Repetitive Strain Injuries: How Remedial Massage Therapy Can Help You Recover in Perth

Whether you're working long hours at a desk, operating heavy machinery on a worksite, or training your fitness, repetitive movement can take a toll on your body.

Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are some of the most common issues I see, and they can impact your quality of life in ways that build slowly—but symptoms can worsen and even become chronic.

These injuries don’t discriminate—they affect office workers, tradies, athletes, and even creatives like musicians or artists. If left untreated, they can lead to chronic pain, mobility restrictions, and secondary compensation issues elsewhere in the body.

Here are 3 of the most common work and sport-related injuries I treat at my East Fremantle remedial massage clinic:

1. Tendinopathy and Tennis Elbow

Overuse of the wrist and forearm—whether from typing, manual handling, or racket sports—can cause inflammation and micro-tears in the tendons. This leads to pain and stiffness around the elbow joint, often diagnosed as lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow. It can also appear as golfer’s elbow, affecting the inside of the joint. This condition is common in both office workers and tradies, particularly those using tools, repetitive grip, or vibration equipment.

2. Lower Back Strain

Prolonged sitting, poor posture, or repetitive lifting can all contribute to lower back pain and muscular strain. In the workplace, this can result from desk setups that don’t support spinal alignment, or from repetitive bending and lifting on site. In athletes, this strain often comes from improper core engagement or overtraining. The lower back is a central hub for movement, so even slight discomfort can cascade into hip, glute, or hamstring tightness.

3. Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Impingement Injuries

The shoulder joint’s mobility makes it vulnerable to repetitive strain injuries, especially in overhead movements—whether lifting heavy objects at work, swimming, or playing sports like tennis or cricket. Pain can be sharp or dull, and often gets worse with reaching, lifting, or lying on the affected side.

How Remedial Massage Therapy Supports Recovery

The Remedial method at Elijah forest works holistically to identify the source of pain—not just treat the symptoms. Remedial massage therapy focuses on releasing tension, improving blood flow, supporting muscle repair, and restoring functional movement patterns. It blends techniques that encourage recovery, mobility, performance and relief.

Scope of Practice of Remedial Massage:

Thorough assessment of soft tissue conditions

Application of targeted manual therapy techniques

Education and movement recommendations for injury management

Referrals where needed—for imaging, physiotherapy, or medical review

If your injury requires further investigation or multi-disciplinary support, I am happy to collaborate with your GP or other health professionals to ensure your recovery stays on track.

Health Fund Rebates Available

Private health fund rebates are available for eligible clients. Major Australian health funds Elijah Forest is providing through include:

• Bupa

• Medibank

• HBF

• NIB

• HCF
  

Check with your health fund to confirm your coverage for remedial massage therapy.

Visit Elijah Forest in East Fremantle –

Elijah Forest Therapy is located at 38 George Street, East Fremantle, within Nourish Me Wholefoods cafe and health hub. Whether you're recovering from work-related strain, sports injuries, or just need support for ongoing muscular tension, Elijah Forest offers a grounded, inclusive therapy space to support your recovery process.

Book Your Session Today

If you're experiencing repetitive strain pain or want to prevent injury from recurring, remedial massage therapy may be a powerful next step. Book online now or get in touch to discuss support for your recovery plan. www.somaticforest.com Elijah Forest Therapy Expand. Thrive.