MASSAGE

Massage can be a vulnerable and anxiety-provoking experience for many people, for a variety of reasons. We are therefore excited to offer new and existing clients the opportunity to experience massage and dry needling in a space that feels safe, comfortable and inclusive of different body sizes, neurodiversities, gender, sexual orientation and mental health challenges.

Led by physiotherapist Rebecca Gawler, massage at Eat Love Live can not only assist with relaxation, it can be tailored to support mental health conditions, eating disorder recovery, injuries and pain, chronic illness and hypermobility thanks to Rebecca's qualifications and expertise in these special interest areas.

Learn more about our eating disorder and chronic illness physiotherapist Rebecca Gawler here.

Massage with Rebecca Gawler is not only relaxing, it's inclusive and trauma informed like all of the services offered at Eat Love Live. What does that look like in a session? The following things set massage at Eat Love Live apart:

Size inclusive treatment bed – larger than standard with a higher weight rating to cater for all body types
Options around undressing – massages can be completed entirely through clothing or directly on the skin depending on preferences
Choose what position is comfortable – if the classic position of lying on your stomach feel uncomfortable, we can easily massage in other positions such as lying on your side
Option to have a chat during the massage, bring your own headphones to listen to music/podcasts or have a silent massage
Ability to adjust lighting based on preferences
Option to use dry needling to release muscle tension without much physical touch
You are encouraged to use any accommodations that are useful to you – we have fidget toys you can use during the massage and you are welcome to bring along any other tools that are useful to you such as noise cancelling headphones
Certain positions, body parts and types of touch can be triggering for those with trauma. I will work alongside you to identify these triggers and work around them.
Option to have breaks throughout the massage as needed – this might be a break from physical touch, a chance to move or anything else that is useful for you
An initial 60minute massage session where we take time to discuss these preferences to make sure you are as comfortable as possible

Learn about the other unique services offered by Rebecca Gawler: Physiotherapy and Movement Classes

what ARE THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE AT EAT LOVE LIVE?

As an eating disorder and chronic illness physiotherapist, Rebecca Gawler is able to provide massage that's tailored to your current needs and lived experience.

Massage at Eat Love Love can aid:

Relaxation

General massage to help with relaxation of muscles, management of stress and regulating the nervous system

Mental health conditions

Massage can be incredibly beneficial as a way to regulate and relax before or after psychology sessions, EMDR sessions or seeing other health professionals such as dietitians
It can also be helpful as a regular way to relax and regulate the nervous system and release muscle tension

Eating disorder recovery

Release of muscle tension
Relaxation and regulation
Massage can also be a wonderful way to slowly get comfortable with physical touch and begin to connect with your body

Injuries and pain

As a physiotherapist, Bec understands injuries and pain and can adjust the massage to be safe and beneficial

Chronic illness, hypermobility and chronic pain

For individuals with conditions such as fibromyalgia, POTS, EDS, long COVID and ME/CFS, massage can be daunting and there are some extra things to consider
I have specialised knowledge of these conditions that means we can work together to make sure the massage is safe and accommodating for your individual conditions and symptoms

Incorporating massage into your eating disorder recovery? Learn how physiotherapy can also aid the recovery process here.

what IS DRY NEEDLING, AND DO I NEED IT?

Dry needling uses single use, disposable needles inserted into the muscles to reduce muscle tension along with other benefits including relaxing the nervous system and reducing pain. There is always an option to include dry needling in your massage session if you would like. Reasons you might consider dry needling:

If physical touch gets overwhelming or triggering

Dry needling requires a small amount of physical touch to locate the tight muscles and insert the needle. However, after the needles are inserted, they can be left in while you relax on the bed without being touched

If you have a pain condition that makes physical touch painful

For those with conditions such as fibromyalgia, physical touch can be painful. Dry needling can provide effective release of muscles while reducing the amount of physical touch

If you prefer it!

Some people don’t like the feeling of being massaged but would like muscle release. This is a perfect option if you don’t enjoy the process of being massaged

Stubborn tight spots

Sometimes there are tight muscles that don’t respond very well to massage. Dry needling can be a great option to try for these spots

Learn more about Rebecca Gawler's areas of expertise as a physiotherapist at Eat Love Live here.

MASSAGE BOOKINGS & REBATES

Can I get a rebate through Medicare or Private Health Insurance?

Yes, because these sessions are done by a physiotherapist, they can be claimed in the same way as standard physiotherapy sessions

Can I access these sessions through NDIS?

Physiotherapy through NDIS needs to consist of goal setting and a treatment plan. Massage can definitely be included in this plan, however please book a standard physiotherapy session so that the requirements of NDIS can be met.

How do I book a massage at Eat Love Live?

If you are interested in booking a massage at Eat Love Live, you can book online using Rebecca's online booking link or call reception on (03) 9087 8379 to make a booking over the phone.

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