Bodywork Restore

Restore inner peace & power

Remedial Massage Therapy

with Tasha Heffernan

Get to know me

Growing up in Albany WA, most of my time ​was spent running around barefoot in nature.

Like most, my teenage years held a unique ​string of challenges. These experiences ​ignited a drive to learn, grow & improve for ​myself & those around me.

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These days my time is spent building by career & business, exploring interests & hobbies. Along with self development pursuits; such as fitness, meditation & reading.

My vision for my business reaches far beyond a remedial massage clinic. I aspire to establish a wellness retreat. Focused on education & offering a sanctuary to reset, rejuvenate & reprogram.

My career path

Initially completing my qualifications in events management (2014) & massage therapy (2015). I felt more drawn to the atmosphere & path of massage. Only 16 at the time my career started within the day spa industry, I got to work alongside some talented practitioners in some beautiful environments. This helped me hone my skills, learn, grow & build confidence.

Overtime I became more drawn to the health & wellness aspect of massage. This set me on a path of professional development to refocus my career. Since then I have completed my Diploma in Remedial massage. Along with certificates in assisted stretching, prenatal massage & Reiki. Training in relaxation reflexology, sports, deep tissue, stone therapy & lymphatic drainage massage. I look forward to learning more!

The natural progression of my career lead me to open my own small business in 2022. I am excited for the possibilities this venture holds.

I aspire to refine my bodywork skills, learn new ones & stay up to date with developments in the field. To help me provide the highest level of care for my clients.

Bodywork

What is Bodywork?

Bodywork is a term used to describe a range of complementary, holistic treatments & practices. Where deep understanding of the inner workings of the human body is applied to address health related concerns. Along with assisting healing, improve well being & longevity.

Common types of bodywork include chiropractic care, Bowen therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, acupressure or functional medicine.

‘Bodyworker’ in not a well defined term. To be considered one, the general consensus is that the focus of a session is away from relieving symptoms. Instead directed towards healing the underlining cause of ill health, unbalance or stress within the body.

Though this lens practices like yoga, meditation & breath work, energy healing & reiki, Tai Chi or qigong are considered bodywork.

Conditions Massage

Can Help Improve

Massage Therapy

Headaches & migraines

Frozen shoulder

Sport related injuries

Muscle soreness (DOMS)

Insomnia / sleep issues

Stress related conditions

Carpal tunnel

Fibromyalgia

Massage therapy is manual manipulation of soft tissue; muscle tissue, ligaments, tendons & fascia. This therapy is preformed to treat pain & improve wellbeing.

I adore all aspects of massage therapy & don’t consider it to be a rare luxury experience (although it can be!), rather an important element in a well balanced self care routine.

Anxiety & depression

Sciatica & Arthritis

Rotator cuff injuries

Postural deviations

Myofascial Pain

High blood pressure

lymphedema

Chronic pain

Hearing stories from my clients (& others) about how massage has improved their physical & mental state, keeps me passionate about my work.

Post treatment recommendations

Hydration is number one. Massage promotes lymph & blood circulation. To help these systems run smoothly, avoid a sluggish feeling & reap the full benefits of a session ensure to be well hydrated.

Complete the personalised post-treatment recommendations & note any reactions to the treatment. This is an important step in refining your healthcare plan & creating long lasting improvements.

Some other tips include avoiding caffein, stimulates & high intensity physical activity. Tuning into your body & being mindful of posture to help re-train your body mechanics. Taking it easy & staying relaxed.

Benefits of massage therapy

Increase blood flow, aiding recovery

Improved joint function

Helps correct muscular imbalances

Addresses postural issues

Assists the nervous system back into balance

Improves flexibility & mobility

Improved sleep quality & cognitive function

Increased body/mind connection

Improved body awareness

Injury prevention & management

Improved lymph flow (the bodies ‘waste’ collection system)

Improved performance & endurance

Risks of massage therapy

A thorough & dynamic assessment is completed prior to any session. To minimise risks, better focus the session & ensure improvements are being made. Client questions & feedback is encouraged, always voice any specific concerns.

Techniques used in massage therapy

Swedish & Relaxation Massage

This is the most common form of massage, five foundational techniques are utilised (effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction & vibration), with the aims to improve overall health. Relaxation massage holds a number of therapeutic effects such as improved sleep quality, cognitive function or reduced recovery time from injury/illness.

Remedial Massage

Is aimed to address specific concerns, improve function & reduce pain. A range of the techniques used in bodywork are incorporated to achieve the best result. Along with the principle techniques used in remedial massage (cross fiber friction, deep glide, deep transverse friction, passive joint movement, compression, soft tissue manipulation, pin & stretch.)

