​Massage therapy can provide substantial healing and pain relief for many lower back problems. Specifically, for pain caused by a back strain, when the correct muscle is targeted, the pain can be controlled at its source—for quicker and lasting relief.

If you are one of the many people who suffers from lower back pain, the following are ways that regular massage for back pain can help you find serious relief.
1. Increased blood flow - Increased blood flow is a known proponent of muscle recovery.
2. Decreased tension - While muscle tension is needed by the body to maintain body posture and general movements, too much tension causes pain and muscle restriction, especially in the lower back and neck.
3. Increased endorphins - Endorphins are the feel good chemicals in the brain. Massage tactics including acupressure and trigger point therapy generate these endorphins, which are known to reduce pain and produce a sense of euphoria.

​Do you have excellent posture? If you sit in front of a computer all day, commute long distances, or spend lots of time texting or watching TV, you probably don’t.

Upper cross syndrome, also referred to as upper crossed syndrome or UCS, names a pattern of movement and postural variance attributed to the interaction between “tight” and “weak” muscles in the upper body resulting in poor posture, discomfort, and pain.

Massage therapy can use soft tissue manipulation and assisted stretching to facilitate relief for upper cross syndrome. Activating the relaxation response can help decrease stress levels, increase client resilience, and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system to calm the body, which could in turn relieve discomfort from upper cross syndrome.

​Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension. In spite of the paucity of published research evidence, regular massage therapy is a widely used technique in many cultures to treat chronic stress and anxiety and it deserves serious consideration. Consistent anecdotal evidence, a long history of widespread use of massage for stress reduction, and positive findings of open trials support the view that regular massage therapy reduces anxiety in general, and specifically when anxiety is related to examinations, problem-solving or work stress.
In my own massage therapist experience working with various clients who complain of chronic stress, test-taking stress and generalized anxiety, regular massage therapy effectively reduces anxiety, improves emotional resilience and enhances feelings of general well-being in anxious clients.
Massage is safe when done by a trained therapist, seldom resulting in injuries. However, individuals who have chronic pain disorders or other medical conditions that involve the musculoskeletal system should consult with their medical practitioner before receiving regular massage therapy.

Having a massage not only helps you relax, it can also benefit the immune system, a new study suggests.
According to researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, USA, people who received a 60-minutes remedial massage had an increased number of lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that play a large role in defending the body from disease. Also massage therapy increases the activity level of the body’s white blood cells that work to combat viruses.
But please remember, only receive massage therapy when you are healthy and don't have any flu symptoms such as coughing and fever.
Infection Control Risk Management Plan
If any infection risks are identified, Oberon Remedial Massage undertakes a procedure of risk management, including:
• Taking immediate action to eliminate the factors causing the risk, including quarantining, thoroughly cleaning the site (on the person(s) involved as well as the physical area in the premises)
• Modifying or changing procedures, protocols and work practices, as required, after a debriefing session to identify how the incident occurred and what changes may be required to ensure it does not happen again
• Monitoring therapist and client compliance with infection control procedures
Standard Precautions
Obeorn Remedial Massage provides standard precautions in our performing of massage treatment.
• Therapist hygiene including hand washing and hand care with Alcohol hand sanitarizer and wipes
• Clean premises
• Safe handling of accessories used in massage
• Disinfecting massage equipments, towels and linen

Horse riding, also known as equestrianism, is a moderate intensity exercise. Horse riding engages many of the body’s main muscles, which means many chances for injury.
A common issue for horse riders is over-exercised core muscles which leads to an imbalance in the low back. Horse riders also have unique muscle requirements especially the leg, hip, abdominal, shoulder and back muscles. Shoulder injuries and soft tissue damage are very common and the joints in the lower body, particularly the hips, knees and ankles can take some serious impact while riding because of the repetitive and persistently forceful vibrations placed on them.
As there are so many muscle groups and opportunities for injury, there are various preparation and aftercare methods recommended by medical professionals and therapists. Warming up and stretching is always advised. But Simple stretching cannot properly warm those muscles up.
A massage therapy is an alternate way of warming up and stretching horse rider’s muscles. Regular massage treatments can help keep horse rider’s muscles flexible and relaxed. 
A massage therapist can help identify, address and relieve the issues that might be affecting your ride. Stiff, tight muscles often lead to injuries and a massage is known to relax them, so it can reduce the risks of injuries. Massage therapy also can help you achieve better balance, boost control and a more relaxed seat as a rider. By improving body awareness, a massage can help improve your concentration and bond with the horse, which results in a more enjoyable ride for both of you.
Massage therapy has a lot of positive effect on muscle recovery and boosting athletic performance. The key to getting the most from your massage program is not to wait until you’re tired or injured. Massage therapy should be a regular part of your schedule for safe and enjoyable horse riding.
Do you need a massage? – 
Call Oberon Remedial Massage at 0438 042 153 or visit our website www.oberonmassage.com

