The therapeutic effects of touch have been used for centuries to help heal ailments and imbalances in the body. As well as releasing tension in the soft tissues of the body, massage stimulates the circulation and the lymphatic system, helping to eliminate waste toxins. It relaxes the body, boosts the immune system and increases vitality.

Jet lag massage is a style of massage therapy that combines the classical techniques of Swedish massage, with stokes specifically designed to target the areas of the body that will accumulate the most stress and tension during travel. It specifically alleviates muscle tension and inflammation post-flight, and provides a warm-up to loosen muscles for preflight.

Deep muscle therapy is a technique used to help release myofascial restrictions within the body. The theory behind this type of massage is that when chronic knots (also referred to as adhesions) exist within the deep muscle tissues, the bodies natural balance is thrown out of wack.

Until the natural balance is restored, injured fibrous tissues can cause chronic joint and muscle pain, poor posture and coordination, as well as a plethora of other health ailments.

Deep muscle therapy aims to relieve the chronic tension throughout the muscles and fibrous tissues within the body. Its known to greatly increase flexibility and range of motion, and its also known to greatly improve posture and restore the bodies natural harmony.

When I perform deep muscle therapy on clients my aim is to encourage the lymphatic and circulatory systems. This promotes the release of hazardous toxins in the body, and it also encourages the body to repair any damaged cells. Deep muscle therapy has been known to help heal minor muscle strains and connective tissue injuries.

Although the techniques used are very similar to Swedish massage, the strokes are applied with more pressure to stimulate the deeper muscles and surrounding tissues. A therapy such as deep tissue therapy depends largely on client-therapist trust. This is because deep tissue therapy is often uncomfortable, compared to a traditional relaxation style of massage (such as Swedish massage), and I will only massage as deeply as you feel comfortable with. This means you must keep me informed of your pain tolerance during the session.

Traditional Swedish massage was introduced by Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling, in Stockholm, Sweden in the year 1812. This massage technique is characterized by its firm, yet calming pressure that improves blood circulation, eases muscle tension, and improves flexibility.

Today, a Western-style Swedish massage still employs a series of long, gliding strokes, kneading of the muscles, and vibrational taps that are so common when one thinks of massage.

With this massage I will create friction and do what’s called hacking or tapping across your back and shoulders to promote the release of tension. Five basic strokes gliding, kneading, vibrations, friction and hacking are all applied in the direction of the heart to encourage blood circulation and the disposal of bodily waste.

Sports massage is a direct descendant of Swedish massage because both techniques help heal injuries like muscle sprain and spasms. Many of the techniques of sports massage such as strokes applied in the direction of the heart are borrowed from Swedish massage. This technique is just as important for athletes as it is for relaxation - the body is encouraged to disperse lactic acids in the muscles to make room for a fresh supply of blood and oxygen.

Active Release Techniques, or ART, is used to treat a wide variety of soft tissue and repetitive-motion injuries that haven’t responded well to other forms of sports therapy. For this reason ART is most commonly performed on professional and serious athletes who suffer from associated sport-related injury, trauma or overuse of a muscle.

Many athletes who go to a sports medicine practitioner with complaints of numbness, tingling, burning or aching muscles will be recommended for ART. The therapy is also often performed on those whose job may put repetitive strain on the joints and muscles of the body.

When ART is performed I will apply hands-on pressure to find the injured area. Examine the texture, tightness, and range of movement of the muscle tissue by feeling the filaments, tendons and ligaments for tears or breaks.

When abnormal muscle tissue is discovered the I will administer an intensive series of massage techniques to move the muscle through its full range of motion. This will relieve the surrounding tissues of any adhesions or scar tissue, which can form and block the injured muscle, and allow for the free flow of blood, lymph fluid and nerve conduction so the muscle will heal.

As mentioned above, ART is typically used to aid in the healing process of sports-related injuries. It has been noted many times for helping Olympians achieve medal success after suffering a injury. However ART has also been effective in its treatment of patients with chronic headaches, poor posture, back, shoulder and spinal pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, sciatica, tennis elbow, and knee and ankle injury.

If you suspect you might be the victim of a sports injury its best to visit your doctor first before seeking out ART on your own - ART is often recommended as part of a therapy program in conjunction with a series of rehabilitative exercises.

Edgecliff/Darling Point, Sydney, NSW. Call for full address. If you would like to enlarge this google map please click here.

7 Days 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

A sixty-minute in studio treatment at my apartment is $80 , if you feel you need a little more time try ninety-minutes for $120. Some clients prefer me to travel out to their home or hotel in central Sydney, these treatments start at $100 for sixty-minutes and $140 for ninety-minutes.

After hours appointments can be arranged, but an additional charge of $20 will apply.

Gift certificates are available.

You may be expecting a long list of qualifications that might indicate the quality of my work. I have often read, and been told, that any form of physical therapy is 90% art and 10% science. The natural 'feel' required for being a good physical therapist cannot be learned and is not assured by any qualification. The quotes given here are based on first hand experience of my work. These are the best qualifications I could have.

01.

“A fellow amateur triathlete and training partner recommended Michael to me.

The massage was amazing! I feel really relaxed and ready for the rest of the day. Michael was extremely professional, very knowledgeable and carried out an excellent massage. He really knew his stuff! I have had many but this was “Just perfect”.

He also gave great advice about my posture which I will try hard to follow.”

 David Wills (Teacher)

02.

“Over the last 3 years Michael has been visiting our home for massage.

Michael manages to perform a very physical treatment without 'invading personal space' and from his very first visit we felt an implicit sense of trust, which made relaxing into the treatments very easy.

Our sense of well being and energy are greatly improved and we are amazed at the intensity of the treatments. It is a wonderful experience which my partner and I benefit from tremendously.”

 Andrew Morgan and Markus klein (Property Developers),

03.

“I highly recommend you call mike. He's a fantastic guy and a great masseuse.”

Alan Bray (Vet)

04.

“Just a fantastic experience.

Michael is very attentive, friendly and professional, and gives a strong, deep massage...for me there's nothing worse than a bad massage, but I could tell from the moment he laid his hands on me that I had made the right choice. My lower back and legs have been tight from sitting for long periods of time and working crazy hours, Michael really knew how to work out all the kinks. I'll definitely be calling him again.”

Chris Howard (Accountant)

05.

“Micheal provides a truly outstanding massage experience. He is terrifically talented, engaging and great fun. I have enjoyed Micheal's work over the last 4 years and his sessions are never the same. The bodywork changes based on your need. Michael has this incredible radar that just figures out what your body needs and he manages to creatively apply the perfect pressure and manipulation. A really good massage is an art form and Micheal is truly a master.

I never hesitate to give Michael a call when in town. If you're looking for a serious, professional massage along with great conversation, and some fun, give Michael a call!.”

Jack Rogers (Banker)

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