What is therapeutic massage, and is it right for you?
Therapeutic massage is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practice, a form of holistic bodywork that uses hands-on techniques to release tension in the soft tissue, calm the nervous system and restore a sense of well-being. At Be Well Hawthorn, Amanda draws on 20 years of practice and a natural gift for healing through touch, providing an experience that benefits you physically, mentally and emotionally.
Quick stats: 20+ years of practice, Reiki-informed
“She has completely ruined all other massages for me, because nothing else compares.”
Peta S, Be Well Member
Book your session with Amanda
Therapeutic massage sessions run for 60 or 90 minutes. Amanda, our Therapeutic Massage therapist, is currently available by appointment; her sessions fill quickly, so we recommend booking as early as you can.
Prefer to call? (03) 8851 9686. After your session, stay for a tea. Most clients notice better sleep and a clearer mind in the days that follow.
What can Therapeutic Massage help with?
Rest. Unwind. Breathe. Therapeutic massage goes beyond relaxation. The benefits accumulate physically, mentally and emotionally with regular sessions.
01
Release the tension your body is holding
02
Ease circulation and support your immune system
03
Better sleep, lower anxiety and emotional restoration
What happens in a session with Amanda
Arriving
Before your session begins, Amanda will briefly ask about any areas of tension, stress or discomfort and what you are hoping to get from the treatment. There is no pressure to talk. Many clients simply arrive, let go and allow themselves to be guided through the experience.
The session
You will be comfortably draped and settled on the massage table. Amanda uses a combination of flowing, rhythmic strokes and targeted pressure to release tension, improve circulation and ease your body into a deep state of relaxation. The room is calm, warm and completely unhurried.
Taking your time
Take a few minutes before rushing off. Drink plenty of water to support the body's natural processes. Many clients notice the benefits building over the following 24 to 48 hours: improved sleep, reduced tension and a noticeably clearer mind.
What techniques does Amanda use
| Technique | What it does |
|---|---|
|
Swedish massage
|
Long, flowing strokes that warm the tissue, improve circulation and signal to the nervous system that it is safe to relax. The foundation of therapeutic massage and deeply soothing.
|
|
Relaxation massage |
Lighter-pressure, rhythmic work designed to induce a meditative state of calm. Ideal for clients who carry stress in the body without specific physical injuries to address. |
|
Lymphatic drainage
|
Gentle, targeted strokes that stimulate the lymphatic system to move lymph fluids around the body, support immune response and reduce swelling.
|
|
Reiki-informed touch
|
Drawing on her training in Reiki, Amanda brings an energy-aware quality to sessions for clients who respond to a more holistic approach, deepening the sense of restoration and emotional release.
|
|
Reflexology
|
Targeted pressure applied to specific points on the feet, hands and ears corresponding to organs and systems throughout the body. Known for inducing relaxation and reducing stress. |
Is Therapeutic Massage right for you?
Do you carry high levels of stress or work in demanding environments?
Struggle with sleep quality or find it difficult to switch off?
Experience general muscle tension without a specific injury?
Are going through periods of emotional difficulty or change?
Want to maintain your wellbeing proactively rather than reactively?
Are looking for a restorative, holistic experience rather than a clinical treatment?
What our members say
“Her work has been a constant recuperative and enriching experience for both body and spirit.”
Chris Chittenden
Coach and Mentor
“I thought I knew what a great massage felt like, then I had my first treatment with Amanda and it was on another level entirely.”
Peta Sarlos
Be Well Member
“Her massages truly are something so extraordinary. I always leave feeling so relaxed and cared for.”
Anna Rossi
Be Well member
Private health insurance
Therapeutic massage is generally not covered by private health insurance extras in Australia. If you are looking for a massage that may be claimable through your health fund, remedial massage with Megan is the appropriate option, as she is an approved provider for Private Health Insurance rebates. Please check your specific policy for details.
Looking for something else
Combine with Lymphatic Drainage
Tight muscles and fascia can restrict lymphatic flow. Adding lymphatic drainage to your remedial session with Megan often gives more complete, longer-lasting results.
Looking for a gentler, nervous-system-led approach
Sonia offers Craniosacral Therapy and TRE, both gentle options if deep tissue or remedial massage feels too intense.
Looking to relax rather than treat pain
Therapeutic massage with Amanda is more suited to stress relief and general relaxation.
Ready to book with Amanda
Her sessions fill quickly. We recommend securing your spot sooner rather than later.
Questions
Common questions
Therapeutic massage is a type of massage aimed at healing and relaxation. It uses various techniques to manipulate the soft tissues and muscles in the body, helping to reduce stress, relieve tension and improve circulation and immune system function. It is a holistic, wellbeing-focused practice that benefits recipients physically, mentally and emotionally.