1. Colder Weather Causes Muscle Tension
If you have been outside in the cold for work a sports event, when you come home and your body warms up, you may notice that your neck, shoulders and even your glutes are sore. In cold conditions, the body tenses up in defence and if you are exposed for a long period of time in cold temperature, that muscle tension can remain long after you are back in a warmer environment. Massage therapy during the colder months is a great way to release the tension you may experience during this time.
2. You get SAD during winter 
You may be noticed that you start to feel depressed as the seasons turn from warm to cold. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real thing and it can cause anyone to feel the effects of the winter blues as the nights get longer, the days get shorter and the weather gets gloomy.
Massage encourages positive changes in the endocrine system where hormones are created. These changes decrease cortisol levels (stress related hormone) & increase oxytocin levels (happy hormone) leading to the release of serotonin and endorphins, relieving the stress and enhancing your mood.
3. Boost your immune system
Being out in the cold really might make you catch a cold and flu. Massage therapy can help your body fight cold by boosting your immune system. Massage therapy increases lymph flow which fights off infections and bacteria, boosting your immune system during the cold and flu season!
4. Massage helps dry skin
As the humidity drops in winter the cold, winter air makes the water in your skin evaporate quicker, making your skin drier. Massage therapy is proven to improve skin hydration during these dry winter months. Oils and lotions used in massage contain healthy amounts of vitamin E, which your skin will absorb better through circulatory motion, leaving your skin feeling nourished and hydrated!
Do you need a massage? 

What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage? Most people would agree a massage makes them feel good. But many probably don't realise exactly how good a regular massage is for their overall health.
One of the immediate benefits of massage is a feeling of deep relaxation and calm. This occurs because massage prompts the release of endorphins, the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that produce feelings of well-being. Levels of stress hormones, such as adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine, are also reduced. Studies indicate that high levels of stress hormones impair the immune system.
It may simply look like a lot of pressing and kneading on skin, but massage is actually a scientific process. The reason you feel different after a massage is because it is healing and invigorating tired, aching or injured muscles. Massage increases blood flow and lymph circulation. Lymph is a fluid that rids body tissues of waste, is dependent on the squeezing effect of muscles. Massage can dramatically aid lymph movement, which together with blood, supplies nutrients and oxygen and rids wastes and toxins. It is easy to understand why good circulation is so important to our health and why massage can be so beneficial just for this purpose.
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you'll be and how youthful you'll remain with each passing year.

Migraines and other types of headaches are one of the most common complaints seen in the medical clinic today. Oberon Remedial Massage clinic recommends that client with migraines spend at least a half-hour each day doing something either relaxing or that involves the relaxation of muscles.
How can massage help to manage migraines?
Massage is a great way to manage stress and relieve tension- two of the main causes of migraine headaches. According to medical research, massage therapy decreased the occurrence of headaches, sleep disturbances and distress symptoms while increasing serotonin levels in adults with migraine headaches.
There are many potential causes of headaches, and some are a lot more serious than others. If you do suffer from chronic headaches, you want to check with your doctor first to make sure you do not need additional treatment. Once you see your doctor and cause of your headache is not too serious, then provide as much information about your headaches as you can to massage therapist, and the therapist can help to develop a treatment strategy that is right for you.
Do you need a massage? 

When it's painful to shampoo your hair or put your arms around friends for a photo, the problem might be adhesive capsulitis. Known as frozen shoulder, this stiffness and soreness within your shoulder joint can last for as long as a year or even two years.
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), is an inflammation and stiffness of the connective tissues that surrounds the shoulder joint. Frozen shoulder causes formation of adhesion of the tissues in the shoulder, which severely restrict the movement of the shoulder, and causing chronic pain. This pain is usually constant, and worse at night and when the weather is colder. Also, the combination of the pain with the restricted movement can make even small daily tasks impossible. Furthermore, certain movements can trigger intense pain and cramping that can last a long time. The recovery for a Frozen Shoulder is slow, which causes great frustration for the patients and caregivers.
While your frozen shoulder will eventually go back to normal, Oberon Remedial Massage can make it easier to live with in the meantime. Various kinds of massage will relax muscles in the affected area. That means less chance of inflammation, which otherwise would cause tenderness and swelling.
In addition, regular massage therapy can help improve your range of motion. Tight joints restrict flexibility, but massage encourages blood flow to underlying tissues that need the nutrients delivered by fresh, oxygen-rich blood.
Do you need a massage? 

Most runners love to get a massage. Not only does it feel great, but it can also help speed recovery, reduce muscles soreness and facilitate injury healing. Massage has long been a part of a runner’s training program. You’ve no doubt heard many of the benefits of massage: improved circulation, less muscle soreness, and a removal of exercise waste products like lactic acid.
The major benefit of massage is that it relaxes tense muscles and removes adhesion or minor scar tissue between muscles and fascia, a fancy word for the sheath or casing that surrounds your muscles. Unneeded tension and adhesion can restrict movement and impair your range of motion, potentially leading to abnormal movement patterns that can cause overuse injuries.
Quite a few runners have asked me if they should get a massage the day before a race. Or if a massage right after a marathon is a good idea.
The answer to both questions is no. Massage right after a hard race or workout (or maybe even the day after if you’re still significantly sore) is counterproductive to the recovery process. And massage right before a race might leave you sore on the starting line.
Think of massage as a workout where deep pressure can cause some muscle soreness. You don’t want to layer too many sources of muscle soreness so it’s best to wait 1-2 days after a hard workout or race to get your massage.
If you want to get a massage before a race, it’s best to do it 2-3 days before. Massage can sometimes require “recovery” so you want to wait until that wobbly feeling disappears. Don't worry your legs will return to normal after 1-2 days.
For those runners not racing right now, you should still follow these principles around your hard workouts or long runs.
Do you need a massage? Book your appointment with Oberon Remedial Massage