Your first remedial massage session can feel a bit unknown, even if you’ve had a relaxation massage before. Remedial massage is a type of massage with a clinical goal: reduce pain, improve movement, and support injury management by working on soft tissue dysfunction.
One practical question that comes up early is cost, and whether you’re able to claim. Depending on your private health insurance policy, remedial massage therapy may be covered under extras cover (often grouped under natural therapies). Your level of cover, annual limit, and waiting period may apply, so always check with your health fund or health insurance provider before you book.
Why First-Time Massage Can Feel Intimidating (and Why It Doesn’t Need to)
If you’ve never had a professional massage, the unknown bits can feel weird: What do I wear? What do I say? Is it going to hurt? The good news is that a first session is usually simple, structured, and very normal. Your massage therapist’s job is to help you feel safe, comfortable, and listened to.
Before You Book: Choosing the Right Type of Massage
Not all messages are the same.
- If your main goal is to relax and switch your brain off, a relaxation-style type of massage can be a great fit.
- If you’re dealing with back pain, stiffness, recurring tight spots, or an injury, remedial massage is often the better match. It’s more clinical and goal-based, and it can complement physiotherapy.
Intake and Assessment: What Your Therapist Will Ask You
Expect a quick conversation before you get on the table. Your remedial massage therapist may ask about:
- How you’re feeling today
- Any pain, tightness, or ‘hot spots’ you want help with
- Recent injuries, surgery, or health conditions
- Your activity levels (work, sport, training)
- Your goals (recovery, mobility, pain relief) They may watch how you move, check posture, or test range of motion, especially in a remedial massage session.
Privacy, Clothing, and Draping: What Happens Before You Get on the Table
After the chat, the therapist leaves the room so you can undress to your comfort level and get under the sheet on the table.
- Some people keep underwear on; some don’t. Either is fine.
- You’ll be draped the whole time. Only the area being treated is uncovered. If you’re unsure what to do, ask. Therapists have heard every question before.
The Massage Table Setup and Typical Starting Position
You’ll lie on a padded table, often face down to start. Most clinics use a face cradle so you can breathe comfortably. If face down doesn’t work for you (neck issues, sinus pressure), say so. There are easy alternatives.
What Happens During the Massage: Techniques, Flow, and Position Changes
A typical session often starts with the back, neck, and shoulders, then moves down toward the legs. Depending on your needs, your therapist may use:
- Long, gliding strokes to warm tissue
- Slower, firmer tissue massage to address tight areas
- Trigger point therapy for knots that can refer to pain You might be asked to change positions partway through (face up, side-lying). That’s normal and usually done to access certain areas or keep you comfortable.
Pressure, Pain, and Communication: How to Speak Up During the Session
Communication is the secret weapon of a great massage.
- If you want more pressure, say so.
- If it’s too much, say so.
- If something feels sharp, nervy, or ‘not right,’ speak up immediately. Some remedial massage techniques can feel intense on tight spots, but it should stay manageable.
Session Length: 30 vs 60 vs 90 Minutes (What Each Is Good For)
- 30 minutes: best for one problem area (for example, neck and shoulders).
- 60 minutes: the common choice; enough time for a focused remedial massage therapy plan.
- 90 minutes: great if you want deeper work plus time to cover multiple areas without rushing.
After the Session: Getting Dressed, Feedback, and Next Steps
At the end, the therapist steps out so you can get dressed. Then you’ll usually have a quick debrief:
- What felt good (or not)
- What they found (tight areas, patterns, likely contributors)
- What they recommend next In a remedial context, you may get simple homework like stretches, hydration advice, or booking guidance.
Normal After-Effects: Relaxation, Soreness, Energy Shifts, and Hydration
Many people feel calm and loose after a session. A little soreness can happen, especially after trigger point therapy or firmer tissue work. It often shows up within 24 hours and settles within 24–48 hours.
Remedial Massage Explained: What It Is (and What It Isn’t)
Remedial massage is a type of massage that targets pain, stiffness, and muscular dysfunction with a clear therapeutic goal. It’s assessment-led and outcome-driven, and it’s often used alongside physiotherapy for recovery.
Who Remedial Massage Is For: Common Conditions and Goals
Remedial massage is commonly used for:
- Ongoing muscular pain or tightness
- Reduced mobility or flexibility
- Sports injuries and training overload
- Tension headaches linked to neck/shoulder tension
- Postural strain from desk work
- Injury management and recovery support
Benefits of Remedial Massage: Pain Relief, Mobility, Recovery, Posture, Stress
People often seek remedial massage therapy for pain relief, improved movement, and better day-to-day function. It can help reduce stiffness, support recovery, and calm the nervous system.
Remedial Massage Techniques: Deep Tissue, Trigger Points, Myofascial Release, Stretching
A session may include deep tissue work, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and stretching or mobilisations, depending on what your body needs.
Remedial vs Relaxation vs Deep Tissue: Quick Differences That Matter
- Relaxation massage: general stress relief, lighter to medium pressure.
- Deep tissue: a technique using slower, firmer pressure.
- Remedial massage: a clinical approach that may use deep tissue and trigger points, guided by assessment and outcomes.
When to See a Physiotherapist (and How Massage Can Complement Physio)
Consider physiotherapy if pain is persistent, worsening, or paired with numbness, tingling, or weakness. Remedial massage can complement physiotherapy by helping manage soft tissue tension and movement restrictions.
First-Massage FAQs: What to Wear, Bra/Underwear, Showering, Shaving, and What to Avoid Beforehand
- Wear loose clothing to arrive in; undress to your comfort level for the treatment.
- Bra on or off is your choice; it depends on the area being treated.
- Showering and shaving are optional.
If your first remedial massage session is coming up, keep it simple: show up, talk honestly about what’s sore, and speak up about pressure. Remedial massage therapy works best when it’s matched to your goal and followed by sensible aftercare.
If you’re planning to claim through private health insurance, check your health insurance policies for extras coverage, level of extras, and any month waiting period or period before you can claim. Limits apply, and your annual limit may cap benefits.
Many clinics can process claims on the spot via a HICAPS machine if your insurer supports it, so you may be able to claim a rebate right away. Medicare usually doesn’t cover remedial massage, so private health cover (extras only cover or hospital and extras cover) is where rebates typically sit. Always check with your health fund, especially if you’re switching from another fund or taking out cover.