What is remedial massage and can I claim it on health insurance?
More than 13 million Australians have private health insurance but it can be hard to know exactly what you can claim on. This is one worth knowing.
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Think of massage and you might picture a soft rub down at a spa or even on a beach in Bali but did you know that remedial massage can also alleviate aches, pains, headaches and some injuries.
According to the Australian Pain Management Association (APMA) 1 in 5 readers of this article probably already suffers neck pain.
And the chance that you’ll have neck pain at some point in your lifetime is nearly 50 per cent and that it most often presents as headaches or pain in the arm, shoulder or mid back.
The solution? According to the APMA, hands on therapy – or soft tissue massage – can ‘mobilise’ or manipulate joints and muscles to reduce pain and improve movement.
Some extras private health insurance policies allow you to claim a rebate on remedial massage, making costs more manageable so it’s worth checking your policy to make sure you are not missing out on a benefit.
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What’s the difference between remedial massage and other types of massage?
The intention in remedial massage is to ‘remedy’ the body, with its focus being treating pain, structural dysfunctions and helping injury rehabilitation.
“A remedial massage begins with a full body assessment then we design a treatment plan based on the results,” explains Francesco Nisi, a remedial massage lecturer at Endeavour College of Natural Health.
“More often than not we work with a specific area, with a much larger range of techniques as opposed to relaxation massage where the focus is on the whole body with lighter pressure.”
What are some of the health benefits of remedial massage?
Anyone experiencing muscle tension or acute or chronic pain such as low back, neck pain or headaches will benefit from a remedial massage.
“When a muscle is restricted and a person has lost full range of motion in that joint it presents as pain. When this occurs the chance of that person sustaining an injury increases exponentially when doing exercises or even daily tasks. Remedial massage restores range of motion back to the specified joint,” says Mr Nisi.
According to Mr Nisi, when it comes to tension headaches, remedial massage is the best treatment.
“Over 70 per cent of headaches are actually muscular tension headaches caused by overuse of the neck muscles. This is particularly common among desk workers. Taking a painkiller to reduce pain treats the symptoms but not the cause.”
Does remedial massage hurt?
According to Mr Nisi, although remedial massage may not be considered as relaxing as a relaxation massage, it can still be calming especially as it can ease musculoskeletal pain.
“When a muscle has built up enough tension that you’re considering a massage, there’s a good chance it’s going to be tender,” explains Mr Nisi.
“It is definitely more painful than a relaxation massage but it’s worth it. One hour of slight discomfort can relieve the pain people endure for hours every day.”
How often should I have a remedial massage?
The good news is that unlike other natural therapies, repeat appointments for remedial massage aren’t necessary.
“The goal of remedial massage isn’t temporary relief. The aim of your treatment plan is to solve the issue for good,” says Mr Nisi.
“In Ancient Chinese culture doctors got paid when their community was healthy. The same principle applies to remedial massage. Our aim is NOT to see you again for the same issue.”
What should I look out for so I know I am getting a good remedial masseur?
The way to spot a good remedial masseur, says Mr Nisi, is all in the way they assess you.
“They should listen to your complaint and do a thorough assessment. Your body will tell them where they need to work. If they get this part right the rest is easy,” he explains.
“Communication is key, too. If the massage is hurting and you can’t help but tense your muscles, it takes longer to get the desired result. Your practitioner should make you feel comfortable enough to let them know if they need to apply a little more or less pressure.”
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FAQs: Private Health Insurance Extras
How long do I have to wait before I can claim for remedial massage on health insurance?
If you’ve recently upgraded or have a new extras policy, you may have to serve a waiting period before you can claim for a treatment. Usually, natural therapies have a two month waiting period, but this can vary depending on your policy.
Does remedial massage have annual claim limits?
Yes, extras health insurance policies will typically have annual claim limits, which vary depending on your policy.
Is remedial massage covered by Medicare?
Medicare doesn’t provide cover for remedial massage. For private cover, remedial massage is a common inclusion in natural or alternative therapy cover. Remedial massage is also a worker’s compensation benefit.
Private health insurance extras policies can cover a range of treatments and therapies including traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and chiropractic.
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