No. Therapeutic massage should feel deeply comfortable and relaxing throughout. Unlike remedial massage, which may involve targeted pressure on areas of tension or injury, therapeutic massage uses lighter, flowing techniques designed to induce calm. If anything feels uncomfortable at any point, simply let Amanda know, and she will adjust immediately.
Therapeutic massage is focused on relaxation, stress reduction and overall emotional and physical well-being. Remedial massage is a clinical treatment targeting specific musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, neck tension, injury recovery and postural problems. Not sure? Call us on (03) 8851 9686, and we will help you decide.
Therapeutic massage is suitable for most healthy adults. However, it may not be appropriate if you have certain medical conditions, have had recent surgery, have skin infections or blood clots, or are pregnant without specific guidance from your healthcare provider. If you have any concerns, we recommend speaking with your doctor first. Amanda is also happy to discuss your circumstances when you call to book.
Most clients find a monthly session beneficial for maintaining well-being and managing stress. During particularly demanding periods, fortnightly sessions can make a noticeable difference. Amanda will give you a personal recommendation after your first session based on your goals and how your body responds.
Therapeutic massage is generally not covered by private health insurance extras in Australia. If you are looking for a massage that may be claimable through your health fund, remedial massage with Megan is the appropriate option, as she is an approved provider for Private Health Insurance rebates. Please check your specific policy for details.
Amanda has a devoted client base, and her appointments are consistently in high demand. We recommend booking as far in advance as possible. Call us on (03) 8851 9686 or email hello@bewell.com.au to check availability.
Be Well Hawthorn is located at 6 Roche St, Hawthorn VIC 3122. Call (03) 8851 9686 or email hello@bewell.com.au.
Yes. Be Well offers a Gift of Wellness option that can be put toward a therapeutic massage session with Amanda or other Be Well services. Contact the team on (03) 8851 9686 or hello@bewell.com.au, or visit the Gift of Wellness page to arrange one.
You don't need to prepare anything or know what to say. Amanda will ask a few simple questions before you begin about how you're feeling and what you'd like from the session, then guide you through the rest. There's no pressure to talk during the treatment itself. Many first-time clients simply relax and let the session unfold.
The People
Meet Your Massage Therapist
Megan
Remedial Massage | Lymphatic Drainage | BNurs | DipRemMass | Private Health Insurance approved provider
14 years' experience
Megan brings 14 years of remedial massage therapy experience alongside a clinical background in nursing. This combination gives her a deep understanding of how the body works and how targeted massage techniques manage pain, restore mobility and improve overall wellbeing.
She takes a holistic approach to every session, beginning with a thorough assessment to understand each person’s unique needs, and tailors her treatment accordingly. Megan works with clients across a wide range of conditions, from acute injuries and chronic pain to postural issues and sports recovery.
Megan specialises in lymphatic drainage, a technique she is passionate about and keeps in mind with every remedial massage. Megan is an approved provider for Private Health Insurance claims for Remedial Massage Therapy.
Sonia
Craniosacral Therapy | TRE Certified Provider | Bowen Therapy | Reiki | Remedial Massage Therapist
30+ Years
Sonia is an experienced holistic bodyworker with over 30 years of practice, grounded in a foundation of remedial massage therapy. At Be Well, she specialises in Craniosacral Therapy, Bowen Therapy, Reiki and TRE: gentle yet profoundly effective approaches to releasing tension, restoring balance and supporting the body’s innate capacity to heal.
Craniosacral Therapy holds a special place in Sonia’s practice. Rather than simply addressing symptoms, her sessions support the body in unwinding long-held patterns of tension, helping clients find a deeper sense of ease, balance and wellbeing. Her TRE certification was completed under the supervision of Richmond Heath, one of Australia’s leading TRE trainers and researchers, and her additional training in Somatic Exercise Releases for Trauma further deepens her understanding of how the body holds and releases stress.
Sonia believes real healing happens when the whole person is met: body, nervous system and spirit. Whether you’re navigating a specific condition or simply seeking deeper restoration, she offers a safe and skilled space to come home to yourself.
Amanda
Therapeutic Massage | 20+ years of practice | Reiki-informed
20+ Years
Amanda, known to her clients as Amandala, was born and raised in Melbourne. She is a generous and gifted practitioner whose ability to connect with people through touch has earned her a devoted following built over more than two decades of practice.
Amanda began her therapeutic massage practice in her first year of university and has trained in Reiki alongside her hands-on bodywork ever since. That combination shapes everything she does. She works across the physical, mental and emotional dimensions of wellbeing in every session, not just the physical.
Amanda provides people with a truly exceptional experience, which is why she has such a large and loyal following. Her bookings fill quickly. If you want a session with Amanda, get in early and come often.
"Drawing on 20 years of experience, Amandala provides people with a truly exceptional experience. Get in early, and come often."
At Be Well Hawthorn
Explore more
Remedial Massage
Clinical treatment for musculoskeletal pain, injury and postural dysfunction with Megan.