Back For Good

Remedial Massage Therapy & Manual Lymph Drainage

Back For Good, Remedial Massage Therapy and Manual Lymph Drainage, is based in Perth in the Northern suburb of Trigg, only five minutes from the Indian Ocean, overlooking the Trigg Bushland. My rooms are nestled in a beautiful and tranquil garden, expect to be greeted by flowers, birdsong and gently bubbling water features. So much for the location and the ambience, to learn more about what we do, see our Therapies below.

Remedial Massage

Let’s talk about Remedial Massage (RM) for a moment. RM is described as an outcome-based type of massage, meaning the application of a specific treatment targeted to the specific problem the patient presents with. It’s also a bit of an ‘umbrella’ term, as specific massage modalities, for example sports massage, relaxation massage, manual lymphatic drainage and reflexology all find themselves grouped under the term remedial massage. Therefore a variety of techniques are used to achieve an optimum result. Remedial massage has shown to:

  • reduce muscle tension
  • improve circulation
  • stimulate of the lymphatic system
  • reduce stress hormones
  • facilitate relaxation
  • increase joint mobility and flexibility
  • improve skin tone
  • improve recovery of soft tissue injuries.

"Hands Down Everything You Need to Feel Better"

Sports Massage

I like the term Sports Massage, it sounds so energetic. The techniques used in Sports Massage, or Swedish massage, apply to the athlete, the weekend warrior and the more sedentary person alike. There are many reasons your muscles may feel fatigued, stiff and sore. Sports massage helps by stretching and lengthening shortened muscles and thereby reduces muscle spasms. By using gentle kneading, as well as deep tissue and joint mobilisation techniques, circulation is improved and waste products such as lactic acid that will make you feel sore are removed. Fresh nutrients and oxygen are introduced to help your muscles rejuvenate. This deeply relaxing massage will also promote restful sleep which helps your tissues to repair naturally. You will find that sports massage can assist with:

  • muscles returning to normal function faster
  • your ability to resume activity sooner
  • enhanced performance
  • muscles working more efficiently.

"For Everyone: the Athlete, the Weekend Warrior and the Couch Potato"

Relaxation Massage

Relaxation Massage on the other hand, is exactly that. During a relaxation massage, you can expect a treatment that involves long smooth gliding strokes that are rhythmic and flowing. The pressure applied will be deeply relaxing, but not painful. The treatment is tailored to soothe and relax you, not to relieve chronic pain or other underlying ailments. I often use essential oils in my relaxation massages. Here are the aims of a relaxation massage:

  • feeling better physically
  • taking time to relax
  • reclaiming your body
  • nurturing yourself.

"A Little Slice of Heaven"

Manual Lymph Drainage

And here comes my passion: Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD). Also called lymphatic massage, MLD is a light touch technique that has been used for almost 90 years to promote health and recovery from certain illnesses, especially known for its benefits for breast cancer survivors. It was developed in Europe by Emil and Astrid Vodder and has come a long way since then. MLD can reduce the pain, inflammation and scarring associated with fluid retention (oedema). The gentle touch of MLD soothes and calms the nervous system and therefore can improve sleep and reduce the effects of stress, depression and anxiety symptoms. MLD is known to:

  • promote wellness
  • reduce fluid retention
  • enhance the removal of toxins from body tissues
  • support the immune system.

"Let It Flow"

Reflexology

Reflexology is so much more than just a good foot massage. By skilfully applying pressure to specific points in the feet, a silent dialogue is started within the recipient’s body. As part of a preventative care plan, or in response to physical or emotional distress, reflexology has been observed to create physical changes that can facilitate balance, ease and healing. The soothing stillness of a reflexology session is outstanding. Expect to experience something or everything from this list:

  • alleviated headaches
  • reduced arthritic pain
  • reduced back pain
  • decreased symptoms of addiction withdrawal
  • eased swings of premenstrual syndrome and/or menopause
  • reduced symptoms of diabetes
  • simply feeling fantastic.

"An Ancient Healing Art for the Stresses of Today’s Busy Life"

Reiki

They say Reiki finds you when you need it the most – maybe you are reading this at the perfect moment in time. Supported by current research, it is strongly suggested that energy extends throughout and beyond the physical body, therefore disruptions and imbalances of its flow can lead to physical, mental and emotional illnesses. Reiki addresses those imbalances and by doing so strengthens the person’s good health and overall well-being.
The Japanese word ‘Reiki’ means universal life energy. It’s a non-intrusive method of hands-on healing, tapping into the energy that surrounds us. Reiki is simply a technique addressing both acute and chronic conditions by gently and powerfully rebalancing the body’s systems. It promotes the normal regenerative processes of mind and body. During the session, I will apply little or no pressure at all, no oils will be used. You will be fully clothed, in a safe and warm environment, still and focused, while I will simply place my hands above your head, shoulders, chest, back, stomach and limbs, or any area of discomfort. Reiki has been shown to:

  • significantly reduce pain, including cancer pain
  • improve the immune and nervous systems
  • decrease use in pain medication in surgical patients leading to shorter stays in hospitals
  • aid in restful sleep, relaxation and healing
  • increase relaxation which benefits the mind and body and heightens the sense of well-being
  • relieve anxiety and depression
  • release muscle tension
  • restore proper immune function
  • increase circulation and promote healing throughout the body.

