As a massage therapist, I often see how much of a difference massage can make — not just for recovery, but for overall wellbeing. Whether you’re dealing with muscle tightness, stress, or you just need time to switch off, the right type of massage can do wonders for both body and mind.
At Physio & Exercise Lab, we offer a range of massage options tailored to your needs — from gentle relaxation massage to targeted remedial and sports massage. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the differences and find out which one might be best for you.
Relaxation Massage – Calm the Body and Mind
If your goal is to relax with massage, a relaxation massage is the perfect choice.
This gentle, flowing style focuses on calming the nervous system, improving circulation, and reducing stress. It’s ideal for anyone feeling tense, overworked, or simply in need of some self-care.
Benefits include:
- Decreased muscle tension
- Improved sleep quality
- Lower stress levels
- Enhanced overall wellbeing
Relaxation massage is about giving your body and mind a chance to reset — a simple yet powerful act of self-care.
Book a Relaxation Massage and give your body and mind the chance to reset.
Deep Tissue Massage – Relieve Stubborn Tension
A deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and fascia to release chronic tightness and knots.
It’s ideal for people who experience ongoing tension in the neck, back, or shoulders, or for those who sit for long hours or train regularly.
Benefits include:
- Reduced chronic muscle pain
- Improved mobility
- Release of tight or restricted areas
- Enhanced recovery between workouts
At Physio & Exercise Lab, your therapist will adjust the pressure to suit your comfort level while still achieving meaningful results.
Book a Deep Tissue Massage to release chronic tension and improve your mobility.
Sports Massage – Boost Performance and Speed Recovery
Athletes and active individuals can benefit from a sports massage to prepare for competition, recover faster, and prevent injury.
This massage type focuses on muscle groups used during your sport or training, using techniques to reduce soreness and improve performance.
Benefits include:
- Faster recovery after games or workouts
- Reduced risk of injury
- Improved flexibility and muscle function
- Enhanced circulation and waste removal
Whether you’re training for a marathon or playing weekend sport, a sports massage can keep your body performing at its best.
Book a Sports Massage and help your muscles recover faster after training or competition.
Remedial Massage – Treat Pain and Injury
A remedial massage is designed to assess and treat specific muscle pain, tightness, or injuries.
It combines relaxation and deep tissue techniques with a targeted approach to restore movement and function.
Our physiotherapists and remedial massage therapists work together to provide the best outcomes for your recovery.
Benefits include:
- Reduced pain and muscle tightness
- Improved posture and range of motion
- Faster injury healing
- Complementary support alongside physiotherapy
Remedial massage is ideal for anyone recovering from an injury or dealing with chronic pain.
Book a Remedial Massage to relieve pain and support your recovery journey.
Will My Massage Therapy Be Covered Under Insurance?
At Physio & Exercise Lab, our remedial massage sessions are typically eligible for private health insurance rebates, depending on your level of cover.
If you have extras cover that includes remedial massage, you may be able to claim part of your treatment cost either on the spot (via HICAPS) or directly through your insurer.
It’s important to note that:
- Relaxation massages are generally not covered under private health insurance.
- Remedial massages provided by a qualified therapist (with a provider number) are usually claimable.
- Sports and deep tissue massages may or may not be covered, depending on the therapist’s qualification and the insurer’s policy.
If you’re unsure about your coverage, we recommend checking with your health fund before your appointment. Our admin team can also help guide you through the process and confirm whether you can claim your massage on the day.
What About Massage Guns – Are They Just as Good?
Massage guns have become a popular recovery tool, and for good reason — they can help reduce muscle soreness, improve blood flow, and provide short-term relief from tightness.
However, while they’re great for quick recovery between workouts, they don’t replace professional massage therapy. Here’s why:
| Massage Guns | Professional Massage |
|---|---|
| Targets surface-level muscle tension | Works on deeper layers and surrounding tissues |
| Provides short-term relief | Offers long-lasting improvement in mobility and pain |
| Self-administered, less precise | Tailored to your body’s needs and movement patterns |
| Useful for maintenance | Ideal for assessment, treatment, and recovery planning |
Massage guns are a great addition to your recovery toolkit — especially after training — but they work best alongside treatments like remedial or sports massage.
Your massage therapist can even show you how to use your massage gun properly to get the most benefit between sessions.
Book a Professional Massage to complement your massage gun recovery and get long-lasting results.
Which Massage Is Right for You?
Each type of massage has unique benefits — the right choice depends on your goals.
| Your Goal | Recommended Massage |
|---|---|
| Stress relief & relaxation | Relaxation Massage |
| Chronic muscle tension | Deep Tissue Massage |
| Sports recovery & performance | Sports Massage |
| Injury or pain treatment | Remedial Massage |
If you’re unsure which one is right for you, our team can assess your needs and recommend the best option.
Massage therapy is one of the most effective ways to support both your physical and mental wellbeing. Whether you want to unwind with a relaxation massage, recover with a sports massage, or relieve pain with a remedial massage, the team at Physio & Exercise Lab can help.
Book your massage today and experience how the right treatment can help you relax, recover, and perform at your best.
