Welcome to the second edition of our Take Five Q&A series! In this special interview we hear from Right at Home Allied Health Bulimba Hawthorne Remedial Massage Therapist, Laura Devereaux.
1. What made you want to be a massage therapist?
So many things! I have been interested in natural health since I was a child, but it wasn’t until my mid 20's after working in desk jobs for a while that I realised my body was not geared for long hours in one position. So, I started seeing a really gifted Myotherapist in Melbourne who was probably the first inspiration for becoming a massage therapist. After each monthly session with this particular Myo, I felt limber and relaxed yet energised. I was hooked and have pretty much been getting treatments every four weeks since. Limber and relaxed yet energised is my aim when treating clients. I honestly don't think most people are aware of how great their bodies are designed to feel. I hope I can play a small part in facilitating a stronger connection they have with their bodies.
2. What specific conditions or issues are you particularly skilled at addressing?
Neck tension, I love treating necks. Legs, hamstrings, and calves, I see a lot of runners, so I am very experienced releasing tight legs. Pregnancy massage is another skillset I have. I strongly recommend massage, especially in the third trimester and after birth. I know it can be difficult finding the time to have appointments with a newborn, but it is incredibly beneficial for the post-natal body and mind.
3. What type of clients do you most enjoy working with?
Literally anyone that is seeking to prioritise their health. I see kids, teens, through to older adults.
4. What massage techniques or approaches set you apart from others?
I have always practiced remedial massage, with a luxurious twist. This twist can include hot stones or cupping, scalp and face massages, and long-held passive stretches. These treatments, combined with my deep tissue techniques, offer a lovely release of muscle tension and get the body feeling loose and limber.
5. How do you collaborate with allied health colleagues to optimise client outcomes?
It is important to have an open dialogue with colleagues when we share clients. There can be a myriad of conditions to consider when treating the same client, but for me coordinating a workable schedule is key; timing remedial massage carefully with physiotherapy or chiropractic can achieve better results and maximise mobility and tissue recovery. We also share relevant insights, from changes in muscle tone, to pain levels, and wellbeing improvements. All of this is noted in the client's file, which is accessed by every practitioner they visit at our clinic.
Laura is a qualified Remedial Massage Therapist with a diploma in Remedial Massage Therapy. She has a background in children and pregnancy massage and working within multidisciplinary allied health teams, supporting NDIS participants. Laura currently sees a range of clients of all ages and is dedicated to restoring any muscular aches and pains that come through her door. Book an appointment with Laura today!
Right at Home Allied Health is dedicated to delivering quality, patient-centred care across Australia. Our allied health services comprise chiropractic, exercise physiology, occupational therapy, optometry, osteopathy, physiotherapy, podiatry, psychology, and speech pathology. We also provide remedial massage therapy, clinical nutrition, clinical naturopathy, and clinical Pilates. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve by decoding health, happiness, and harmony. Discover, heal, and optimise your physical and emotional wellbeing with Right at Home Allied Health. Book a Discovery Session at your local clinic today.
*Some services may not be available in all locations. Please contact your local office to learn more about their in-clinic and at-home allied health and wellbeing services.
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