What Is Remedial Massage? Prices + Health Fund Rebates | Sage
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What Is Remedial Massage? How It Works, Prices and Health Fund Rebates

Wellbeing

Updated 05/11/2026

Remedial massage is hands-on treatment for muscle pain, tightness and injury, where your therapist assesses where the problem is coming from and plans the massage around it. At Sage Massage & Movement in North Perth, a remedial massage is $135 for 1 hour or $185 for 1.5 hours, and you can claim your private health fund rebate on the spot with HICAPS.

What is remedial massage?

Remedial massage is defined by its purpose. It is a more therapeutic treatment for chronic muscle tension, postural issues or injury recovery, rather than a general relaxing massage. Your therapist asks what is causing discomfort for you, checks your posture and range of motion, then works on the cause of your discomfort, not just the spot where it hurts.

Australia's government health information service, healthdirect, describes remedial massage as a complementary therapy that aims to locate and treat the problem, as well as to manage pain and discomfort, and suggests speaking to your doctor first if you have a health condition.

What does a remedial massage involve at Sage?

  • Arrive 10 minutes early. Relax in our welcome lounge and help yourself to the complimentary tea bar.
  • Consultation and assessment. Your therapist asks what is concerning you or causing discomfort, and about any medical history or medication, then plans your treatment around it.
  • Your treatment. Hands-on tailored treatment for your best outcome. Please let your therapist know if the pressure needs to be adjusted.
  • Advice to take home. Five minutes at the end to reassess, stretching and after-care advice, and a hot towel.

What techniques are used in remedial massage?

Your therapist chooses techniques to suit the problem. At Sage that can include deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release and stretching, all in the one session. With Karen or Kaz it can also include cupping or dry needling, at no extra charge. Daniela also does cupping.

Deep tissue is one of those tools, which is why people often mix the two up. If you are deciding between them, our guide to remedial massage vs deep tissue explains which booking to choose.

What do people book remedial massage for?

Remedial massage is for when something is causing pain or restriction, feels stuck or keeps coming back. Common reasons our clients book include:

  • Neck and shoulder tightness
  • Lower back pain
  • Tension headaches
  • Desk and posture strain
  • Sports injuries and overuse
  • Repetitive strain and chronic pain

If you clench or grind your teeth, you can ask for jaw release and TMJ massage as part of your session.

Can you claim remedial massage on your health fund?

Yes. Remedial massage at Sage is covered by HICAPS, so you can claim your private health fund rebate in the studio when you pay, and you only pay the gap. Book Remedial (Rebates) if you want to claim.

How much you get back depends on your fund and your level of extras cover, so it is worth checking with your fund before you come in. Bring your health fund card, or have it on your phone. If you would rather pay in full and claim it yourself, we can email you the invoice.

If you are not claiming, book Remedial Relax (No Rebates) instead. It costs the same.

How much does remedial massage cost in North Perth?

Session Price What you get
30 minutes $85 A shorter session focused on one area
1 hour $135 50 minutes hands-on, plus time to discuss, assess and plan
1.5 hours $185 80 minutes hands-on, for more areas or a longer focus on one problem area

A senior therapist surcharge of $10 an hour applies if you choose, or your booking is allocated to, a senior therapist. Your booking confirmation shows who you are booked with.

How long should a remedial massage be?

An hour suits one or two problem areas. If you want a few areas worked on, book 1.5 hours so nothing is rushed. Thirty minutes works well for a single area.

Does remedial massage hurt?

It can feel strong in tight spots, but it should never be more than you are comfortable with. Your therapist will check in on pressure as they go, and you can ask for more or less at any time. It is normal to feel a little tender for a day or so in the areas that were worked on, as the muscles transition from being worked to release.

When should you not book a remedial massage?

Please do not book if you have a fever, a cold or flu (no matter how mild), a recent surgery or acute injury, or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including prescription pain medication. Some conditions need clearance from your medical practitioner first. The full list is on our FAQs, or call us on (08) 9242 4435.

What should you wear?

Any comfortable clothing is ideal. Your therapist will leave you to undress to your underwear and lie under a towel. Your therapist will protect your modesty by carefully draping a towel to only uncover the area being treated. If you don't have underwear with you, we will provide a complimentary disposable pair.

Where can you book remedial massage in North Perth?

Sage Massage & Movement is at 5 Scarborough Beach Rd, North Perth, close to Mount Lawley, Leederville and the Perth CBD. We are open Monday to Saturday from 9am on weekdays and 8am on Saturdays, with evening appointments on weekdays. See our remedial massage in North Perth page for more.

Book now Call (08) 9242 4435