving a deep tissue massage, can run the risk of causing further muscular injury due to the heavy massage pressure. A massage after a workout is the perfect start to recovery post workout! At least 12 hours rest from high intensity training is recommended after a deep tissue massage.
Our clinic, client safety and acceptance
How safe are women to be massaged at your clinic?
You will be fully covered by towels at all times with only the treatment area exposed which will never be private areas, but if you are uncomfortable with dressing down to just underwear then please wear either very loose light clothes or else skin tight like leggings. This may hinder the massage as the better techniques require skin contact but we of course understand (it is your massage!)
Do you do massage just over clothes?
Yes, if requested.
I can work with it as long as there is some level of touch allowed. For some people they preferred massage over clothes which is fine, just let me know before.
What if I don't want a specific area massaged?
You, the client, is in control, and we will along the way, suggest certain adjustments to make. It is up to the client to consent or not, and we follow what the client wishes.
Do I have to wear underwear during the session?
Yes. For three reasons:
- our association has it in their Code of Conduct which we all sign onto
- we have to tuck the towels in somewhere
- consistancy across all clients helps all clients feel safe, not just women. Many guys are reticent to be massaged by a male.
Do you treat neurodivergent clients?
Yes. Every client is different, and neurodivergent clients are no exception. At the end of the day, you've got a body that's tight, working hard, and looking to move better or feel less pain. This is same as everyone else who walks in. What changes is how we communicate and set up the session to suit you, and I'm happy to adjust lighting, music, or how we talk through the treatment to make it comfortable.
It won't come up in conversation if you don't mention it.
Corporate massage
Where do you offer corporate massage?
In offices, on factory floors, onsite, and within Sydney (currently).
What can we expect to get out of a corporate massage session?
It all depends what intent you put into it. Most, if not all, organisations slot massage into wellness, and usually pay for one day per year, say, around RU OK Day.
For those who use it strategically and look for outcomes, they can budget for more massage during the year. Particuarly for events that have an impact on the mental health and productivity of the employees. For example, performance reviews, large meetings, talking to investors.
Health Funds
Do you accept Health Funds?
Yes, We do accept all major health funds. HICAPS is available for on-the-spot claims.
Melanie is registered for all funds, and Eric is registered for all funds except for Medibank Private.
Make sure you bring your health fund card with you to every treatment as rebates must be done before or directly after the service.
Do you have HICAPS?
Yes.
Booking
How do I book an appointment?
You can book your appointment easily through Bookings, select the massage, therapist, then day, time and duration. And you're in.
You will also be asked to fill in a
What should I do if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Please notify us at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This helps us accommodate other clients and maintain our scheduling commitments.
Do you charge fees for Credit Cards and AMEX?
Yes. We add 1% to each transaction for Visa and Mastercard, and 2% for AMEX.