"Gentle Healing for Everyone"

Infant Massage

I am an IMIS (Infant Massage Information Service) trained Infant Massage Instructor and I train parents and/or primary caregivers in massaging their babies. Watching the bond, love and trust developing between children and their parents is truly rewarding.
Infant massage provides relaxation and stimulation to your little one, relieves discomfort, improves their body awareness and helps to tone muscles and thereby aids growth. Here are some of the amazing benefits of infant massage:

  • prevents and relieves colic, constipation, and painful gas
  • assists with reflux
  • helps overcome post-natal depression
  • can increase periods of deep sleep
  • enhances the bonding process
  • strengthens the immune system
  • aids and stimulates digestion.

‘To infants and children, touch is a basic physical and emotional need – as vital as food … Massage provides quality time between you and your child, allowing enhancement of the bonding process, while offering many other physical and emotional benefits.’ – from Heidi McLoughlin, Infant Massage Parent Manual.

"Love the Bond"

Essential Oils

Have you heard about the amazing properties of essential oils? I have been using Young Living Essential Oils as an integral part of my massage therapies for years, and they have worked miracles. I use the oils in my diffuser, to set the mood for the therapy, as well as in the Raindrop massage, a very unique combination of a set of oils, incorporated in a wonderfully relaxing massage.

Young Living Essential Oils products have also been a big part of my personal life for years now, I take them daily in my supplements, I clean with them, I cook with them and I just simply enjoy the beautiful fragrances. Let’s talk a little bit more about the oils if you like, when I see you here at my clinic, or have a look on my other website, Health & Oils – Wellness, Cooking, Cleaning, Home Improvement.

Health Funds

Here is a list of Private Health Funds that indorse Remedial Massage Therapy, and I have provider numbers with:

  • Australian Regional Health Group (ARHG)
  • BUPA Australia Health
  • CBHS Friendly Society
  • NIB Health
  • Australian Unity
  • Grand United Health Corporate Health
  • HCF
  • Australian Health Management (AHM)
  • GMF Health (Formerly Goldfields)
  • Medibank Private
  • HBF
  • SGIO Health (WA).

About Back For Good

Back For Good - Nicola Ott - Remedial Massage Therapist

Nicola Ott - Remedial Massage Therapist

From 2003 to Present

Remedial Massage Therapist

From my very first patients while studying at TAFE, Mount Lawley, I immediately enjoyed working with clients. I received my Diploma of Remedial Massage in December 2005, and was awarded the ‘Achievement Award for Outstanding Performance’. My career started in a Pain Management Clinic in Subiaco, first as a massage therapist in a massage clinic and later as a masseur in a Chiropractic Clinic in Karrinyup. In 2008 I decided to ‘fly solo’ and Back For Good found its new home on 53 Duart Road, Trigg. The clinic has wonderful vibes and lots of privacy, overlooking a beautiful courtyard with gently bubbling water features to still the mind.

04/2011 to Present

Saba Button and the Saba Rose Button Foundation, RehabMe

In April 2011, I met Saba Button and her amazing family for the first time, and that was the start of a continuing and truly rewarding journey. Little Saba had been vaccinated with Flu-Vax in April 2010, just a week before her first birthday and suffered a massive adverse reaction that left her with severe brain damage and multiple organ failure. This led her to become a spastic quadriplegic (GMSCF level 5 – the worst) with epilepsy and respiratory weakness. Over the years with seeing Saba three to four times a week, I have watched her thrive to the best of her abilities, she is such an intelligent and cheeky fighter. Working with Saba has also allowed me to work extensively with other special needs children, which is a truly rewarding part of my daily schedule. You kids rock!

11/2008

Infant Massage Instructor and Reflexology

2008 was a busy year. Not only did I train and certify as an Infant Massage Instructor, I also did my Diploma in Reflexology in Perth. Both trainings opened up new avenues to work and help the people around me. I have since taught many parents, expecting or with little ones already here and it is always amazing to watch the bond and the love between them. Reflexology has become an integral part of my work ever since and I do ‘pure’ reflexology sessions, as well as ‘throwing’ in a bit of reflexology into a regular massage.