Temperature Therapy

A form of treatment that employs the effects of heat & cold to assist the body in healing. Temperature therapy has been well researched & the science behind it is sound. Within bodywork this therapy is used in methods like hot/cold stone massages, heat/cold packs or applications.

Assisted Stretching

Stretching is lengthening tissue through its elastic range of motion. The principles of progressive overload are used to improve mobility, function & movement pattens. Assisted stretching is done primarily by the practitioner. Often incorporating muscle energy techniques where the client is guided to provide resistance against a stretch.

Myofascial Release

Fascia is connective tissue that surrounds every structure within the body its role is to provide support & protection. When fascia hardens due to lifestyle, it can impair mobility, contribute to postural deviations & cause pain. Myofascial release works on relaxing & breaking down fascia restrictions.

Joint Mobilisation

This therapy is done by moving a joint through its elastic range of motion, with therapeutic intent. Traction, holds or vibration are applied during this process for increased benefits. High velocity manipulation or adjustments falls beyond the scope of a standard massage therapist. Further chiropractor training is required to offer this. A ‘crack’ or ‘pop may occur during with use of this technique, though that is not the goal.

Deep Tissue

A form of massage incorporating remedial techniques, aimed at addressing the deep layers of soft tissue. Though deep tissue works on the deep levels, the treatment does not have to be painful to be effective. When deep tissue is preformed incorrectly it activates the bodies natural response to tense at pain, resulting in little benefit for the client.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger points (TP) are often called knots. As muscles contract & relax with movement, TPs develop when some muscle fibers remain contracted when the muscle is relaxed. TPs can be very irritable, cause pain, limit movement & strength. Within massage compression is used to relax these points, other methods include dry needling, cold applications or medical intervention.

Muscle Energy Techniques

An umbrella term for a range of techniques like PNF or contract-relax. Theses techniques require client participation. Different forms of muscle contractions are used to address imbalances & concerns within the body. MET mainly works on the principle of reciprocal inhibition where contracting one muscle forces the apposing muscle to relax.

Active Release Techniques

This is an umbrella term for a group of technique such as soft tissue release, myofascial lengthening, directional release or pin & stretch. These techniques are executed slightly differently but the underling principle remains the same. In a shortened position tension is applied to either side of a targeted area, which is then lengthened causing a release in the structure.

Adapting for Prenatal

Bodywork during pregnancy is generally considered beneficial & safe. Provided the practitioner holds the skills & knowledge. The main adaptions include avoiding certain pressure points, preforming the session is positions comfortable for the client, avoiding deep / direct pressure over vulnerable structures & ensuring to take extra mindful care.

Adapting for Athletes

Regular bodywork treatments for athletes is tied to improved performance & duration in the sport, reduced recovery time & injury prevention. Sessions are adapted depending on the clients needs. Factors that can influence this include the timing of the session (pre/during/post event), reason for visit or instructions provided by the athletes support team.

Services

Check with your private healthcare provider to see rebate eligibility.

Remedial Massage

A tailored treatment designed to target specific concerns. Incorporating a range of techniques like deep tissue, trigger point, stretching & myofascial release. This massage treatment is adjusted to suit individual needs & goals.

Relaxation Massage

A soothing & restorative treatment. Designed to help the body shift into a healing state, promoting overall health. The sequence of this massage is mirrored on either side of the body, this predictable flow allows the mind to relax as well as the body.

Stone Therapy Massage

A treatment described as ‘being wrapped up in a sheet straight from the dryer’. Heated stones are used as tools & in left in placements. The heat amplifies the benefits of massage, reaching deep into layers of tissue. A truly divine & restorative experience.

Prenatal Massage

A massage treatment adapted to the needs of expecting mothers. Designed to ease the physical & mental stress caused by pregnancy. Preformed in a side lying position, extra attention is given to ensure comfort & a wonderful experience.

Gift

Certificates

Available

What to expect?

For first time clients please arrive a few minutes early to ​complete a health history form.

At your appointment an assessment is conducted. This ​is done to better tailor & optimise your treatment, while ​identifying possible risks. Reveal areas for improvement ​& show results over time.

From there the treatment session, finishing with a ​discussion. Where professional recommendations & ​home care suggestions are can be given.

Every session is booked with additional time, this allows ​quality care for each individual. I aim to provide a ​genuine, client focused, healing environment without the ​rush we learn to expect.

Client Feedback

“This lovely human is a natural masseuse. She does so well at her work, professional, constantly working towards better skills and learning more and more.” Kelsey

“Great deep tissue massage, highly recommend the hot stones.” Jesse

“Just had a relaxing 60 minute massage by Tasha at Bodywork Restore. I did not want it to end, so relaxing! The rooms are lovely and complement the atmosphere so well. Thank you Tash, I will be back.” Shelly

“Always a top quality personalised approach. Thanks Tasha. I love a good massage.” Leanne