10/2006 to 06/2007

Vodder Manual Lymph Drainage

The world of massage is big and full of variety. I was fortunate enough to be identified by a wonderful lecturer at TAFE, as ‘having the right hands’ for Manual Lymphatic Drainage and I was encouraged to deepen my knowledge in that special field. I did the first two parts of the intense training here in Perth. Subsequently, I was able to finish my training in Walchsee, Austria, at the ‘source’ of the practice, trained by the amazing Hildegard Wittlinger. I am also a member of the Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA) and listed on the National Lymphoedema Practioner Register (NLPR).

12/2004

Reiki

In December 2004, my Reiki journey started. I had contemplated learning Reiki before so many times, but on ‘the day’ I was determined to finally give it a go, I opened up the yellow pages, the first entry I saw was Roger Weston, I called him, he had one spot left on the following weekend, and, what can I say, it opened up a world for me. Once you have been given ‘Reiki hands’, they stay with you forever, what a gift.

02/2003 to 12/2005

Remedial Massage Student

In 2001, my husband and I decided to leap across a couple of oceans, all the way from Germany to Australia and make our new home in Trigg, Western Australia. Being true ‘weather refugees’, we enjoy the warmth and sunshine that shines through every facet of life here in Perth.
Not only did we decide to change continents, but we also decided to change careers and finally, at the age of 35, truly follow our hearts. I found my passion and calling in massage, training at TAFE in Perth with the ‘Best of the Best’.

1992 -2001

Bachelor of Printing, Germany

In a life before Australia and massage, I studied printing technology at the Fachhochschule in Munich, and subsequently had my own business as a designer and print broker. As much as it was an exciting career, the part that was missing, was meaningful interaction with human beings – computers are just no substitute for people …

Association & Memberships

Massage & Myotherapy Australia Logo

Massage & Myotherapy Australia (MMA), former Australian Association of Massage Therapists (AAMT)

I have been a member of MMA since 2003. The Association of Professional Therapists, Massage & Myotherapy Australia is a not-for-profit organisation formed in 2003. As the leading representative body for massage, remedial massage and myotherapists nationwide, they currently service over 8,600 + professionally qualified therapists. Being a part of this association is great experience. Not only do they provide therapists with an amazing array of learning and self-development opportunities, they also watch over our Code of Ethics and Best Practice Standards. Being a member with MMA also allows me to get myself professional indemnity insurance with Aon and therefore I can provide my patients with a provider number for all major health funds.

Australian Lymphology Association - Accredited Practitioner Logo

Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA) and National Lymphoedema Practitioner Register (NLPR)

I have been a member of ALA since 2007. They strive to be the peak professional organisation promoting best practice in lymphoedema management, research and education in Australasia. Again this association provides their members with lots of learning and self-development opportunities. Their webinars are second to none. They also started the NLPR, which I have been a member of since it was founded in 2009. The National Lymphoedema Practitioners Register (NLPR, the Register) is the only recognised register of Lymphoedema Practitioners in Australia and New Zealand.  Consumers, carers and referrers can be assured that only practitioners who meet the rigorous standards to become an ALA Accredited Practitioner are eligible to appear on the register. The NLPR Committee, under the auspices of the Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA), has established a rigorous, independent and transparent process in line with other self-regulation schemes for health practitioners to ensure the quality of ALA Accredited Practitioners.  ALA Accredited Practitioners must show they go above and beyond the requirements of other health practitioners to demonstrate their dedication, professionalism and expertise in working with people with lymphoedema.

What patients say

Kirsten B.

‘Nici from ‘Back For Good’ has the ‘magic healing touch’. Whether it be Remedial Massage, Manual Lymph Drainage or Reiki, Nici is intuitively connected to her clients, knowing what they need on that particular day.
Nici has worked with my complex special needs child, Saba for 7.5 years, their bond is deep and Saba’s trust of Nici is strong. Saba is blessed to have been treated by Nici to keep her body supple through massage and also enjoys having the build up of toxins from medications cleared through manual lymph drainage. Nici is an IMPORTANT and INTEGRAL part of Saba’s therapy and care. I couldn’t recommend Nici highly enough.’ 

Andrea W.

‘Nici’s passion for what she does, her expertise and her personality shine through… At ‘Back For Good’, your patients and clients are in good hands!’

Leonie and Andrew D.

‘We have both been clients of Nici of ‘Back to Good’ for the past 10 years and wouldn’t go anywhere else. During this time we have thoroughly tested her sound knowledge, training and experience, all with outstanding success. She is an excellent communicator, a great listener and always able to provide you with advice and education about your therapy. Nici has a remarkably calm and healing manner and takes a real holistic interest and approach, always putting in that little bit of extra effort ensuring that you are well and truly cared for. We both cannot recommend this wonderful person highly enough.’

WOW

Words Of Wisdom

Post COVID-19

Well, 2020 has been a very turbulent year so far, and sorry for the long radio silence. Back For Good was closed…

Contact Back For Good

Back For Good - Nicola Ott - Remedial Massage Therapist

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